What the Death of My Husband Taught Me

I never thought when I said "I do" in 1972, that I would be a widow at 53. Months after my husband's sudden death, I discovered grief takes a huge amount of energy, time and hard work. I realized along the way, that you'll have ups and downs, but keep going. The loss shifts your life as you knew it. Give yourself time to conceive a new life as a woman and give it birth. Be kind to yourself. Cry when you feel the tears and sleep when you need rest. If you have a career, give it your best shot every day you can. If you need to take a day off, so be it. Maintain your connections with family, friends and your physician. Remember, your family and friends mean well, but won't always know how to help. Stay strong in your faith even when you're yelling at God. Remember, your loved one's death has catapulted you into the painful, yet creative process of rediscovering who you are. Support will come in different shapes and sizes. Watch for those angels weaving in and out of your life.