by Sydell Weiner | Aug 15, 2019 | Bereavement, Grief, Grief Support, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse
The hospital smells of disinfectant, trying to mask the presence of illness and grief. I walk into my husband’s room and give him a hug. I hold on tight, and even though he’s too weak to reciprocate, I relish the familiar touch and feel of his skin. How, I...
by Sydell Weiner | Aug 14, 2019 | Grief, Grief Support, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse, Losing a Spouse, Surviving loss
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This quote is getting thousands of “Likes” on Facebook, but are acts of kindness what we practice in our everyday lives? In March of 2002, my husband Rex and I moved to a small fixer upper in...
by Sydell Weiner | Jan 16, 2018 | Age related Issues, Aging, Bereavement, Grief, Grief Support, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse, Losing a Spouse, Surviving loss
I used to be pretty, I mean cheerleader, actress, head-turning pretty. Fortunately, I was also smart. I learned early that it would take more than good looks to make my way in the world. And as much as I’m struggling with aging, it’s harder for women whose...
by Sydell Weiner | Jan 5, 2018 | Artistic Genius, Bereavement, Grief Support, Life after Death, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse, Losing a Spouse, Relationships, Set Design, Surviving loss
As a director of theatre, I always appreciated the art of collaboration. Besides working with actors, I worked hard to bring together set, lighting and costume designers. When creative artists are open and feed off each other’s ideas, we do our best work. But at...
by Sydell Weiner | Dec 30, 2017 | Bereavement, Grief, Grief Support, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse
Vacationing as a widow changes your perspective. Do relationships look the same on land and at sea? I’m on a cruise with my sister and brother-in-law, and as much as I love them, it’s my first vacation without my husband. My sweet Rex died a year and a...
by Sydell Weiner | Nov 24, 2017 | Bereavement, Grief, Grief Support, Losing a Loved One, Losing a Spouse, Surviving loss
I move the books on my wall unit so they’re grouped by height. Am I being OCD, or is this just how I cope? Standing back to admire my work, I think, “Hmmm…I need a vase or a sculpture next to the books on the second shelf.” I try a red...