You might already know that I am a widow, but it's only been recently that I have fully embraced this part of my identity.
My first husband died in 1995, after 11 years of marriage and the births of two beautiful daughters--and six years after I predicted it. I knew the experience would change me, but I didn't want to be different. I wanted to be who I had always been, and I wanted my husband to be by my side. Alas...
In the ensuing years, I tried not to wear my widowhood like a badge. I didn't want to be seen as someone who had a piece of her heart missing. I wanted to be a whole and happy person, so much so that I didn't allow my widow-self to show much. I kept her inside most of the time, occasionally sharing a few tears with her, and commiserating that we didn't get any credit for being such a good widow.
I was so afraid of being defined by my widowhood that I didn't allow it to be a part of my definition at all.
The other day, a friend helped me to see this--not directly, but she talked to me about feeling whatever negative feelings we have, so that we can move on to the happy feelings. And I started thinking about all the badges I wear--mother, daughter, sister, teacher, friend, hopefully wife again someday--and the ones I keep in a drawer--widow, ACOA, ex-wife, ex-girlfriend...
What badges do you wear, and what badges do you keep to yourself? Even if you don't want to share the "negative" ones, I encourage you to at least open the drawer and try them on in front of the mirror. Just once in a while, let them know you haven't forgotten them, and they are a part of who you are.
Until next time,
Susan K. Morrow
www.SusanKMorrow.com
Susan@SusanKMorrow.com
936-648-3955
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