Widow to Widow: Thoughtful, Practical Ideas for Rebuilding Your Life

I lost my husband of four years to cancer recently...this was the second time widowed for me. My first husband died ten years ago, and I wish this book had been available to me then! Although I was familiar with all the feelings, thoughts and social anomalies that occur during widowhood, seeing them put on paper and knowing I was not losing my mind is slowly helping me put my life back in order. I use it as a guide on a daily basis right now. I learned that a cousin had been widowed last October and purchased a copy for her as well. Definitely worth reading!

I was sent this book by a friend shortly after my husband died. The word "practical" is a most important focus in the title. In reading, I found a sense of calm in knowing that I was not losing my mind, or going crazy, or just plain weird. As a "new" widow, I find the emptiness overwhelming at times and picking up this book (between counseling sessions) is a great boost to my sense of where I am now.

I read several "widow" books after losing my husband suddenly to a heart attack and this book did the best job of capturing the emotional turmoil of losing a spouse. It is very difficult to cope with the unwelcome changes in ones life and this book helps to guide the way.

I found an earlier edition in a library 12 years ago when my husband was dying of prostate cancer, and I had no one close with whom to share. It seemed every page had a jewel of information that was so helpful. One I especially like, when as a plumber in action (with no husband to do it), and you have the pliers trying to tighten a screw--advice "right is tight", "left is loose!" How about that for some GOOD practical advice. Of course, her whole book is much deeper than that and she covers so many situations and feelings a widow undergoes. I have now given out 5 or 6 of "Widow to Widow" to others during these 12 years since my husband died. A friend even ordered one to be able to counsel widows as a pastor's wife. She thinks it is excellent. I am now placing another order to have "Widow to Widow" on hand when an appropriate instance arises and another new widow needs some calming insight.

I read this book almost 2 years ago after I lost my husband to suicide. I was 31 at the time and found the book to be a great help, although geared more for older widows. I am returning to purchase a copy for my mother, who was recently widowed.