missing my wife #widowerlife

Widowing_B The journey up the stairs to a half empty bed is the longest and most reluctant of every day, even 6 years on. #widowerlife

Thank you for your company during this last year. Lots of big stuff coming up in 2024… Hope you’ll join me as I continue to document this journey we call life with all its ups and downs. 💜❤️💚 #doodleaday #widowerlife #loveafterloss #findingjoy

Just over 6 years ago, the bottom fell out of my world. 3 years ago today it began to mend. You never know what is around the corner. Live your life to the full and take nothing for granted. 💜❤️💚 #doodleaday #widowerlife #loveafterloss #findingjoy

I think it’s the first Christmas as a properly blended family that makes it so special. I feel so grateful: I have my fab kids, my wonderful Lisa, love my work and my friends. Love is everything. #doodleaday #loveafterloss #widowerlife #findingjoy

One of the great sadnesses of Joy’s early death was that she never got to witness this. I know just how much she would have loved to see them growing into the young adults they are becoming. But I have pride enough for both of us. #doodleaday #widowerlife #growingup #findingjoy

Bittersweet emotions. Gone but still with us. #doodleaday #findingjoy #widowerlife #loveneverdies

The sibling bond remains strong - they may not hold hands any more but they definitely have got each other’s back. Sure, they argue but the laughter outweighs it tenfold. #doodleaday #widowerlife #siblings #parentalprivilege

Joy would be so proud to see her following in her footsteps there. As am I. And I don’t feel “it’s happened so fast”. We all feel ready for this now. The wings are spreading… #doodleaday #widowerlife #prouddad

I can look back at videos and photos of when they were little and it was very cute - but to have these young adults in the house is a real privilege. They are such great company (when not hiding in their rooms anyway!) #doodleaday #widowerlife #growingfast

#tankart by Hifsa Ashraf Hifsa Ashraf , with image by Shahid Mehmood. #micropoetry #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #haiku #poetry #poems #photography #photooftheday #lake #grief #photograph #art #photo #widowlife #widowerlife #picture #sky #pakistan

Falling in love with cooking is one of the wonderful things to have come out of the last few years. #doodleaday #lovecooking #widowerlife

The time goes so fast… and it’s quite a ride. #doodleaday #widowerlife

When I think how much she has achieved after such a tough time, it makes my heart swell with pride. #doodleaday #widowerlife #loveafterloss

With so much going on it’s important to have a familiar place - a focus for us to open our hearts and share our deepest feelings. #doodleaday #widowerlife #copingwithloss #family

I’d love to fall in love but it’s not in the cards as I’m broken. #widowerlife

The extended family of our friend group has been so important since Joy’s death. Without them things would have been so different. I am eternally grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people. #doodleaday #widowerlife #friendsarefamily

The little things that really count. The delights of parenthood. #doodleaday #widowerlife #parentingjoys #simplepleasures

I often praise them for their achievements - but when it comes back at you the other way, it’s the sweetest of the sweet feelings. It means so much that they are proud. X #doodleaday #widowerlife #soloparenting #findingjoy

He certainly dances to his own tune (literally sometimes!) but I wouldn’t have it any other way. His mum would have just adored the young man he has become - just like I do. I’m so proud of him. 💜 #doodleaday #widowerlife #survivinggrief