Losing A Spouse by Dennis Disselkoen

Losing A Spouse by Dennis Disselkoen

Losing a Spouse: A Widower's Way addresses widowers in their grief to offer them hope and perspective. It is written also for those who are about to enter into that grief. It offers aid in coping with the life changing loss of their wives. It is a helpful resource for those who want to console their grieving friends. It broaches the questions of styles of mourning, establishing new routines and adjusting to life after the loss of a wife. Widowers are largely forgotten and characteristically do not have circles of close friends with whom they can discuss the experiences that led to their widowhood or what they are going through as widowers. This volume considers also the social, emotional, physical, legal, financial and spiritual concerns of widowers. It touches upon the why of suffering, the issue of suicide, as well as the matters of remarriage and reintegration into society.

The core of the material was drawn from the author's experience as a long-term caregiver and widower, but it samples excerpts from interviews with ten widowers who share their experiences. Presented also is literature on grief, mourning, living with loss, and living alone after loving. Included are chapters on the use of hospice and the thoughts on the place and purpose of funerals.