Widowed

Jon died unexpectedly at the age of 79. I thought we'd have many more years together. We won't.

I’m 83 and I’m Dumping My Bucket List

September 28, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Sometime between the pandemic and my husband’s death I began dumping out the contents of my travel bucket list. Read more.

Three Photos That Bring My Husband Back to Life. And One That Doesn’t

September 21, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Now and then I come across a photo that brings my husband back to life, and for one sweet moment, Jon is there in all his ineffable Jon-ness. Read more.

Widowed: I’ve Been Writing a Memoir in Essays All This Time

September 14, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

For three-plus years, I’ve been writing blog posts about being widowed. Do I have the makings of a memoir in essays? Read more.

Widowed: Jon’s Memorial Tree Is Thriving — Both of Them

August 17, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

The memorial tree planted in my husband’s honor is thriving — both of them. Madrones are fussy, so we planted two to be on the safe side. Read more.

Tending a Friendship — I’m on Her Calendar and She’s on Mine

August 10, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Tending a long and deep friendship — we’ve done it by setting a hiking date once a month, without fail, so that I’m on her calendar and she’s on mine. Read more.

Widowed: My Husband Is Missing Out — On the Sight of Two Galaxies Dancing in Space

July 13, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

I’ve been widowed three years. My husband has missed out on a lot in that time, including a parade of images from the Webb Space Telescope. Read more.

Widowed: Marriage Mistakes — If I Could Have a Do-Over, Would I?

July 6, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Widowed, I think often of my marriage mistakes. Did I leave too many tender words unsaid? Too many small kindnesses undone? Should I have mated his socks for him after I took them out of the dryer? Read more.