When Breath Becomes Memory: A Widow’s Journey Through Sacred Loss

When He Was her Breath

How does a wife carry on
when she mourns the death of her husband,
when he was her breath?

The part of her heart that aches now—
because she carries what is missed.

I believe it's one of the hardest losses
one can ever endure,
when what was shared between them
was the completion of their own souls.

A foundation joined,
knowing the meaning of eternity
in each other’s eyes.

Not only a lifetime shared,
but a love that survived
the chaos of this physical world—
a world that at times misunderstands
the true meaning of pure love,
God’s love.

The only comfort for her now
is knowing he stands with Jesus.

So the prayers she prays
only bring her close enough
to feel some small relief,
moment to moment.

Her days are hers alone now,
finding a new way to exist.

What once was fullness,
what once was answered prayer,
is now silent wandering
through a long, quiet day.

Yes, she'll always appreciate life,
and each day given…
but it’s quieter now.

Her steps may be slower,
even unsteady—
maybe unsure
which direction she’s supposed to step toward.

Food seems tasteless,
she doesn't know
what she wants to nourish herself with.

When grief aches through the entire nervous system,
it takes a will within
that only God can stir—
For only he can lead her
toward the rest
of her Life.