Young Widows - Peer-Led Support Topic Meeting (First Tuesday of Month) - February

Our topic this month is: "Dealing with Difficult Emotions; Guilt, Anger, Envy, Fear"

“I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.”  ― C.S. Lewis

Negative emotions--such as guilt, anger, envy, and fear--are real and valid. They are reasonable to experience and to voice.

Our February Topic Meetings will focus on how to navigate the difficult emotions we undoubtedly experience as widows. These emotions can be very intense, and are hard to leave behind, but part of our journey is learning how to deal with them and move forward.

We hope you will join us to discuss these difficult emotions--how to be true to yourself but at the same time ensure that they do not restrict our efforts to rebuild our lives.

In preparation for these meetings, our Topic Committee volunteers suggest that you bring paper and pen to the meetings. In addition, they suggest the following articles:

Guilt and Grief

Coping with Anger While Grieving

Coping with Jealousy Towards Other Couples

Our Topic Committee volunteers suggest reading the following article:

Or, you can listen to Dawn's Video on the topic, here

Co-Leaders:  Anjalee,  Laura & Michelle

"Being a GEM volunteer allows me to return and share the kindness, support, and encouragement that other widows may need. I sincerely wish that every widow can find happiness again.".

Anjalee Dave:  Zooming in from Queens, NY

About me:  I am a mother, physician, widow, wife and a different woman.

Interests:   I  was a part of W Connection during its infancy, 13 years ago. The organization and women I met, were crucial to my ability to build a new life. This inspiration, sense of community and support has been with me since. 

Works well with:  Young widows.  I was 37 when my husband died of cancer and our son was almost two. The path to creating my present life was challenging but I can proudly say that I am genuinely happy and fulfilled once again.

Year of loss : 2010

"The support of other widows was a lifeline for me when I lost my husband; as a "GEM volunteer, it is my goal to now be a source of hope and encouragement to other widows new on this journey."

Laura Fallon: Zooming in from Souteast Florida
About Me: Registered Nurse in Neonatal Intensive care, but I loved being a stay-at-home mom to two daugters.

Interests: Yoga, boating and even some golf.  I recently joined a crossfit gym.
Works well with:  Young Widows.  I was suddenly widowed 2 months before my 40th birthday. 
Year of loss: 2001, when my daughters were 8 and 11 years old.

Michelle Las:  Zooming in from Weehawken, NJ

About me:  I left my NYC legal recruiting career after 17 years to pursue my passion after I lost my husband and became a certified health coach. I try to practice a lifestyle of gratitude, learning, positivity and fulfillment, and glad I found the W Connection to help others get there as well.

Interests:  Cooking and creating new recipes, being outdoors, reading, podcasts, fitness, travel, organizing (literally) everything!

Works well with:  Young widows, career women trying to rebalance life and move forward, NYC-area members

Year of loss : 2018