I HAVE lived in the Wokingham area for around 45 years, working in business and in leading church groups with my wife.
We shared a very successful and happy marriage together, where two certainly became one.
When my wife died I was left feeling like the battered half of one whole person.
It’s difficult physically, emotionally and psychologically.
You can’t go back.
And yet how do you go forward?
I obviously have to leave behind me a life with a partner, and I need to adjust to how I now am.
The hours pass more slowly if you haven’t got an active list of engagements, so I have tried to set myself some new goals, and things to learn or participate in.
Should I be productive or just try to enjoy myself?
Neither is that obvious.
I just try to avoid staying behind my own front door and disappearing into the ether, which is a temptation.
How does my faith help me?
There are still tears each day that are triggered by different things.
I use some Celtic daily prayer each morning which is my way of giving time to God.
Doing this helps me to think and to reflect on things.
I feel God has walked with me through it all, and I constantly talk to him about it, and about her.
The place I have reached today is evidence of His presence with me.
Fred Slack is a member of Kings Church which meets on Sundays at 10.30am, with coffee available from 10am.
For information, visit: kingschurch.org.uk
