(10-23-2023, 01:33 AM)ChiefD Wrote: So sorry I was gone for a long time. Since my husband passed away (November 1, 2022), it's been almost a year. Quite a bit has changed with me in that year. I started working part time, as a crossing guard. I like it as it gets me out of the house a couple of hours a day, fresh outdoor air, and I get to interact with children. I also needed some additional income, as I lost my husband's social security since I'm under the age of 60.
I've been to bereavement counseling through the hospice of the hospital my husband passed at. I also joined a grief support group (Griefshare), for a few months, and even got some counseling through the VA. Eventually, that all stopped. I've filled my time with activities, and am keeping busy. It is helping, but not gonna lie, the last year has been horrendous. Within days of my husband passing away, one of my best friends passed away. Then one of the guys who came to my husband's funeral, who was very supportive of me, dropped dead at the age of 56. His wife found him at home after she returned from work. Heart attack. So young. Another friend has since passed away in the last couple of weeks.
I feel like all I do lately is go to funerals. Grief has been a bitch. So many times, I've been knocked on my knees. But I'm very stubborn. I will always get back up, even on days when it's hard just to get out of bed in the morning. I will persevere. I intend to live a full life full of joy and possibilities. God, my husband, and I all want that for me.
The coming year may have bigger changes. They say not to make any major decisions in the first year. I may be selling my condo and moving, possibly out of state. I haven't even told my family this, much less anyone else. I feel comfortable sharing that with you all though. So many things about me have changed. What used to bother me a lot sure doesn't anymore. I try not to take anything for granted. It can all be lost so very quickly.
There has been joy too. My husband's oldest granddaughter is pregnant with baby #2, going to be a boy. She already has a daughter, about a year old now. I messaged her recently after she tagged me on Facebook with news of the second pregnancy. She told me she wanted me to know right away because she considers me one of her grandmas. That was so awesome to hear. My niece had her first baby back in May. I'm now a great auntie to my first grandniece. My nephew and his wife are expecting a baby, so I'll either have another grandniece or grandnephew.
I know the old adage "Life is what happens when you're making other plans" is true.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, ChiefD.