Widows Peek
by
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Taken from the Preface of "Widows Peak"
Are you asking why I wanted to compile a book about widows and their stories? The answer is simple—because I am a widow myself, I wanted to help others going through the same huge void I was going through. Indeed, this is a unique book. It’s an observation of how these women have risen above and gotten through this terrible lonely ordeal. After you meet these ladies by reading their individual stories, their illuminating backgrounds, with a description of what each wife went through; you will learn the real meaning of courage and strength. I believe there is enough varied information from these stories to give solace as well as hope to those who are newly widowed or even long-term widows who still have not been able to pick up the pieces and have not yet been successful in putting their lives back on track. I truly hope this book will bring some comfort, helping to make the going easier in a tough time. There may be loneliness but you are NOT alone!
When I formulated the idea of a book about women who have lost their husbands, I decided to make a list of the people I knew personally who lost their guys. I began to list the names and phone numbers on a sheet of paper. To my complete surprise, I had a total of 29 names, including my own. That’s a lot-widows of all ages.
How could I get these people together? Would they be interested in sharing stories of their married lives, their background, and the loneliness they were feeling? How are they surviving now?
I decided to invite all the women to a dessert and coffee afternoon at my home here at Ridgemark. Most of the ladies live here or close by. I sent emails or called by phone to give them the particulars of the upcoming party.
It was set for a particular Wednesday at 2:00 in the afternoon. To my complete surprise, all except five showed up at my front door. I welcomed each lady individually and told them to help themselves to the dessert and coffee or tea in the kitchen, and then come into the living room to meet and talk with the other women. I thought it would be nice to have everyone introduce themselves.
While they were eating dessert and sipping coffee
I told them we were all members of the same club, I explained that we were having a “Widows Peek” party, and I would confess why I invited all of them to my house that day.
“How can you and I help other widows everywhere? Why don’t WE write a book describing our own personal experiences? It would be a collective effort. Each widow will write her own chapter.” I certainly could feel the excitement rising up in all of them. Me, too!
I told the assembled group, “Here is some information I will pass out to each of you. This is the base for your widow’s story. Each of you will write your own story, which will become a chapter in our book entitled Widows Peek.” Most of them seemed very excited with interest mounting in what was going to be a most illustrious and different type of book.
I handed out the sheet of paper that sketched out the story base for our book. It contained simple instructions, mostly in outline form, of what was required for their chapter. It was a delightful afternoon. They left with something new and different to think about, which was a good thing in itself. I always say try to think of new things to do. It’ll keep your brain busy, which is also a very good thing.
Some of the ladies, after I talked to them individually later, opted for one reason or another not to participate. Some said: “I’m not a good writer,” others, “I feel too sad when I think about all of that,” or “We didn’t have an interesting life.” Most of these people had never written anything before. I continued to urge some of them to try it, and see what happens. I had definitely nine to ten women who agreed to write their story for the book you are about to read.
True, there is sadness. You will feel the pain, of course, but will also revel in the strength and vigor of these women as they relate their stories. There is humor. There is love. There are also strange occurrences. However, first and foremost, there is remembering—the good memories and the not-so-good memories. I think everyone will agree that physical exercise is good for our bodies, but as reflected here, exercising our minds has been even more exhilarating. My authors and I are certain you will be inspired once you have absorbed the wisdom and experience contained herein.
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About the Book
Widows Peek shows you a magnified view of the unsettling life changes after the death of a husband through the eyes of nine courageous women who share their stories of love, loss and starting over. Being a widow has never been an everyday topic of conversation, but it should be. You will meet these widows who came together to share their personal experiences through intimate accounts, revealing powerful truths and profound discoveries that are inspiring enough to help any woman get through that horrible void.
Although there is loneliness, we are not alone. We have learned that widowhood is a huge, life-altering, but growing experience. We also learned that there is no book written by a group of women for women that details the pain, sorrow, coping, and eventual recovery from the loss of a spouse. The need for such a book is apparent, a book that explores the lives of women transformed by widowhood, in which we share our own unique way of dealing with the death of our loved one. These pages are written with real emotion, warmth, and even with unexpected humor.
Not just anybody can be a widow; it can only and exclusively be … a woman!
About the Author
Renette Torres, at eighty-three years of age, is a widow of five years who was happily married for nearly fifty-six years. Renette started up her own successful watch and clock business and is a world traveler, an author, and still an avid golfer, leading an energetic and active lifestyle with her rambunctious dog, Bogie, in Hollister, California. In this, her second book, she is joined by Mses. Lynn Nilsen, Shirley Chapman, Helma Smith, Marlene Bolla, Stefi Rudolph, Becky Funk, Mona Wolters, and Velma Tiffany, each of whom contributes a unique perspective on the death of a loved one.