Are We Ever Ready?... Part 2

February 27, 2013

Another area of concern, when there is a death in the family, is finances. Things are not the same, believe you me. Having taken a class via the University of Missouri Extension, I discovered that many women (older than I) had never balanced a checkbook! They did not know anything about budgets or how to “cut back.” There are many available agencies to help one out today, many of them have books and other tools to help you. I have read books by Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, Mary Hunt, and Ron Blue. Many of these people also have programs on the television or radio. The area in the library to look is the Personal Finance section. Look for the newest books on investing as this is an ever changing area. Many of these authors also have websites, so be on the lookout for those. Do not forget our magazine area, as well as the Business and Finance databases MCPL subscribes to.

A few years into widowhood I had to purchase a new car. I usually tagged along with my husband and my only concern was the color! I kid you not!! I looked into all the advice I could get. First I listened to Clark Howard on the radio, I looked at the Consumer Guide for Used Cars, and then I looked at the Blue Book. I investigated online for used cars and found one I liked, which I have been driving since 2005. I enjoy my car and maintain it thanks to my dealership. My only dislike is the color, never again will I purchase a white car.

There are times when I am quite lonely. All my friends are busy with their husbands, who have finally retired, or with their grandchildren. That is as it should be. I am a single lady, but I volunteer my time at my church, keep up with grandchildren and their various activities, and keep busy with my crafts and my home. I hardly see my friends any longer and I miss them. By the time I arrive home after a busy day, I am tired so I have not made any new friends. However, through my work I have met many wonderful people. Reading is a wonderful pastime and we even have book clubs. We also have a needlework group at Boardwalk (which I moderate). Join us any time.

One problem, of course, is the grief. How do we deal with that? I wish I could answer that question for you but I am still dealing with mine. Churches have great groups but there are also counseling services to help you. Everyone is different and we all respond in our own way. We have many books to help that can be found under the subject of Grief. This area covers the psychological and religious aspects of what you are experiencing, as well as books from the perspective of one who has gone through the grieving process. What I am trying to say is, there are many areas of concern for those who are widows/widowers, and the library is there for you.

Stay tuned for "Are We Ever Ready?" Part 3... 

Joyce D.
Boardwalk Branch