Blog. IMPORTANT RADIO BROADCAST
BBC Radio 4, 11.02 am Monday 31 August 2009 - Merry Widows.
Widow(hood) is probably the last taboo subject for general discussion,
none of us prepared for it when it happens or for the impact it has on
our lives. Widowed people so often say to me "If only I knew that things
will get better ....!" This broadcast is about just that - offering hope
and encouragement for the future and I hope that many people will find
comfort and support from listening to it. Featured in the programme are
several women (including myself) who are successfully rebuilding their
lives after becoming widowed. Please pass on the broadcast details to
anyone you know who might benefit (everyone actually). Jacquie Clarke
sheila wrote: look forward to listening to program.You have already helped a lot.Its like a minefield these awfull emotions that catch us all out all the time.One minute you think well I might be ok one day then Severall when you think you will never get stable again.But you have tought me tommorow might be better,there is a little flicker of hope.
Janet wrote: Feeling a bit sorry for myself this morning, and sitting in front of the computer I found your link on the BBC site. At Christmas I wrote to friends that I was learning to be a different person. It was a guilty surprise to discover a sense of liberation. I look forward to the programme but meanwhile will alert my widowed friends.
Judith wrote: Its been three and a half years now (since my husband died) and I have been fed by a determination to be all things to my grown-up family.The R4 programme this week is the first thing that has really said to me its okay to be sad, to feel at sea in a world that works in couples and that this is not forever.The programme immediately gave me a sense that I can carry on and not feel guilty when I enjoy something that I know would not have been the case if he were still here bless him!I feel a definite sense of hope in the future! Thank you!!
Jacquie Clarke wrote: Thank you all so much for your responses to the broadcast and I will summarise them for the producer of the programme. Respect, consideration and empowerment are the three most powerful words in my vocabulary, all of which we need to apply to ourselves in emerging from our state of widowhood to becoming single, independent people. As wives, mothers and daughters, we're accustomed to putting everyone else first and do so magnificently but now it's our time. Learn to become self-sustaining (rather than self-sufficient) by focusing on the things you love doing.
Jacquie Clarke wrote: Thank you all so much for your responses to the broadcast and I will summarise them for the producer of the programme. Respect, consideration and empowerment are the three most powerful words in my vocabulary, all of which we need to apply to ourselves in emerging from our state of widowhood to becoming single, independent people. As wives, mothers and daughters, we're accustomed to putting everyone else first and do so magnificently but now it's our time. Learn to become self-sustaining (rather than self-sufficient) by focusing on the things you love doing.