I’m going to my very first Death Cafe soon and I can’t wait. Before you assume I am some sort of macabre person (although I do love Halloween like a religion) hear me out.
The un-birthday party
My husband’s 60th birthday was in June, and I dreaded it. Since he had just passed away three months prior I was beside myself figuring out how to handle it.
Falling off a ladder
How many stories begin with, “well, it seemed like a pretty good idea at the time”? My gutters were full of what we called “tree flug” and needed to be cleaned. Lots of trees around our lake property. And since I live alone (my cats have a fear of climbing ladders. Plus they are really lazy.) the job fell to me. Continue reading “Falling off a ladder”
The power of pets
The week after James died my brother came to stay with me to help me deal with a lot of the logistic stuff that you have to face pretty quickly. Getting our bank accounts straightened out, picking up the will at the lawyers office, and it was tax season so he went with me to sign and pick up our taxes. He was super helpful.
However, my brother did not know what to say and did not realize it was too soon for humor or advice. No, I had not thought about getting a roommate. No, I did not think getting a dog would be a great idea to replace my husband. Continue reading “The power of pets”
Best grief video ever
It’s not anyone’s fault. People simply don’t know what to say to ease your burden when you have suffered a loss.
We’ve all heard the platitudes:
“He/she is in a better place.”
“At least you had X number of years together.”
“You are so strong! I don’t know how you do it.”
About two months after losing my husband I came across the video, “Shit people say to widows.”
It made me laugh. Continue reading “Best grief video ever”
Five months
It’s been five long months since my husband died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack. He had left the house on a spritzy cold March morning to take our young cat, Gemma to the vet for a check up. I was working from home. Nothing special about the start of that day. He just never came home.
I am the youngest of five and in my mid fifties. None of my siblings have lost a spouse, neither have any of my friends. It’s not a first to be proud of by any stretch.
I’ve read every book and listened to every podcast. Continue reading “Five months”
Grief is an annoying houseguest who won't leave 