I feel lost, lonely, and overwhelmed with guilt. (Lost my wife)

I’m a 36-year-old man who tragically lost the love of my life on December 4th, just 20 minutes after she gave birth to our sixth child. My oldest daughter, 16, is my stepdaughter, and my other children are 4-year-old twins (boys), a 1-year-old daughter, a 1-year old boy and our newborn son. The pain of seeing my wife gone is unimaginable. We shared 14 beautiful years together filled with love, heartbreak, grief, and so many cherished memories.

During this difficult time, I have found solace in the understanding that we were always there for each other. Yet, it was heart-wrenching to break the news to our children and family. In the initial week after her passing, I felt utterly lost. I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed, eat, drink, or even shower. I just sat there, hoping against hope that she would walk back through the door, even though I knew deep down that wasn’t possible.

My oldest daughter has been an incredible source of support. She’s reached out to me multiple times, reminding me that I’m not alone, that she loves me, and asking how she can help. She’s stepped up for her younger siblings, despite the pain it causes her. I’ve told her she doesn’t have to shoulder any extra burdens, especially with her mother gone, but she insists that it’s what her mom would have wanted. When she talks to the little ones, I see so much of her mother in her, and it brings both comfort and sorrow.

On the other hand, my father and brother have struggled to understand my grief. Their words of “get over it” and “man up” feel harsh and dismissive. How can I possibly move on when I’ve lost the person who taught me what it means to be a compassionate and loving individual? She introduced me to God and filled our lives with love.

I humbly ask for your prayers for me and my family during this incredibly challenging time. Thank you for your support. 🙏🏾