I wanted to wish all a Happy New Year. You have all been supportive of me when I needed it. Personally, I am hoping for a better year in 2014, since not only did I lose my husband, but my brother's wife passed away on Christmas Eve. Needless to say, it was a little rough during Christmas, but I know God does things under His greater plan. I am sure I will get through all this and come out stronger because of it. Again, Happy New Year!!

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and thoughts. I talked to my brother and afterwards had a good cry. It helped. I'm getting better every day, although in small increments. Thanks again for the hugs, they never hurt!!

Marji is right. Just getting a hug and not having to be strong is great medicine. So here it comes.......................BIG HUG.
Angie

Maureen, I hope 2014 holds much better things for ALL of us, truly. I'm a widow, too, 6 years now for Bud, and 13 years for my late husband Richard. After reading Grace's post below, I decided I'll probably always be a "baby" at being a widow, it's something I'll never get used to. And I'm so very sorry about your brother's wife passing away on Christmas Eve! I hope you two can support each other in your loss, because at least you'll know the other actually does understand, and know how you feel. People who haven't gone through the loss of a spouse can be sympathetic, but they can't possibly know how you feel. Or that sometimes the most helpful thing is just a hug, and silence, and acceptance of the tears that fall, and not having to be strong and brave for anyone. I hope you will find things to be joyful about in 2014, and on days when you can't, I hope your faith will sustain you until you can smile again. And your brother, as well. Special Hugs, Marji

Maureen, I am so sorry your year was so very rough. I know you will never "get over" the loss of these special people, but pray that God will give you peace and kind memories of them. May God bless you with this peace in the new year. Hugs, Jan

Wishing you a kinder new year. Hugs Sarah.

I pray the new year will bring better things for you!
Meri

Maureen thinking of you. Somehow we don't expect people to die at Christmas but sadly they do. My mother died on Christmas day 4 years ago and my mil last Christmas eve. You have your memories of your husband and sister in law and I hope that the new year of 2014 gives you strength with your new life

I'm so sorry - the second loss freshens the first loss. I hope you will be able to be good support to your brother in his loss. Next year will be better, especially by Advent and Christmas Meanwhile, be patient with yourself. When I lost my husband (have since remarried) my friend Sheila would say, you don't know how to be a widow, you're still a baby at this. Then she would give me a great big hug. Wish I could hug you, too.

1 comment

by jmweller 31 Dec 2013

Knowing you would like to helps. Thank you.