Lesbian Widows

Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. Introduction The Decision to Write Book Participants Writing from Experience Lesbian Relationships Chapter 2. Shock and Denial Ellen and Kate Janet and Chris Anita and Holly Cassie and Fran Shirley and Terry Which Is Worse? Chapter 3. Terminal Illness and Disbelief Anna Marie and Caroline Vera and Nancy Joy and Barbara Traci and Dana Marilyn and Cheryl Samantha and Marie Chapter 4. Long-Term Illness Heather and Ruth Dale and Carol Pam and Sandy Maureen and Robin Rose and Steph Nora and Anne Pat and Betty Chapter 5. The Caretaker Role Donna and Randi A Change of Roles The Support of Friends Lois and Joan Beverly and Virginia Jane and Lynn Irene and MJ Linda and Tonya Examples of Support Examples of Isolation Chapter 6. Parting Moments The Presence of Death A Spiritual Experience Saying Good-Bye Memories and Laughter A Sense of Intimacy The Relationship Not Recognized The Painful Reality Chapter 7. Funerals and Memorial Services Feeling Invisible Hurt by Lesbians Open Support Religious and Nonreligious Services Rites of Passage Chapter 8. Grief Work The Pain of Grief Work Health Feeling Her Presence Home Ways of Escape Coming Out Chapter 9. Comfort and Support Friends Family Support Online Support Therapy Other Sources of Comfort Chapter 10. Complications Legal Discrimination Support Groups Written Materials Disenfranchised Grief Chapter 11. The First Two Years The First Year The Second Year Chapter 12. Loving Again Problems Experienced Myths About Grief Still Single Chapter 13. Grief over Time Grief in the First Two Years Around Three Years Four to Seven Years After Ten Years The Gift in the Grieving Chapter 14. For Friends and Family Grief Takes Time Accept the Relationship Avoid Clichés What Does Not Help How Friends Can Help Get the Help You Need Chapter 15. For Professionals Grief Models The Lesbian Community The Need for More Resources Appendix A. The Lesbian Widows Appendix B. Resources Bibliography Index Reference Notes Included