THE QUESTION
I am often asked, “How did you come up with the idea for Widow’s Talk?” In short, Widow’s Talk answered the question I had daily asked myself after becoming a widow years ago, “Who am I, where am I going, and what do I do with the rest of my life?”
FROM WIFE TO WIDOW
When my husband died after 33 years of a good marriage, the emotions, thoughts, and feelings were, let’s say, overwhelming, confusing, challenging. As I have learned from talking with hundreds of widows, I faced the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings that so many widows have experienced. At first, I couldn’t get grounded or focus on anything. The only thing that was certain in my life was that I was on a new path, from wife to widow. I knew who I was and my life as a wife. Who was I now, no longer a couple but starting a new life as a single person?
MOVING FORWARD
We all heal from a loss in our way. Grief and sorrow are honest and genuine; few of us are prepared to walk alone. As my heart slowly woke up to a new and different life, my church family, faithful friends, and colleagues played essential roles in helping me move forward. I have shared many beautiful journeys with these incredible people in stories posted on this website. I share them with you in hopes that you will realize that it is beautiful that we can choose how to move forward with what is left of life.
WIDOW'S TALK COMES ALIVE
My husband and I shared a passion for entertaining family and friends—he cooked, and I entertained. So, I began to focus on what I did best—entertain! (I eventually did the cooking too.) It wasn’t long after I became a widow that numerous others joined widowhood. I would host a “theme” lunch and dinner for what numbered eight widows. We talked and talked and talked about what and how we were doing, encouraging and caring for each other, lifting our spirits, enabling us to “Move Forward” into our new lives. Sadly, one of us couldn’t find a way or a path to follow. She started withdrawing, fading away, and died six months after her husband. Her loss broke my heart! If my friend couldn’t find a way – how many others had the same issues, struggling to find a future and hope, drowning in unhappiness and loneliness, taking refuge in the past, leaving them feeling hopeless? Widow’s Talk was taking form.
MORE THAN A WIDOW
Today, I am so much more than just a widow. I enjoy the life I am meant to live. Please find comfort in knowing you are not alone. It’s an exciting journey and one that I hope you will join us here at Widow’s Talk!