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Moving forward after loss

Submitted by Dee Gee Vickers, founder of Angels of the Heart Like most retired couples, my husband and I had many plans for enjoying our future of leisure. One night, however, after settling into our chairs to watch an episode of Game of Thrones, my husband suffered cardiac arrest, and my life was shattered instantly. I hardly had thought about what it would be like to be a widow. Tom and I had been married since I was 18, and I never knew a life without him. I was now faced with an uncertain future and overwhelmed with shock, grief, fear, confusion, and loneliness. I leaned hard on my children and began to overtax them with my neediness and depression. One day I woke up and, after having a long hard talk with myself in the mirror, decided that my happiness is not my children’s responsibility. The cold truth was that I had a new life and new reality, like it or not, and I needed to find myself again and a way to move forward. I wondered if other widows were struggling like I was and decided to find a widow’s group. I couldn’t find a group in Cypress to fit my needs, so I decided to start my own. We only had four widows for about a year, but the connection between us was magical for me. Sharing our stories and supporting one another and social interactions was the lift I needed to heal. That was four years ago. We now have 49 widows and one widower (who desperately would like other widowers to join). I have met, and come to know, some of the most amazing people in my life through our group. Their courage, strength, and positivity have inspired me and many others. I call us “Angels of the Heart” because they are angels. I’m pleased to say that my life is full and abundant now, and I look forward to each day with joy! I hope that if any new widows or widowers read this, they will see that there is hope for a happy future. Connecting to others socially and having our peer support and experience to draw on is a great way to start. If you know of anyone who would like to join us, please have them reach us at: angelsofthehearttexas@gmail.com

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