Story Categories - Transformation

Transformation Tuesday: Marcia DuPont

I went to overcoming obstacles to help encourage a friend. I know that I was sluggish but had no idea how stuck I was. It was about 2 1/2 years after my husband’s death. The weekend with AWP has jump started my life. I thought I was doing pretty well…but I was stuck. Too much to do,too many excuses, too many distractions. I now know I can do just about anything. For example, I went canyoneering last year had wanted to do it for a long time but didn’t get to enjoy it was scared and in tears every down. This summer I have been painting the second story of my house on a lift. First trip was rough, but I did it. 35 ft off the ground and I am ok. I am amazed at the direction my life is going. My ability to see my issues too. I never allowed myself to be mad at my husband. To allow myself to feel anger has helped me move forward as well. Talking about the anger with my 19 year Soldier who doesn’t face his anger either has helped him reach out for help too.

So far one weekend has affected 2 lives with visible positive change.
Oh, I completely forgot the 7 year old procrastinated vein surgery that I have now taken care of and survived the 4 weeks of recuperating afterwards.

THANKS AWP! For getting me unstuck.

Transformation Tuesday: Lauren Ayube

The first time I met girls from the AWP it was 4 months after I lost my husband. They were the first widows I had met within 20 years of my age. We were in New Orleans on a service trip to help rebuild homes. That weekend is what inspired me to go back to school for Social Work. I found meaning in being able to connect with other girls my age who had experienced the same loss I had. I found a renewed sense of purpose in being able to help others. WidowU allowed me the chance to evaluate the choices I was making in regards to my body and my health. I feel that Maya Angelou’s words “When you know better, you do better” is applicable to my life since connecting with these programs. I have been able to let go of a lot of my anger. I feel focused on my goals and connected to life again.

I encourage anyone who is considering either of these programs to definitely go. At first, I was really nervous before my first trip, because I realized that I was getting on a plane to go to a city I had never been to, in order to spend time with women I had never met. I met some of my closest friends in New Orleans and I feel that by getting involved with the AWP as early as I did, I was able to re-route my life in a positive direction a lot earlier than I would have been able to otherwise.

I am not going to lie and say all of the positive growth was immediate or easy, but I met people who were willing to walk through my grief with me. Having friends that I could text at any time, just to talk and listen. Every girl has a different story, every story offers me insight and growth.

lauren ayube