Looking forward to Spring
It has been a while since I posted on the AARP Grief Forum. Like everything else since my husband died, the experience has been difficult, lonely, and sometimes unexpected. I am at a stage where I am now starting to redefine my new single identity. Not easy and the only advice I can give is to stay true to yourself and interact with like-minded individuals if you can. That has worked for me. I am also venturing out with married individuals and that has been a challenge in some cases. What works is finding an activity that you enjoy and find folks that share your interests. Social events can be tricky if there is only “idle” chit chat or complaints about their married lives. I often feel like saying that this is their time to enjoy each other and not take anything for granted. Of course, I bite my tongue and do not say it. What a waste of precious time together for them. Unfortunately, I probably was guilty of that as well to some extent. Going back to Spring, I am looking forward to the emerging flowers and trees. It is a true reawakening and gives one the opportunity to appreciate life. It also reinforces the message of patience. This year for the first time, all the Lenten Roses that my husband planted several years ago came up and spread like a blanket of color even through the snow we had a few weeks ago. Great memory of a life well spent together. Happy Spring to all, your friend, Sue 🥀