By elephant, I mean COVID 19, or more commonly know as the Coronavirus. Our news feeds and social media feeds are filled with updates, dos, and don’ts. As much as I hate to add to mix, I would also hate to ignore the crisis we find ourselves in and express how this may or may not relate to widows and widowers in our communities.
I am a member of several online groups tailored to those who have lost a spouse. There are common threads that I am seeing as we move through this pandemic. People are scared. People are in a state of flux. Now when I look at the widow/widower community I see men and women reaching out to each other for emotional support. This is very likely the first big crisis they are exposed to as a single. Many relied on their life-partners to help them get through crisis situations. They are now finding themselves quarantined alone or taking care of families without a spouse. They are overly cautious and keenly aware that should something happen to them, there is not someone else there to help them out, offer guidance, support, and if needed run to the store without kids in tow. God forbid they get sick. Many are becoming hypervigilant. One thing is for certain, most are not strangers to isolation. However isolation by choice is much different than isolation by mandate or suggestion of social distancing.
I am in no way an expert on widowhood, I am just a drafted member of the club, who has chosen to share experiences, ideas, and observations. My hope is to enlighten people who are fortunate enough not to be initiated into this secret society. Please take my words for what they are, just my words.
Please stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy.
JenR8ion Widow 