I feel weird blogging. Somehow it feels different from the past three years on the Caringbridge site. Most likely because the main focus of my writing isn’t Eric and his medical maladies. Now it’s me and Arie. Stories and ramblings of a young(ish) widow and her little babe. I don’t like my new label. Someone actually used the term today for the first time…
– Nurse at the doctors office – “I’m sorry if this is a strange question, but it lists you in our system as a widow, is that true?” HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!!
– Fresh widow just trying to get some anxiety meds – “Yes. It’s recent.” GIVE ME MY DRUGS.
I anticipate this blog being part comic relief, part emotional release, part cry for help, part who knows. All, brutally honest since Eric’s not here to keep me in check…I’ve always been the oversharer (wordpress is telling me that’s not a word) out of the two of us…
So, follow along if you would like, I’ll try and make it funny.
Life of a Witty Widow 
So glad to see you are blogging! Thanks for continuing to include us on your journey!
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I like your URL choice. Thank you for letting us in on your journey! (Also, I’m on anti-anxiety meds too. Let’s start a club.)
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Me tooooooo!!!
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You and Arie are in my thoughts and prayers so often. I will love watching him grow up through your blog.
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I’m so glad you are bogging, Chelsea. You are an excellent writer and enjoyable to read. It will also be a means to know how we can pray for you and Arie, which we are continuing to do. Blessings!
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For those of us who by geographic distance can’t physically walk alongside you and share your journey in that way, this blog is very much appreciated Chelsea. I continue to pray for you and hope that the all to inadequate support somehow provides even some meager encouragement. Your eulogy was incredibly moving and poignant and I’m certain Eric has a smile on his face. Much love m’girl!
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Your blog site is on my home page! Looking forward to sharing in your journey, Chelsea!
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I have been following your story on CB. I have enjoyed you humor and been touched by your testimony and faith on the journey. We have mutual Facebook friends, but I do not know you personally. I recently saw you at an event for a friend of mine(a cousin of yours). I recognized you instantly. I was so amazed by you sweet nature and generosity of spirit to join in the joys of others in what must be some dark hours. Surely the peace that passes understanding is and was with you these days. I so badly wanted to hug you and pray with you, but I would have cried and blubbered something strange and caused such a scene and surely embarrassed us both. However, I prayed in that moment, throughtout the party, on my way home and I continue to pray for all of the firsts you have ahead of you. May God continue to grant you the grace and peace to face your new chapter. You are strong and brave young woman. And your son is the most darling baby I have ever seen.
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So glad you are blogging. You had fantastic CB posts and look forward to following you here. We’ve said a few times… She should write a book. You have a witty way of helping others navigate the medical field! You did an amazing job on the speech you gave at the funeral!!
Love
The whartons
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Chelsea, it does my heart good to see you going into this new writing – your blog. Such a great way to put your thoughts in writing, so that Arie may read how his mommy was feeling at this time in your life. He will appreciate seeing your strength and also the down times. Your writing is something that you are continuing to develop. It is a gift from God and you are using it to benefit the rest of us. We continue to keep you in prayer. May you always feel God’s loving arms around you!
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Dennis and I (Ann) have followed your care pages, prayed hard – pleading for a miracle – which Eric received by entering Heaven. It was just not the miracle we here on earth prayed for! I always found your updates so uplifting, “funny”, loving, God-filled and Eric centered. We want to follow you and Arie on this journey – God bless you and may you find some comfort and peace through this difficult time. We camped with the Westra family and remember Eric as that sweet little blond haired boy who, along with Mark Ronda, could come up with the funniest things! Eric is forever “frozen” in our minds as that little boy. It sounds like he grew up to be an awesome husband, Dad, and Christian man! Blessings to you in the days, weeks, and years ahead!
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I think this is awesome Chelsea, you are a natural inspiration to others with your faith and courage. Your ability to find the humor and your honesty are refreshing and hope you will find writing this blog to be therapeutic. We look forward to following along and will be sending our love to you and Arie! Xoxo, The Holmes-Vanlente’s
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Thank you so much for sharing. I was able to care for Eric and your family early in his diagnosis. I have followed your CB blog through my friend Lisa. Your family is so special to our unit and I’ll never forget the smiles and laughter that Eric and your family brought to us all. We don’t often know what comes next for our patient’s families. It’s hard not to wonder. It’s so great to read your blog. Thank you again for sharing.
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This is the best!! I will be looking forward to all the blogs… You are an amazing girl, my friend, Chels.
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Will definitely be following along. You rock
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I’m glad you are blogging. Your writings are the perfect combination of strength, humor, and honesty. I’m honored to be able to follow you on your journey.
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Thank you for putting in writting what many of us (young widows) are thinking and dealing with. Well I am sad another young person is going thru this, there is comfort in knowing someone else out there has the same feelings!
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