Today is the first day

I was organizing some papers over the weekend and found an old wedding invitation that I must have wanted to keep for some reason. The invitation read "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives." I guess it was a take off on the 70's expression "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."

I understand that this expression is supposed to be inspirational. I think it is trying to say that every new day is a fresh start.

As a widow maybe I should try to incorporate this inspiration into my life. Instead of looking at my new life as challenging, boring and empty, I should be thinking that each new day could be the beginning of a wonderful, new life.

If it was only that easy. As widows we have a lot of first days that impact our lives. The day our husband dies is the biggest first day of all. Our lives change forever. Then there is the first holiday, anniversary, birth, family wedding, reunion, Saturday night, graduation, etc., etc. Each day reminds us that we are going it alone and how truly difficult (and un-inspirational) that reality is.

Maybe Hallmark should have a condolence card that says "Sorry that today is the first day of the rest of your life."

I'm just saying.

Sue