"He would want you to move on." I dislike those words. It's like saying "He would like you to forget him." Yeah. Like that's going to happen. "Til death do us part". As if death can sever the connection.
He's part of my support system. I can't undo the love he felt for me. The love I'm sure he still feels for me beyond the grave. Wouldn't want to. My self esteem rose steadily throughout our marriage, in part to his belief that I could handle things when he wasn't physically or emotionally around to help. So when he died and I actually had to handle everything, I believed I could figure things out. Didn't mean I wasn't furious at him for not doing his part in real life anymore. Here I was doing two people's work just to stay afloat. But suck it up, marine. This isn't any different from what any single person living alone experiences. We juggled a lot of balls as a couple. I can't juggle all those balls by myself. I have to decide which three balls are most important to live a life I'll be happy with. I've dropped so many and still feel like I have too many. Clarity is what I seek.
Another part of moving on, getting rid of his things, was scary. I thought that if I removed his stuff, I removed his love. Didn't happen. Purging has become my new mantra. All the rooms in the house we shared are now mine and mine alone. Even his former library has new sheet rock and bare shelves. It's going to be my woman cave.
The love never leaves and never dies.
I really liked this post--that's what I have done. I don't need his stuff around to remind me of him--all the memories are on the video in my brain AND it feels better--at least to me--to have it be MY house again. I don't need his big recliner taking up space in my living room--I want a more airy feeling. My daughter took his chair, loves having a recliner. I don't need two recliners, so....
ReplyDeleteanyway--you know what I am talking about. Part of moving on. I think some women stay stuck in their grief--daily--because they think they HAVE too? It is now their life's purpose? I had 7 of the most wonderful years of my life with Fred, but I don't want my life defined by being his "widow". So--onward and upward!!! Ever forward!! for however long I have.
Jude, I agree. I don't have to let my life be defined by being his 'widow'.
ReplyDeleteI rather believe that we ARE honoring his memory by being so full of life, happier for having known him.
This isn't an attitude easily or lightly reached, and it certainly isn't saying we loved our husbands less.