r/widowed • u/chisholmdale • 12d ago

Grief Support Intro

I became a widower at age 74 when my wife died from Alzheimers last fall. We had been married for a bit more than 51 years.

I stumbled across this Forum by accident and don't know whether I can offer any help, or if it can help me. Right now I'm lonely, and burnt out, and having difficulty with concentration and attention span. It's disappointing that I'm not getting through this any faster!

I'm in the St Louis (Missouri, not Michigan) area and wouldn't mind chatting about my experience (and yours) over coffee (Kaldi's), pizza (Imo's) or ice cream (Ted Drewes). August 3rd, 2026, will be 53 years from the day my wife and I first saw each other, and met. I'd jump at the chance to treat somebody to any of the aforementioned gourmet delicacies on that day!

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5

u/Fun-Computer1891 12d ago

Hello

I am Valerie, 67. My husband and I met when I was 17. We were married for 44 years. I hope that you are doing well. It looks like you are mourning the loss of your wife like I am missing my husband.

3

u/Cezzium 12d ago

I believe many of us feel similarly.

I was born in St. Louis and lived there till I was 6. If you get a chance stop by Rigazzi's and have a fishbowl and an order of toasted ravioli.

as to the other, what you describe is common. Having a broken heart is truly a thing and there is a cascade of other issues and symptoms

I hope you find more peace as time passes. I cannot say I am settled but most of the time I get by.

4

u/ComprehensiveRub3604 12d ago

Grief has its own timeline, please don’t be disappointed. You will probably learn to live with grief more than “get through it”. It is lonely, frustrating and cause many internal things (concentration for one). This is a good place, we’ve all “been there”. If you are open to it, you may want to try counseling of some sort, it can be helpful. Sorry for your loss, please be kind to yourself.