After your husband, wife or partner dies, you embark on a journey to a foreign land. Exploring this territory is the process of grieving. To support you on your journey, HOPE group therapists offer suggestions to help you grieve, including ideas for healing, keeping the memory of your loved one alive and honoring them. One way to begin healing is by simply talking or writing to your loved one. Telling stories about them and reliving cherished events are wonderful ways to keep them alive in your heart. Honoring them can involve creating rituals such as lighting a candle for them at a holiday dinner or playing their favorite music at family get-togethers.
Recently, we were touched by a story about a gentleman who explored his grief in an especially poignant way. Recently widowed at 96 years of age, Fred had written a letter to his wife in the form of a ballad, “Oh Sweet Lorraine.” Shortly after, Fred heard about an online video contest for singers/songwriters. Although Fred didn’t sing and he wasn’t a songwriter, he submitted the letter to the contest — perhaps intuitively recognizing a way to simultaneously heal, keep his wife’s memory alive and honor her.
The Green Shoe Studio producer saw the power latent in Fred’s beautiful letter and decided to put his words to music. The result is this heartfelt expression of love.