Losing my husband was the hardest thing I've ever gone through. For a long time, my wedding ring felt like the only tangible connection I had left. It was a symbol of our love, our life together. But as time went on, I started to wonder if holding on so tightly was actually holding me back. This is my story of letting go, and finding myself again.
Even after months had passed, I found myself constantly touching my ring finger, almost like I was still "fidget spinning" the ring that wasn't there anymore. It was a strange habit, a physical manifestation of the emptiness I felt. I also noticed something else. When I wore my ring, people treated me differently. Maybe it was just in my head, but I felt like the world saw me as "taken," somehow more complete. But that wasn't me anymore. I was a widow, navigating a new, unwanted identity.
After a lot of thought, I decided to experiment. I moved my ring to my right hand, thinking it would be a good compromise. After three years, I took it off completely. To my surprise, nothing happened. No one noticed, no one reacted, and no one treated me differently. It was almost anticlimactic. I wasn't sure how to feel. Was I supposed to feel something? Was I dishonoring his memory?
Then, I put it back on. It just didn't feel right yet. Each of us grieves differently, and for me, the ring still carried too much meaning. It was a reminder of the beautiful life we shared, even though it was also a constant reminder of what I had lost. It was a confusing mix of emotions.
I remember wearing both his wedding band and my own ring together for almost two years. It felt like he was still with me, somehow. But one day, I took them off. A close friend noticed immediately, and so did my mom. I had a conversation with his parents and sister, explaining that I still loved him dearly, but seeing his wedding band on my hand was incredibly painful. I was worried they would feel betrayed, but they understood.
Another friend, whose husband passed away only three months prior, shared that she had stopped wearing her wedding band about a month in. She was terrified of losing or damaging it, so she only wore it for special occasions. On other days, she wore a silicone band. She couldn't bear the thought of going bare-handed either. It's amazing how we all find different ways to cope.
Then there's another perspective. A woman I know whose husband died nearly 13 years ago has never taken her rings off. She wears his wedding ring, her engagement ring, and her wedding ring, all on her left ring finger. She says she never will. And that's perfectly okay too. Ultimately, it's a personal decision, and what matters most is honoring your own feelings and your own journey.
Taking off my ring didn't mean I loved him any less. It just meant I needed to find new ways to remember him, ways that felt more aligned with where I was in my healing process. I started exploring different types of jewelry, something that felt like a fresh start but still held meaning. That's when I discovered homepage. I was looking for something delicate and meaningful.
I started searching for new jewelry that might bring me comfort and a sense of renewal. I stumbled upon Sumsfashion online and was drawn to their selection of unique pieces. I wanted something that felt modern and stylish, but also carried a sentimental touch.
I ended up purchasing the Trendy Hollow Love Heart Shaped Pendant Necklace. I was drawn to its delicate design and the way it seemed to symbolize love and hope. It was a small, shiny reminder that love can still exist, even after loss. It wasn't a replacement for my wedding ring, but it was a beautiful addition to my life, a symbol of moving forward while still honoring the past. The hollow heart design felt like it represented the space he left, but also the love that still fills my heart.
Wearing this necklace felt like a new chapter. It wasn't about forgetting him, but about remembering him in a way that empowered me. The shiny silver color also went well with everything, and it's become my everyday piece. It gives me a sense of peace.
Here are some things I've learned along the way about dealing with loss and how jewelry can play a role: