I have been widowed since 2011. It’s been a long, rough journey. Even after all these years, I still find myself falling back into that darkness, sadness and despair that I thought I had finally left behind. It just sneaks up on me sometimes, unexpectedly… There is no “getting over” your loss. But you learn to live with it. Slowly. One (baby) step at a time.
It all began in 2008 when my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. After the removal of part of his lung, everything seemed fine for a while. He went for checkups regularly. But things changed in 2011. The cancer had returned and, at that point, he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. It was the beginning of March 2011 and a gruesome series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments followed. He fought a courageous battle until the end. My beloved husband passed away in December of that year.
I decided to do this blog and website for two reasons; one being that writing helps me cope with stress and grief. But the other, more important reason is my hope that this website will help someone in some way. Even if it helps just one person, it was well worth it. No grief journey is the same and I don’t claim to have answers to the issues we widowed people face. However, I know from my own struggle that reading or hearing about other grievers’ experiences can be helpful and comforting. It’s not about comparing grief, it’s about knowing that you’re not alone on this journey.
Wishing you hope, light and healing,
Daisy