Widows and Widowers
By Mark Anderson
I was blessed in marriage in 1982. I lived as a happily married man for 43 years. Then, suddenly my wife was called home through a cancer diagnosis that was discovered too late. One month before she died, she said to me, “You can get married again.” At the time, it did not mean much for me. But as the months from her transition have rolled by, I began to think about my situation.
One day, while watching a baseball game on TV, the announcers said that they wanted to honor a former big-league manager who passed away at the age of 84. I am 71 years old. In comparison, it meant that I will likely live 13 more years. My mom (who passed away in April) was 95 years old. Of course, we really don’t know when our number will be up, but it seems likely I will live 13 to 20 more years. Given that shaky calculation, I asked myself, do I want to live alone or with someone to share life with. The answer for me was with someone.
I called the church headquarters to ask about comfort blessings and was told that they no longer are an option. One elder church leader told me, “just take responsibility.” I can unite with that direction. In fact, I started a private Facebook page called UC Widows / Widowers Community. It is a private group, so a person has to apply to be admitted. The purpose is to be a support group for those members who have lost a spouse.
If you have lost a spouse or know someone who has, please direct them to this private group. We plan to have educational opportunities for those who find themselves in this category. It is a place to learn from others and share one’s story and experience. Life on earth is short as it is.
It seems likely that God would want our members to have a place to connect and share. Given that, I am trying to let members know that this support group exists. If you have good ideas for the group, please feel free to share them with me. My email is markanderson5@cox.net.
I look forward to seeing you on the page. Mark
all photos submitted by M. Anderson