From We to Me, My First Year of Being a Widow Shared in Letters to a Friend

by Maryann Hartzell-Curran

Sharing her first year of being a widow, Maryann writes weekly letters to a beloved friend who recently lost her husband. She relates how the celebration of holidays and special occasions influenced her life. Told with poignant acknowledgement of her faith and emotions, the stories speak about the end of a love story and the beginning of a new way of living. Though this is not a "how to " book on grief, she does explain the challenges, experiences, decisions and finally acceptance that changed the life she had known for thirty-two years of marriage. With love, she guides her friend through 52 weeks of the first year, hoping to ease the pain of loss. A "Must Read" for those who have lost a spouse or other loved one, the book encompasses an honest pathway toward hope in the future. Whether it is read chapter by chapter, week by week, or in its entirety, FROM WE TO ME is a cherished gift when a sympathy card is not enough.

124 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2013

About the author

On Aug. 12, 1998, at 9:00 p.m., I became a widow. Eight years after his diagnosis of cancer, my beloved husband, John, died peacefully in the arms of his family. The struggle was over, and our life together had stopped. I was now alone. Instead of WE, there was ME. Years later, and following my marriage to my second husband, Jack, my friend, Eddie, lost her husband, and I wanted to help her by sharing my stories about living without my husband and began emailing weekly letters to her.
I published those letters in my book, “From We to Me, with the hope that my experiences will give a bit of guidance to others who are suffering any kind of a loss. Helping others has been an important part of me, so this follows my life pattern. If you are overcoming grief yourself or trying to help a loved one, know that the road of grief should have no timelines and no expectations. It is an entirely individual journey, and healing will occur in its own perfect time.
My background is in education and counseling. I have a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in counseling from Illinois Benedictine University. I taught both special education and preschool, and established and directed a preschool associated with our church in the early 1980s in Lombard, Ill. I also directed a senior dining center for several years.
Writing has always intrigued me, and the gift of story is a wonderful communication tool. When I reread the letters I wrote to Eddie, I am amazed that 15 years have passed since John died. I have learned a lot and been blessed with God’s love through many people, and even animals. Now, my husband, Jack, and I happily spend our time between South Carolina and Florida along with our two Maltese dogs.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who is losing or has lost a spouse. Written beautifully from the heart. The author takes you on a journey through the last months of her husband, John's last days and her first year without him. Anyone who reads this book will know that there is a future life after the loss of a spouse. That after years of being WE you can live a good life as ME,

[Gwen Loes]

From We to Me shows how important friends and support are during your time of grieving. The author also showed how significant getting your own identity is to continue on your new journey. This book can help a person going through the grieving process. It can help with suggestions on how to get through this sad part of your life.