#1 Way To Help Widows –
Just Be There.
Yes, it really is that simple.
Don’t just be there when the initial shock of sudden death hits. Be there in the days, weeks, months, and years after the funeral as her needs will frequently change.
In The Beginning
This might mean holding her hand as she cries, handing her one tissue after another, letting her cry on your shoulder, a phone call to see how she is doing, a “thinking of you” card in the mail, or even an email.
She does not expect you to have the answer to tough questions such as “Why?” She knows that only God knows why. She might still ask it, but knows you are unable to answer it. Just let her vent.
Take a little time out of your day once a week or every other week to contact her and let her know you are thinking about her and are still there for her.
In The Middle
Her needs after a few months or years might be assistance with plumbing, car, and other mechanical issues as well as someone to mow the yard or fix her Playstation 3 that crashed and burned.
The End
Most likely a widow will never remarry, so her widowhood experience will not end until her passing. It is not easy finding a good man to date.
Roles Reversed
Take the time to help a widow because you would want the same support if the roles were reversed.
“…Your posts are uplifting and make me feel I have a friend by my side on this journey.”
Valerie
Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead.Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Just walk beside me and be my friend.
Camus
Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual logistics contact center representative for a Fortune 100 company. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele is a bookworm, and a lover of history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com.
JoyReturns 