Second Tuesday of Month (STM) - Peer-Led Support Topic Meeting - August

Our topic this month is:  "Re-Discovering Out Identity After Loss"

At The W Connection, we know that many of us feel differently after the death of our partner –a loss of our identity. At our meetings, we will begin to explore the process of Re-Discovering Our Identity.

We start our meeting by reminding ourselves that changes in our identities can occur with any life transition, and we continually evolve throughout our lives.

We also realize that through these transitions, there is a process whereby parts of our identity remain the same and there are parts of our identity that change. We will explore this process that includes:

• realizing that our identity will be different,
• realizing that different doesn't mean negative,
• acknowledging that we bring parts of our past self to our new self
• and recognizing that there is another chapter to write.

To hear more about this month's topic, watch Dawn's Video.

Or, read these articles

Identity and Sense of Self in Widowhood

Don't Know Who I Am Anymore

Co-Leaders:  Gaby & Nana & Terri

Gabriella Major zooming in from New York, NY

About me: I was born in Hungary. As a teenager, together with my parents, we fled to the US without any knowledge of English and with
only the clothes on our backs. I got married right out of high school, and while raising 4 children I went back to school to get my BA and Master's degree in counseling. Four years after my first husband died, I had a second chance at love.

Interests: Volunteering for things I am passionate about; I am a docent at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and an active volunteer at the W Connection.
Works well with: Retired career women.

Year of First Loss: 2002

Year of Second Loss: 2012.

Nana Goldberg zooming in from Philadelphia, PA

About me: Retail has been my career ever since high school. I was fortunate to work in my family's Army and Navy store, I. Goldberg, for forty years. I have a young adult son, and a very vocal black cat and a great sense of humor.

Interests: I practice Mindfulness, enjoy watching professional and college sports, exploring new recipes, and learning about interior design.

Works well with: widows with young children, widows with children at home, people who are honest, curious and practice the attitude of gratitude.

Year of Loss: 2007, when my son was 12 years old.

Terri Herring zooming in from Bucks County, PA

About me:  I'm a summer camp director (2nd career).  My first career was in the retail women's apparel business. I have three grown children & two young grandkids. I have a black Lab and just downsized my house. 

Interests: the arts: painting & ceramics, gardening, walking and I’m trying to learn Spanish

Works well with: empty nesters and working moms.

Year of Loss: 2018