The American Widow Project offers women a place to grieve during the toughest times
Over 6,600 U.S. service members have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to The Military Widow Project, since 2001. And that doesn’t even include the thousands of lives lost to illness and suicide. Which also means that thousands of military wives and families are left to grieve, often alone. But the American Widow Project is looking to change that, and they’ve already helped thousands of spouses get through the worst of times. The non-profit steps in to help women create a community of support and help them connect with other widows who understand their grief. Many of the women have a spouse who wasn’t even killed overseas, but battled with PTSD and depression once they were home. The organization fills a gap in tending to families after tragedy strikes.
Ladies,
If there is one thing I can say, is get your vet and yourself into counseling. Make it a priority.... https://t.co/kJCGav1B5u— Wives of PTSD Vets (@WivesofPTSDVets) January 24, 2017
It’s mission is straightforward:
The American Widow Project recognizes the sacrifices made by the families of our fallen and believes that no military widow should feel alone in her grief. Every military widow deserves the opportunity and tangible tools available to help rebuild her life.
The organization holds retreats so women can come and meet each other and share their stories. These gatherings are helping women heal. “I have to say, I haven’t genuinely laughed as much as I’ve laughed with these ladies, and shared things that … that I know that they understand,” member Erin Murzyn told NPR. “The inspiration I get hearing their stories — and they can talk about their late husbands and laugh, and tell stories, and cry, and that’s helping me,”Murzyn added. “I have hope. That’s the word — I have hope.”
By creating this makeshift family, The Military Widow Project is giving women a brighter future and breaking the stigma surrounding PTSD and suicide. It takes a village, right?
