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Death of a Spouse Death of a spouse is not a pleasant thought after years of marriage, but death happens...
Isn't it better to think ahead of the possibilities rather than to be stuck with no answers and no time to consider your options?
Many years ago, one man was on a transplant list but still working. He came in faithfully to check on his retirement benefit and assure himself that his wife would receive his pension and health care IF anything happened to him.
He died... and the wife came into my office to do paperwork. Oddly enough, he had never shared this retirement information with her. My guess is that it's simply to difficult too discuss when you are ill... so he figured it was better left unsaid.
But IMAGINE her panic at having no idea whatsoever if there was a pension, health care, life insurances, any income at all! She lived in this anxiety-ridden state for a few years (during his illness) and during the funeral, before she inquired and knew she was more than ok. I think that's just plain ole sad.
give them the greatest gift --
As you'd guess, the chance of a woman being widowed is far greater than with men. Many women often have 20 years of living alone after a spouses death.
Men are more likely to remarry -- that's logical as women take care of their needs with cooking/cleaning, etc. and there are lots of us to choose from! Death of a spouse is probably the most stressful event that can ever happen to you. If you fall into a depression or feel guilt, shock, anger, all the negative emotions you'd expect with a death, please seek help! There are many community organizations ready to help you through the grieving process, and your local church can help you too. Consider joining a Grief Survivors group as there are others like you, right in your community, who are experiencing the same sadness... share with others and help pull yourself through this crisis in life. Need more info? Try the AARP website which has lots of info on Grief and Loss.
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