From One Widow to Another: Conversations on the New You »

MIRIAM NEFF is a former high school teacher and counselor as well as the author of eight books. She is an adventurer and former conference speaker. Miriam currently teaches a Bible study for widows, is a board member for Koinonia House National Ministries (a ministry for those being released from prison), and is the Founder and President of Widow Connection. Miriam has guest hosted Midday Connection on Moody Radio and is the widow of the former vice president of broadcasting for Moody Broadcasting Network. For more information, see widowconnection.org.

 “Widow” is one title women do not want to have. Yet, according to the Surgeon General’s office, 800,000 people become widows or widowers every year in the United States alone. Every aspect of a widow’s existence changes—like it or not, ready or not. These changes to the structure of life just add to the emotional roller coaster that most women experience after losing their husband. Miriam Neff understands the emotional roller coaster ride widows are riding—she has been there, too. As she struggled to understand and accept her new role after her husband’s death, she recognized the need for women to hear from other women about their experiences and what helped them transition to this new stage of life. This is a practical resource as well as emotional encouragement.

Acknowledgments 9

Introduction: One Widow to Another: Conversations for the New You 11

Section I A Widow's Vulnerabilities

Chapter 1 Our Strongest Emotions: Grief and Its Silent Partner, Depression 17

Chapter 2 Fear: Normal in Change, but Temporary 31

Chapter 3 Yes, We Can! Money 51

Section II A Widow's Strengths

Chapter 4 Our Opportunity to Change: Free Time and Flexibility 67

Chapter 5 We Comfort Others, and Comfort Comes Back 87

Section III Relationships: Never the Same

Chapter 6 Friends: Letting Go and Loving the Real Thing 105

Chapter 7 Family: Healing after the Tree Shakes 123

Section IV The New You-The New Woman in the Mirror: Different and Strong

Chapter 8 Finding Yourself: "I Didn't Know You." 137

Chapter 9 Finding Your Mission: A Purpose Worth Living For 153

Chapter 10 A New Faith: God Moves from Good to Grand 167

Appendix

A A Special Word about Children at Home 183

B How to Start a Widows Group 193

C Church Resources and Organizational Model 197

D Seven Tips for You to Help Widows 209

E Seven Holiday Tips for Those Who've Experienced Loss and Those Who Love Them 211

F Financial Helps 213

G Study Information 219

Notes 221