Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Camp Widow

I do not know how many widows/widowers read my blog (or in fact, how many have EVER read this). However, having been recently in contact with a younger widow (lost her spouse at age 39), at her request, I am publishing this note --

Camp Widow will be held in San Diego this year, from Aug. 6 - 8 (Friday thru Sunday). It is NOT a place for much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Instead, it is a place to meet others who are in YOUR place, who have many of the same concerns and anxieties and problems that we have faced, are still facing. Young children at home, financial concerns, possibly how/when to approach dating... you get the picture.

Here's the website for registration:

CAMP WIDOW

It looks like a great time, with workshops that you will certainly find helpful, or possibly eye-opening. I wish that I had found this group, especially during my initial year or so of widowhood. Believe me, like most non-elderly widows, I was floundering. And I am not saying that elderly widows do NOT flounder. Loss is difficult for all of us, no matter the age when it happens.

Anyway... Quoting from the registration site:

"Camp Widow welcomes anyone who has lost a life partner to participate in this program. We are an inclusive, non-denominational organization focused on hope and healing through the grieving process." So... I think they are saying, if you see yourself as a widow/widower, then WELCOME.

Even if you can drive down for just one of the days and check out a few workshops, please check it out. And maybe let me know how it was for you. {{{HUGS}}} to you all. I'll be there in spirit...

4 comments:

Janine said...

I went last year and we had a blast. I'll be there next week and wish you were joining us. Thanks for posting this. :)

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great place. I sure never would have thought I'd be dating again.

The Retired One said...

What a great idea to do...I am sure it will be the turning point for many people who cannot find a lifeline to begin to get out of their deep despair of grief.

jessica said...

@Janine: I was in contact by e-mail recently with another widow (who is remarried) and she asked me to post the info. I really DO wish I had known about this in '08.
@Blogsoupdiva: ditto with me, regarding dating. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? After all, most of us did not count on being widowed long before our 70's.
@The Retired One: Will you be at the Wisconsin family gathering the first weekend in August? We plan to attend! I was sorry to read about your back problems & fibro, too.