As a widow with small kids, finances were a big concern. There are so many things that go into running a household, as I am sure you are aware - the mortgage, utilities, food, gas, car maintenance, and the list goes on. I had never been fully responsible for any of this, and while I had worked in several different professions, I had been out of the work force since my kids were born.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
One of the first things I did after Jon passed was to contact my local Social Security office to see if the kids and I qualified for Survivor Benefits. This program is in place to help widows with young kids make ends meet. There are certain qualifications and income limits, so you’ll want to go to your local Social Security office to get more specifics.
Read more...Losing Jon was a heart-wrenching experience, and I was overwhelmed when I thought about life without him. I was trying to grapple with his death, plan a funeral and burial, and was suddenly plunged into single parenting. I was also now the sole provider for my family, and there were so many unanswered questions:
- How was I going to make ends meet?
- Would I have to get a job and put my kids in school?
- Would I lose my dream of homeschooling my kids?
- What kind of work would I be able to find that would provide enough income?
The first Christmas after the loss of a spouse can be an overwhelming and bittersweet experience, especially when you are left with small children to care for. It is during this time of year, cherished for its joy and togetherness, that the absence of your beloved spouse is deeply felt. As someone who has walked this journey, I want to extend my heartfelt compassion and share some insights on how to navigate the emotions and find hope during this challenging time.
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In Part One, I shared the shock that I went through when my husband passed. In Part Two, I shared how I was helped through the devastating shock. In this post, I want to give you some ways to navigate through the fog and difficulty of suddenly losing your spouse.
Shock can display itself in many ways. If you have lost a loved one unexpectedly and are grappling with the shock, here are some strategies that may help you cope.
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In the midst of losing a spouse, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. As a single parent, the pressure to fill both parental roles can be overwhelming. But through my own journey, I discovered three valuable lessons that I wish I had learned earlier. These lessons have not only helped me navigate the challenges of being a single parent, but have also taught me the importance of self-care and the power of allowing myself time to grieve. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, here are three lessons that I hope will bring you comfort and guidance.
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