Life’s Struggles … Or a New Adventure?

I usually find myself very intrigued by ones journey in life and how they feel and cope with the choices that they have taken or what road in life one was given. One thing I do know, the older we get and the more we know, the consequences of our choices get deeper; not only affecting ourselves but others as well.

 Why do I bring this all up you may wonder?  Because I myself am at a fork in my life’s journey and I find myself struggling to find myself in a different role- this time, a widow. I know there are many women out there that have either gone through this struggle or are currently going through it as well or will be soon. When do you feel like you are no longer the “couple” but are now the  “single” one amongst your friends, but still a “couple” in your heart? How and when does the hurt stop? When will the pain of the emptiness of your heart stop crying out that you just want a hug, someone who makes you feel safe once again?

I feel lonely and empty and my world has been turned upside down and I know I need to get to a place where I can feel comfortable in my “own skin” once again. One thing I know for sure – pain is a motivator for change!

Can Life Lessons be Learned Through Precious Gems?

Since becoming a jeweller for Fifth Avenue Jewellery, I have been learning the terms of each of the precious gems, crystals, pearls, zirconia diamonds and many other gems they pride themselves on in their craftsmanship of designing their superb jewellery.

 

Pearls are a favourite of mine and as my thoughts wondered along the long enduring process of a cultured pearl. A lump developed in my throat as I realized I too was enduring the hardship of being conformed into the image of my favourite gem.

 

On November 4^th, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. I became a widow at the age of 54 years old. My husband of 29 years succumbed to the cancer that was consuming his body after a brave battle of 3 and a half years. Although I knew the inevitable was going to happen, when his heart stopped beating, nothing prepared me for that specific moment. As in the sand that irritates the clam to produce a beautiful cultured perfect pearl, my husband’s silent heartbeat started the process of grief and pain that I know has and will continue to conform me into a woman perfected by the trails of pain and suffering.