Few words make me angrier than a word that is constantly used toward and within the bereaved community. Closure.

At one time or another, most of us have been in the position of providing sympathy, comfort and encouragement to someone who has experienced a loss. Unfortunately, not everyone offers support in a way that is sympathetic, comforting or encouraging (and in some cases, not even positive).

Sometimes I feel really sorry for my family. They are the unfortunate souls who have to listen to my bellyaching on any given day.

The answer to the question of when you should begin the intensely personal part of your Healing Journey known as the 'go-through' is quite simple.

Most people in the world are afraid of dying, which is not exactly what you would call an irrational fear. However, many people are so afraid of dying that they do not even want to discuss death, which, uncomfortable as this discussion may be, is downright irresponsible.

Although certainly not among the most enthralling subjects, dealing with financial fall-out after the loss of a spouse is undoubtedly among the most important. While almost everything else on a widowed's to-do list can wait, the importance of setting financial and legal transition into immediate motion cannot be overstated.

One of the most common questions asked within both the widowed and divorced communities is, 'When is it appropriate to start dating again?' The quick answer is, 'Only you can make that determination.'

I must have had a very confused look on my face when it happened. It was the same look that I have seen on our cat when she sees a talking parrot in the waiting room of the veterinarian's office.

Although it may be tempting to do otherwise, do not choose to dwell on the unfairness of your widowhood. The unfairness is a given, however dwelling on the unfairness will not take you in the healing direction that you wish to travel.

I can think of a lot of things that need filling up at one time or another. Some of those things might include: A bank account, a gas tank, a martini glass. Now... do you know what definitely does not need 'filling'? Somebody else's shoes.

Sometimes all we need is for just one person who has walked the same path to quietly and gently say, "It really is OK..."

SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com In 2006, after the death of her husband, Richard Carlson, Ph.D., author of the best-selling "Don’t Sweat the Small ...

A few days ago we said goodbye to you. Losing you has left me with nothing to say, Grandma. Usually I am the last to run out of words.

A really appalling thought recently occurred to me. I would even go so far as to call it an epiphany.

They were two men. I was wife to one and daughter to the other. They were two separate, distinct and unbearably difficult losses. I recognized and grieved those two losses as such. All grief is not the same.

Valentine's Day is soon upon us and a quick glance around just about any store is proof of that. We are surrounded by The Day of Romance, Hearts and Flowers (usually starting on December 26th). But what if you aren't coupled off?

I have always taken great umbrage at anyone criticizing, questioning or opining on how the widowed handle their grief and their highly individual and intensely personal healing journeys. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of it going on.

After all I’d seen, all I’d done and failed to do, I couldn’t imagine having the will again to take on responsibility for another person. The idea that I might stand before my friends in a white dress and pledge to love someone else in sickness and in health? Unthinkable.

The widowed community generally spends a lot of time talking about how much late spouses are missed. Not only is this completely and totally normal, it is also a welcome catharsis and a necessary factor in moving through the grieving process. But do you ever miss 'you' as well?

It is a sad reality that after losing a spouse, many widowed are the victims of accusation, criticism and actual blame. Whether it comes from the outside (relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc.) or is instead self-imposed, there is a lot of unnecessary pain being inflicted on the widowed.

I still scowl at the scale. I squint when trying to read street signs and curse because I can't wear an amazing backless dress. But while I am yelling at the scale and pulling at my face and laughing at all of the rest of it ... I also remember to be grateful.

I am delighted to present to you 10 widowed resolutions for your happy new year. These resolutions are meant to bring you peace, comfort and most of all, ownership of both your Healing Journey and ultimately, your life.