Hi  everyone,

I have no wish to intrude on your chat but  having caught up with the thread realise how much it resonates with me even though my loss was now three years ago.   At the time of hubby's death I thought I needed to get back to work asap but my GP felt differently and I followed her advice.  My GP was spot on and I was lucky to have her support alongside my family and it was a full month before I returned (I only work part time and have even had to reduce my hours further as found it stressful).  Some days I really did  not know how to cope and then other times I found a strength I never knew I had. 

Everyone faces grief differently and it took some time to understand 'myself' before I made the slow steps forward.  This forum was a huge part of my coping mechanism as I joined during my hubby's 3 year terminal cancer journey and I still find support here.

I wish you all the very best and do keep talking with each other..........it's a lifeline when you feel alone. Jules54 

Jules, you are always welcome and thank you for sharing this with Dezzie (it is really her post!) and the other widowed people who are suffering at this time.  I am sure it helps to hear from you with your longer experience of being widowed and how you eventually came to be able to cope with your sorrow.

Thanks Annieliz,

Helps me too knowing I can still be supported as there are days when  it feels just like yesterday!  Today is one of them as need to choose tiles for updating bathroom and it's hard as hubby put in the current suite amid lots of discussions!!  I am dragging my son with me for support and then will have dinner with the family.  I feel a bit silly at being nervous about such a basic event; hey ho.  Jules

Thanks for your kind words Annieliz. Think I have learned that there is nothing 'logical' about the emotional rollercoaster that  grief brings with it. My hubby definitely would have laughed at my worries.  He was a precision engineer and such decisions (when he finally made them) were straightforward ha ha. Anyway the shopping for tiles has been achieved with great support from my son and so another hurdle crossed.

It is indeed difficult to 'let go' of certain items that make up part of your own life's history though setting 'projects' has been a small way of taking me baby steps forward.   Thanks again for listening.  Have a peaceful Sunday.  Jules