DON'T MISS!

I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.

Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."

Breaking News: The Afterlife Is ‘Fantastic’

December 4, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

This just in — the afterlife is “fantastic.” That’s the news from Jon. And he should know, he’s been in the afterlife since February. Read more.

Widowed: As He Lay Dying

November 27, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

I wasn’t in the hospital when Jon died. I couldn’t hold his hand or say any words as he lay dying. Did he know his life was coming to an end? Read more.

Talk to My Deceased Husband? I Can’t Do It

November 20, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Talk to my deceased husband? Some widows can. Not me. I can’t talk to Jon without going to that awful place where he is no more. Read more.

Widowed and the We-Ness of Marriage

November 13, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

I’ve been widowed nearly nine months now, and I still can’t let go of the we — the we-ness of marriage. Here’s why. Read more.

What Do You Say When Someone Dies?

November 6, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

What do you say when someone dies? How to console a friend? There’s not much you can say do do — except to just be there. Read more.

Halloween — A Day for the Dead

October 30, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

In the spirit of Día de Muertos, I’m making this Halloween a day for the dead: I’m publishing a story or two told about Jon at his interment. Read more.

Widowed: Who Will Look After Me Now That Jon Is Gone?

October 23, 2021 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Jon was the one I could count on for rides to car repair shops and colonoscopies. Who will look after me now? Read more.