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Oct 25 2012 in Sharon's Blog by Sharon
It looks like it was almost two months ago since I last posted on aftergiving.com. Outwardly I would say my life remains much the same. I still do my volunteer job on Tuesdays. I love the fact that this job provides respite for caregivers, and I love working with their carees and the other volunteers. I also continue to help with homeschool of my local son’s family on Wed mornings and also go to their home on Thursdays nights for supper. These things too are a blessing for me.
I am part of a private Christian Widow’s group on Facebook. This has been good also, because I believe we as widows are a blessing and encouragement to each other. It also is great to be part of a group of ladies who truly understands the challenges of being a widow.
As an offshoot of that private widow’s Facebook page I was able to meet the lady who runs that Facebook page. This lady also has a blog at WidowsChristianPlace.com. Further she is an author of a book written for widows. The book is called Postcards from the Widow’s Path. It is based on the book of Ruth in the Bible. The book of Ruth has three widows.
Anyhow I was able to meet her at a restaurant about an hour from my house in late September. You can see a picture of us at her blog site www.widowschristianplace.com/
The pictures of that meeting are shown on her Monday, October 22 post. She also published a two part “interview” with me at the same site on Wed., October 17 and Thursday, October 18. For that you will have to scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “older posts” to find those. Part two of the interview is above part one because it is newer. I would say answering the interview questions stirred up emotions again, but if it helps one person, I am pleased.
So life moves on. On November 2 it will be 22 months since Wayne died and on January 2 it will be two years. I still miss Wayne, and there are sad moments each day. I will always miss Wayne I am sure. There are good moments again also, however. I am healing. My faith is helping me persevere and slowly heal. I am beginning to be excited about God’s plans for my future.
Karen said on October 29, 2012
Hi Sharon,
I love the way you have incorporated positive activities in your life. It is wonderful that you are helping caregivers and their carees. And it’s great that you are involved with your family. I’m so glad you are involved in the widow’s group. It’s so important to connect with people who have had similar experiences…to encourage them and to receive encouragement.
It doesn’t seem like it can be so long since Wayne died. I’m sure that it doesn’t feel like it.
I often think that having been a caregiver makes the loss and transition doubly hard. We not only lose our loved one, but after having pushed ourselves so hard to make their life better, we are left with having to find another direction and another purpose.
Mom always said that there must still be something God wanted her to do or He would not have left her here so long. I know that there are still things that God wants us to do. I think that you are listening to the Spirit and fulfilling that calling, now. We don’t know now what the Lord has in store for us, but we have to keep stepping out in faith.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon said on October 29, 2012
Thank you, Karen, for your kind comments. I so appreciate them.
denise said on October 30, 2012
Hi Sharon–How wonderful that you were able to connect in person with Ferree! It’s terrific when our online relationships also become those we enjoy in person.
Ferree sounds like a great resource. What do you think has been best about connecting with her?
Bette said on October 30, 2012
Hi Sharon,
So nice to be able to connect in person too.
I’m sorry for the times when the memories bring emotions back of the loss that is felt. At those times, the memories seem closer.
I’m grateful for the support you have and you offer. Thank you for sharing that support here.
Sharon said on October 30, 2012
Thanks, Denise and Bette for your comments. In answer to your question, Densie, I have enjoyed connecting with Ferree, because she understands the emotions and grief process of the widow. She has remarried, but she was a widow herself. By connecting with other widows I have also received encouragement and been able to give it.