I haven’t rambled for awhile so here goes.
I want my old life back. My old life was so easy. Bryon took care of everything. And not just for me. He took care of everything for so many people.
My old life was so much easier. And I never appreciated. Now when something goes wrong, I am the only one here to deal with it. Luckily I can usually get help but I hate asking for it. I hate being a burden on people.
I never appreciated my old life. I never appreciated all that Bryon did for me.
I miss my old life even though it feels like a lifetime ago. I feel so removed from my old life even though I live in the same house and have the same friends. I still have my daughter and my cat.
I am a different person. The old Kerry is only a shadow inside of the New Kerry.
I want my old life back because in my old life, I didn’t know this kind of pain.
Some days I like my new life. I like myself better now.
But some days my new life completely sucks.
My new life is lonely. I know what I am missing.
Before I met Bryon, I felt like I was waiting for my real life to begin. Then I got my real life and was always concerned about the next step.
I would be running from the past and escaping into the future even if the future scared me.
And then- it was all gone.
Now I am in a future I never imagined having.
For the first time in my life I am forced to live in the present because the past makes me sad and thinking about the future makes me uncomfortable.
I feel stuck. How do I know the difference between spending enough time grieving versus being afraid of the future?
I am so afraid of being disappointed in the future.
I started to get excited about the holidays but now I wonder if I am setting myself up to be let down. Because my life isn’t a Hallmark movie.
And if I ever date again…am I setting myself up for dissappointment.
I had to call IT for work tonight. The IT guy was nice enough. I am so lonely that I didn’t want to hang up. But I did because otherwise it would have been weird and creepy. At least I ended the call with “thank you” and “bye” instead of defaulting to “love you.” That would have been awkward even if I do genuinely appreciate the help.
I feel Bryon’s spirit so close at times. So close that he doesn’t seem dead. At times I feel like if I just reach out and wish harder that I can bring him back and pretend this was just a bad dream. And then reality smacks me on the face.
Or maybe if I try hard enough, I can move myself to the parallel universe where things played out the way they were supposed to. Where he continued to be a successful lawyer and we had 2.5 kids (he wanted 2, I wanted 3), our cat and a dog.
But none of those things will happen.
Instead, I am alone, awake at 3am and writing a blog post that no one is going to read.
Running Forward...My Way 
I think you did what had to be done in the past. I think you appreciated your life back then, but it’s only human to look into the future. I’m like that too.
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I definitely would appreciate it more if I could go back but I guess I will carry a new mindset into the future.
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☺
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I read the whole thing. I haven’t experienced your pain but I understand the pain and loneliness you are going through. I haven’t lost a spouse but I’ve had similar feelings. There are people listening Kerry. Embrace living in the now. It’s okay and good. Also may I recommend a book? The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle. I think that it might really help you in living one day at a time and more. xx
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I will have to look for that book. I put myself in book buying jail because I have so many on my night stand to read but I might make the exception. Thank you!
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I know exactly what you mean! Ugh 🙂
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I am on a system- for every 3 books I read off my pile, I can buy a new one. It’s motivating me to finish a lot of half read books
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It’s a great idea. I’ve set the goal of reading for 30 minutes every night before bed, and it’s been so rewarding to feel like I’m making progress.
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Yes, Kerry, I am reading your posts — you are younger than I was when widowed (I was 56) — but truly, much of your sadness mirrors mine — including that you are now into the second year blues — thinking about your future life — hmmm . . . that is an interesting concept — I am in my fourth year of widowhood and am still wondering about my future life — and hoping I will recognize it when it arrives. Hang in there — you are doing very well in the face of shock, sadness and despair.
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Yeah the first year was easier with the fog. This reality is hard. I guess one day at a time, right?
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I am reading and I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. I can’t imagine what you are going through. Sending you a virtual hug…
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Thank you ❤
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Yes I understand. Sending a hug. Sheila
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Thanks for stopping by Sheila ❤
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I’m only nine months out and I definitely understand the pain. xx
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I am so sorry for your loss Emily. Just know that you aren’t alone. Feel free to find me on Facebook. I am always open to new friends, especially widow friends.
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