WHO I AM ~ KATHY
Living with loss.
For me life was a challenge and this photo shoot was a gift from my daughter Estella. I had always wanted to do this sometime in my life, but I had low self esteem and felt broken as I was at this time filled with the grief of losing my husband.
Some days it’s hard to find a silver lining but I’m proud that I can control my ups and downs. My family is important, as they are always there for me and of course, the support of my true friends. I strive to enjoy my life and who is in it with me, I try to just take one day at a time and be thankful for what I ‘have’.
Losing your soul mate is like riding into a storm, you have good days and bad. Just ride it out. Take time and courage and patience. Reach out for help from others. Don’t struggle or be alone and get help. Take heart you will get through difficult times.
If I could give you advice I’d say; distract yourself, sometimes listening to music, lighting candles and going through photos can really help. Learn to accept and express your feelings. Don’t give yourself a hard time about it. Let yourself cry freely and really try to understand where you are coming from. Try putting your thoughts on paper and listen to your heart. Believe in your journey as you do find strength through it all.
I wish people understood that grief is a series of stages to go through; it’s a huge loss for you and you’ll find it hard to cope. There are always birthdays, anniversaries and little everyday things that can remind you. But it takes time and time will heal. Loss and grief are a part of life for everyone.
Looking back, I am proud of me. As they say you are ‘never to old’. I got my first tattoo at 68 and now I’ve got two, “wow you go girl” as family members would say to me. I’m very independent and proud of who I am and who I have become. It has been a journey, just to go out with friends and do the little things that I was afraid to do. I feel better in myself as a person, I will not shy away and I speak out for myself now. I love life and now I am a stronger person.
This photo shoot was amazing; I loved to have the whole day, with two special ladies that make magic happen for you. They treat you with respect, it makes you feel humble. And thank you to my beautiful daughter for giving me the chance to do this, to change the way I was feeling. It made me feel beautiful inside and out. I loved dressing up and just being me – I was very proud. Thank you all again. I think I looked amazing on that day and was on a high, had to pinch myself.
