Hello everyone. My name is Kathy. I am recently and very unexpectedly widowed. The man I planned to live with the rest of my life, left me last summer. Thankfully, we had notice that his days were short and we spent them, every moment, together. We are Christians, and so our room became a sanctuary where we prayed and worshiped our God all day. I cared for Bill and he cared for me. We read, sang, called our kids, and welcomed a few visitors. We had a morning routine of devotions, Bill-care, and oatmeal. I was his feet and he was my soother. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I watched my best friend wither.

ALS. Have you heard of it? I knew a little before it invaded our lives. I know much more now, and I also know there is an effort to raise awareness. My awareness has been raised. I’ll tell more about these short 6 months in future blogs. Any widow who truly loved can’t begin to describe, and certainly not all at once, the swirl of heart-wrenching change and ache. My spin landed me on a path that is totally new and different in every way. Every single way.

What is it like to learn to live alone? How does a small middle-aged gal start over? Is there more for me? Can I be both my husband and myself for the house, the car, the kids? These are some questions I think about. I’ve made a few observations as well. I welcome you to share your perspective.

I’ve heard it said that the sting is intense during the early days, or the first couple years. For some reason, it helped me to know that someone recognized “early days” as being years. What differentiates early days from the rest? I am learning and growing and doing my best to embrace the days, wherever they are on the walk.