WELCOME TO WIDOWED WORLD

20 April 2009

Greetings,

Firstly, explanations and apologies for the delay in posting a new Editorial.  Our new home page and redesigned site was just about to go live when a few unexpected snags appeared. I kept putting off writing, expecting to give you all the new information, but days slipped into weeks!  However, all is now about to be resolved and it’s just a matter of days before we have a new format allowing some social interaction via the website.

Meanwhile, the numbers of unique visitors has continued to steadily creep up and since its launch we’ve now had over 20,000 unique visits. Just shows there are a lot of we widowed people about, and many are seeking support, advice and encouragement as they come to terms with bereavement.

It’s very nearly the fifth anniversary of the death of my own dear husband and whilst never forgetting him, can truly say I no longer feel bereaved. Since January my life has blossomed and the days are now joyfully and satisfyingly filled with amateur film making, music making, looking after the website, making and doing lovely things for my home and garden, enjoying family, friends and neighbours and generally doing all the things that give me most pleasure. Just recently I was Fairy (Cosmic) Godmother in an alternative version of Cinderella.  Remembering the lines was challenging but I re-wrote lyrics for ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ which I sang to a lively audience, and loved every minute of it. My magic wand is still quivering with the excitement of it all.

The other day I was talking to some of my original Breakfast Clubs members and we all agreed that when widowed, the most important thing is to gradually build up a circle of single friends who are free to enjoy an independent social life. It does take time and in my case it’s happened by first discovering what my real interests are, finding or creating ways to pursue them and then enjoying them for their own sake. Enthusiasm is infectious and attracts new people with common interests into your life.

One lady who contacted me through the website is in her late 70’s, has recently been widowed for the second time and has now formed her own group for widowed people in Wales.  What an enterprising and positive lady.  She’s very happy for me to share her experiences with you all and like me, would so like to see similar things happening both at home and overseas. I am always happy to share my experiences and to offer encouragement to anyone who feels inspired.

The next Editorial will be in the new format and we anticipate that by reflecting the purpose of the website with the new name ‘Widowed World’ we will attract many more visitors. During the transition you will continue to be able to access the site on www.sundayscene.co.uk

All good wishes,

Jacquie