I’ve read a lot about the second milestones and the second year being “harder.”
I remember Tim talking to me about grief on the second Christmas for a family member grieving, saying that in the second year there is less help, less attention, less sympathy, less people are thinking of you or reach out, less people remember. Or even if they remember, it’s the first year after that people make a big deal about it.
That is all true. But that’s not at all what makes it harder.
And that, in itself, is surprising. Before I experienced this – when I imagined the sudden loss of a loved one, I never could have imagined what really makes it hard. So I understand why others can not.
There was less attention this year. And my heart was so full of gratitude for those who made the effort to be with us, or reach out to us.
But honestly, I remember so little about the first Christmas. I remember D was sick. I remember a grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it determination to make it good, and magical for the girls and for D to whatever extent possible. I remember going to Burke Lake Park with Tim’s dad and D. And really, that’s about it. That’s all I remember.
In early December, a good friend of mine told me that her dear friend from high school (also with young children) was also suddenly widowed. Her situation drove a lot of difficult “logistics.” My friend did not ask for my advice specifically, but this is what I offered, “Before Tim died, the idea of “the logistics” seemed like the big thing. The kids and the money and the paperwork and the arrangements and ALL OF THE THINGS.. that I call logistics… Seemed so overwhelming… and it is… And yet..somehow.. it pales in comparison to the bigger thing. The loss of him… and the grief. She will get through the logistics. Because she loves her children. And because we just do. But the big thing being the loss of the person is something that’s hard to convey. But just being you and being you for her in any way you can will be big. It will seem small to you, but I promise it’s not. ”
I offer this not because I propose that all widows have the same experiences, or because she asked for my advice, which she did not, or because I consider myself some sort of expert on widow grief…. I offer it because in almost all cases, when I see a HYWC post I say to myself “Yes. This.” There is an empathy and understanding there that I have never before felt or imagined. I offer it because since one of my dear friends with young children died 6 months before Tim got sick, I recognized what I experienced on the outside, what I felt/thought/imagined for her husband and her family, and I recognize the chasm between that and what I truly felt when Tim died. And maybe, just maybe, if I can help explain that chasm in any small way to others, it lessens the distance between the deeply bereaved and their greatest (but fortunately inexperienced) supporters.
A dear widow friend who is on a similar timeline to me, described year two in this way “Less tears. More sad.” Yes. This. I guess what I would say about this Christmas is less shock, more feeling the loss of him. The first is about survival. In year two, you understand that you will survive. Slightly less effort is required to simply keep breathing in and out. Which gives you more ability to feel. I said to my sister on Christmas day (because I can) “I am so glad you are all here. But I would send you all back in a heart beat if I could have him here.” Without hesitation she said, “and I would happily go, if it meant he could be here.” I told her it was both easier and harder this year. I was more… involved… more awake. She said she could see that. (I can only imagine the dead look in my eyes she must have seen sometimes in the first year.) And in a strange way, there is guilt for any bit that gets easier. It feels bad sometimes for anything to feel better.
I know the kids grief will always be there. I know it will take different shapes as they mature, different shapes for each of them based on their personalities and based on the ages they were when he died. And I want so badly to support them, even though I have no idea how to do it. The best thing I know how to do, is read, learn, listen, and support my own grief.
The thing that made me happiest this year, was giving the kids and my father-in-law the quilts made from Tim’s t-shirts.
I asked my niece to video them opening them because the company I got the shirts through (Project Repat) advertised a video contest on Instagram. Always ask creative teenagers to do this sort of task. My niece did an amazing job, and then edited them and set them to music. She set the one of the kids opening theirs to Beyone’s Ave Maria.
She was lost in so many different ways
Out in the darkness with no guide
I know the cost of a losing hand
But for the grace of God go I
I found heaven on earth
You are my last, my first
And then I hear this voice inside
Ave Maria
Sometimes love can come and pass you by
While you’re busy making plans
Suddenly hit you and then you realize
It’s out of your hands
Baby, you got to understand
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Grazia plena
Maria, grazia plena
Maria, grazia plena
Ave, Ave dominus tecum
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