23/06/2025
Today is International Widows' Day
Not a day I've ever been aware of or felt the need to address...
For those of you who do not know me personally, you may have noticed my lack of presence on social media since my last post on New Years Eve, saying goodbye to 2024.
On 5th January 2025, my amazing, loving husband Leon sadly went home to heaven to be with our Lord after a short illness. 💔😭
At just 45 years old, with 2 children and after almost 19 years together (nearly 13 of those married), this has absolutely torn my heart and world apart.
Leon was one of a kind, so loyal, funny and caring, he my best friend, the better half of me who loved me for better and for worse.
He touched so many lives, especially in the dance world and his faithful testimony stands forever. The response to the news of his passing in the media was insane, but the dust soon settles and eventually everyone else gets on with their normal lives.
As widows, every single thing in our lives is affected, our whole identity changes, and we have to begrudgingly get used to a new normal that we never asked for. Bringing up children alone who are also grieving for a parent is one of the most difficult things we will ever have to do. It's a very lonely road even if you're surrounded by other people, nobody really understands or compares to your person.
Lord, hold my hand while I run this race!
So International Widows Day is not a day to celebrate, but to raise awareness. If you don't understand why widows grieve endlessly in so many different ways, why we are in survival mode and have to put ourselves and children first, count it as a blessing.
To all the widows (and widowers) out there who know exactly what I'm going through... I'm with you. Let's keep going, even when it feels impossible.
