Dealing with the loss of a loved one is always devastating. Our spouse, who is also our partner, best friend, other half, and soul mate, is someone we chose to spend our lifetime with. In losing them, it is normal to feel lost. You lose a piece of you and wonder how you are going to live without their presence in your life. You feel frightened. You worry about your children, young or older, and then there are grandchildren and so on. Your mind is plagued with so many thoughts. You are no longer under a title of wife or husband. You are now a widow or widower. To lose your spouse affects the rest of your life. You are left feeling uncertain, emotionally vulnerable. Some people say you almost lose your identity. A good healthy marriage has a bond that truly causes two to become one.

You may enter different stages of grief after losing your spouse. They say time heals all, but more pain is found when one tries to go about their everyday life. There are constant reminders of their spouse's role and now there is no longer someone for that role. It has been said that some feel like they lose their spouse over and over again as each reminder comes into view.

Not that you are ever ready to let go of your spouse, but there are ways to deal with it that can ease it, even if only a little. There are steps you can take before ever losing them to ensure security in finances and for your children. You should talk to your spouse about what you both want to take place should something happen to one of you. From life insurance to support groups, remember there's a lot of people to help.