Happy Anniversary to Me

Today would have been our 47^th wedding anniversary. Twelve years I’ve been marking this day alone, remembering how young we were, how much in love we were. It was a lovely day with friends and family and a beautiful wedding celebration. We were so happy! I love looking at our wedding album each year at this time.

Mel and I were very fortunate to have a happy marriage, to have found such love and respect and friendship. It’s not easy to find or keep, but we did it. And we had it for thirty-five years.

I find I miss the little things we had, day to day things. I miss the sound of his voice when he laughed and the way his eyes crinkled up. I miss holding hands with him. I miss his hugs and the soft kisses we shared. I miss hearing “I love you” every day.

And now, I’ve moved on and found a new life with a new purpose. Life is good, if sometimes a bit lonely.

Someday, I’ll hear him laugh again, hold hands and share kisses with him again and hear “I love you” again. Until then, I’ll remember fondly all the good times, the love and respect, and I'll count my blessings.

And for the other widows out there---

As always, I’m here if you need to talk, I understand what you’re going through.

My book “Widowhood Is Not Funny” is available everywhere you buy ebooks and the paperback version is only available on my website---

http://alannaparkekvale.weebly.com/widowhood-is-not-funny.html

You can email me at---

widow_to_widow@yahoo.com

Look for my book page on Facebook---

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Widowhood-Is-Not-Funny-by-Alanna-Parke-Kvale/114289998595598?ref=bookmarks

I"m Thankful for the Tears

If there’s one thing I know about, it’s tears. A widow has an intimate knowledge of tears; we’ve wept copious amounts of tears. We cry a lot in the beginning, so much it’s a wonder we’re not in a constant state of dehydration.

We cry at the drop of a hat, in fact, anything can set us off and have us weeping. A song we enjoyed with our husbands, the scent of his cologne, a piece of jewelry he wore that we kept. It doesn’t take much and we’re off and running again. A love story can have us in a complete meltdown in seconds.

Years later, I still cry sometimes, but what I’ve learned is the therapeutic effect of those tears. They help the spirit to heal. When the pain grows too great, tears help reduce the tension and lessen that pain.

But, I am thankful for the tears, because it means I’ve lived and loved and yes, unfortunately, I’ve lost people dear to me, especially my husband. I thought we’d have longer with each other. Still, I’m grateful for the time we had and I wouldn’t change that. We were happy together and that’s more than some people have.

Be thankful for your tears and smile at your memories. Don’t cry because he’s gone, smile because he was in your life even for just awhile.

Dry your eyes and grab a copy of my book, Widowhood Is Not Funny, available online everywhere, as an e-book.

And as always, I'm here, I'm listening & I'd love to hear from you!

Another Year-A Few More Tears

As of today-February 23^rd, it’s been nine years since my husband, Mel, died suddenly of a heart attack. A lot has happened & I’ve learned some very valuable lessons along the way.

I’ve learned how creative I am & I think always was, I just didn’t have the right outlet. I’ve learned how strong I am to do what I’ve had to do. I’ve learned how independent I am & I’m liking that part more & more each day. And I’ve learned much more about myself as a person, as a woman & as a creative soul.

I’ve grown to understand myself & my needs & that I am sufficient unto myself. I don’t need anyone else to complete me. This has been a revelation since I married young, was married a long time & I was never on my own until now.

During this nine years alone, I’ve written a book, moved into my own place, found writing work online on my own, found a way to give back in my community & made lots of wonderful new friends, both online & off. Most importantly, I’ve learned that being alone does not mean being lonely.

So, my advice to other widows out there is to not think of these years since our spouse’s passing as just long, lonely or sad. Think of them as opportunities to increase our knowledge, to make a difference in our world & learn to be our own best friends.

As always, I’m here if you want to talk. Leave me a post or email me at:

widow_to_widow@yahoo.com and let me know how you’re doing.

I hope you'll take a look at my book- Widowhood Is Not Funny.

http://www.amazon.com/author/alannaparkekvale

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/widowhood-is-not-funny-alanna-kvale/1113675235?ean=9781617922732

Don't forget to request my new book- A Widow's Walk -free when you purchase a copy of Widowhood Is Not Funny.

 

Free Book!

Keeping a journal is an essential part of making it through your grief. Writing down your thoughts & feelings can help you heal & face your new future as a widow. To that end, I have a new book available!

For those who purchase a copy of Widowhood Is Not Funny, I have a free journal to go along with it. It’s called A Widow’s Walk & each chapter contains an article intended to help you make it through your grief & help you heal, plus blank pages for you to record your own thoughts & feelings about this journey we’re on together.

When you purchase a copy of Widowhood Is Not Funny, send me an email to:

widow_to_widow@yahoo.com

Show proof of purchase & I will email you a PDF copy of A Widow’s Walk, completely free of charge.

I hope you will purchase a copy of my book & send for the free journal. Keeping a journal helped me get through this grief & on into my own journey & I know it will help you too.

Thank You!

Alanna Parke Kvale

New Facebook Fan Page

I've just created a new Facebook Fan Page for my e-book. I hope you'll take a look at:
Widowhood Is Not Funny by Alanna Parke Kvale
and become a fan!

If you haven't already done so, take a look at my new e-book, Widowhood Is Not Funny. It's an instant download that you can add to your electronic readers or read straight from your computer. Pick up your copy at:
http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/widowhood-is-not-funny/8505174

As always, your feedback is important. Post a message here or email me at:
widow_to_widow@yahoo.com