When I look back on my life Ian was always there. I don’t remember a time when I did not know him. Growing up in a small town gives you that benefit I suppose. Life has been completely altered by knowing that he won’t be calling eventually from a scratchy satellite phone or that I won’t be getting one of his famous 2 liner e-mails. Ian and I went to school together all the way through high school. I was in the class above him and we hung out every now and then with mutual friends (later we confessed that during high school I thought he was annoying and he thought I was a rude snob).We began working at the same place during high school and eventually started going to parties together or just hanging out as friends. We were forever trying to play matchmaker for each other which was ironic. Time went by and relationships in our lives came … Continue Reading
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Words to Live By

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. - Mitch Albom
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Featured Story
I Will Never Forget
Posted November 23, 2011, by Ashley, Proud Military Widow of Sgt. Ian M. Tawney USMC
Recent Stories
A Vietnam Widow’s Letter to AWP
Posted May 2, 2012, by Faith, Proud Military Widow of Tom
I am a Vietnam ‘widow of the heart’
I just watched a short video about this project and was reminded of my own story in 1968 during the Vietnam War. I came to this website… Continue Reading
The Last Goodbye
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We widows all come from different circumstances and backgrounds, but I think we can all agree on one thing. Our kids, by no fault of their own, are different than other kids–plain and simple. Why… Continue Reading
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Posted March 28, 2012, by Crisanta, Proud Military Widow of Cpl Cody H. Searway
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One Week Left
Posted March 21, 2012, by Adela, Proud Military Widow of PFC Steven Shapiro
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I met my husband through a mutual friend in the summer of 2003. Steve… Continue Reading
There and Back Again
Posted March 14, 2012, by Jenna, Proud Military Widow of CPT Jonathan D. Grassbaugh
When Jon and I went on our first date, it wasn’t technically a “date” as such. We went to Bertucci’s Pizzeria, where I ate an entire pizza – by myself – and then saw the… Continue Reading
Our Story
Posted March 7, 2012, by Amy, Proud Military Widow of CPL Jacob Tate
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My Fairy Tale
Posted March 2, 2012, by Rachel, Proud Military Widow of SSgt Jeremy Smith
I think I’ve written and erased this first line at least 20 times… My Husband Jeremy, known to many as SSgt Smith is and always has been an amazingly passionate man. He was a poet,… Continue Reading
When the Whole World’s Ho Ho Ho-ing and You’re Thinking, SO WHAT!
Posted November 24, 2011, by awpadmin
With the Holiday season fast approaching, and everyone you know, and wish you didn’t, is making merry…
While you, the newly widowed, are thinking, Bah, Humbug…
Is it any wonder you want to scream, “Stuff… Continue Reading
