Author Description

I didn’t have a lot of life experience when I met my husband in 1972. If I had, I probably wouldn’t have married him, although I loved him with all my heart. I didn’t recognize the warning signs of either the alcoholism or the depression that made him unbearably unhappy. I certainly never expected him to end his life by suicide almost twenty-five years later. My memoir, which includes some of my poetry and journal entries, is reflective and tells the story of my life before and after my husband’s death. I transformed myself from a very shy little girl who was afraid to speak, into a woman who believes in her power to create the life she deserves. Because this story deals with how alcoholism, depression and spousal suicide affected me, I felt it was important to include selected events and experiences which might help the readers understand how I came to make some of the choices I made. I have always described my life as normal. I do not think I am extraordinary in any way. When my world crumbled there were times that I did not think I would ever be happy or normal again. I am happy to say I was wrong about that. This memoir reveals the unique and intimate story of my marriage, as well as my recovery from the trauma of my husband’s suicide. I found a path that moved me beyond the pain and guilt, to a life of great joy and a passion for living. I learned how incredibly strong I am and that I am the only one who has control of my life choices. I did not write this memoir as a catharsis, yet the act of reflection while creating this book, opened my eyes to how very strong and capable I am. I want others to know that they, too, can get past just about anything life throws at them. The choices are theirs to make.