——— GRIEF
Grief after losing a spouse
Grief does not follow a straight line, and it does not wait until the funeral. For many caregivers it starts long before. Roy writes about what came before and after losing Becky, and about raising two sons along the way. He is also writing a book about grief and loss.
If you are grieving now: you do not have to do this alone. Talk to your doctor, a grief counselor or a local support group. In the United States you can call or text 988 at any time if you are in crisis.
——— WHAT ROY WRITES ABOUT
Grief, before and after
01
Anticipatory grief: mourning while your spouse is still here
The grief that starts with the diagnosis. Why it is normal, and why it does not mean you are giving up.
02
The stages of grief are not a straight line
The well-known stages rarely come in order. What grief looked like in real life, day by day, and what helped during the first year: birthdays, anniversaries and the first of everything.
03
Life as a widower and single dad
Coming home to a quiet house. The practical and the emotional side of losing your partner, raising two sons while grieving yourself, and keeping their mother present in their lives.
04
Grieving and the holidays
When the season of togetherness makes the empty chair more visible. Ways to get through it, for yourself and for your children.
