The Irreverent Widow is a person, a community, and a movement.
Borne out of horrible circumstance, IW is the brainchild of artist/writer Sandi Amorello who, after losing her husband at too early an age…and being asked to take out her credit card to join a grief support group… sat back and said – “You shouldn’t have to pay to grieve.”
Amorello helped herself overcome sadness and grief by finding humor in events and “first steps”in order to move forward with her life. And she is here to pay it forward.
IW is, essentially, grief support for women who don’t fit the typical widow mold. This is not an age-based group but, rather, a mind-based group. That is to say IW is for all women who believe that there is life after death here on terra firma. And it’s a life that still contains a lot of laughter. It is a free, peer-to-peer service that connects to women on a very real level through the experience of a woman who has been there and done that.
Objects hold great energy and meaning. They embody our memories and convey the essence of the events, places and people we have cherished in our lives.
If you're a widow and have an object that tells a story, I invite you to be part of our upcoming "Sacred Stuff" exhibit. Share your treasure and your tale with the world.
Thank you. I have been living this widow hell for 4 months now and your website is a refreshing change from all the depressing stuff I've found. I want to know that I'll be ok and that I won't feel this way forever. You have given me hope.
Bonnie Gibney Westfield, MA
I am glad I found your website. It feels as if I finally found someone that I can connect to after 2 years of going through the process virtually alone. Reading your stories makes me feel a little less lonely.
thanks, Therese
I appreciate your wonderful "free" stories. When I'm alone and need a pick-me-up, I read one of your stories. You are an inspiration!
Barbara Lewis N.Y.
Your website is obviously very innovative and entertaining. You sound like a woman after my own heart. I am forwarding your website to friends who are like-minded. I love the fact that you are irreverent. Irreverence = courage.
Yours, Virginia Hadfield, South Africa
You made me smile tonight. I am the face of change and dealing with much loss. I just want you to know I appreciate your honesty and this is amazing for other women to connect and not feel like they are alone or crazy.
Kimberly Portland, ME
I LOVE your website... and your sense of humor!!
Charlene South Dakota