As most of my friends and family know, I experienced an incredible loss last year when the love of my life passed away suddenly. The trauma associated with the loss of a spouse is like no other. I grieve the loss of my best friend…my other half, the beautiful life we built, and the promising future that was robbed from us. I quickly realized that I didn’t know who I was without Dennis and I was left feeling lost, helpless, and confused. I needed a shoulder to cry on, but there was only one person’s shoulder I wanted and he was gone. For those who thankfully haven’t experienced it, a loss like this touches every aspect of a grieving widow/widowers life. From the second we wake up to the second we go to sleep, nothing is as we knew it. We don’t just feel sad; the excruciating sadness is accompanied by a complete overhaul of our day-to-day life, what’s important to us, our finances, goals, dreams, belief systems, and self-identity. You question everything, including a purpose to even go on. It’s too much for anyone to survive alone and we need people who love, support and understand to help get us through.

 

I found my haven at Stephy’s Place, a support center for grief and loss. This group of strangers who I may never have crossed paths with under different circumstances have became some of the most impactful people in my life. They get me. I’ve attended a Stephy’s young loss of spouse group once a week for over a year now, walked in last years Mourning walk fundraiser, represented the organization in the Rumson NJ St. Patrick’s Day parade, and attended outings, fundraisers and celebrations of life with/for my fellow group members. Stephy’s Place has become a second family and I can honestly say that I would not have put in the work to be where I am today if I hadn’t had the support of my group and our facilitators, Sheila and Kathy. I am so, so grateful for this organization. For anyone grieving, you’re not alone. Find your Stephy’s Place.

 

This year I will be walking alongside my young widow/widowers group with a goal of raising $3,000 to give support back to the amazing organization that has supported me during the most trying time of my life. Please consider donating if you can, and if any locals would like to join me on the walk, we’d love to have you!