((((((((((Lexicon))))))))))) I'm sorry it's been so hard for you.

My husband died 10 years ago. I held on to everything as well, every check he wrote, every fiber he looked at, wore, touched, you name it.

It takes time. After about 7 years, I was able to start going through things, little by little. Some things I was able to pass on to others or get rid of, some things went back into a box, closet, drawer. Now, after 10 years, I am still going through the last things. Each time I decide to go through things, the more I am able to heal, just a little bit more. Grief takes its own time and every single person is different. It doesn't mean someone loved that person more or less. There is no right or wrong.

I am now to the point where it's freeing to give things away to others that can use them. But, I wasn't there before. I have known people to give loved one's things away within the first year. They loved their loved ones just as much.

Be gentle to yourself. There is no time limit to our healing. I wish you gentle and peaceful days as you heal.