by Shanon Weaver
There is little pain felt in the world worse than that of losing a spouse. It can seem like navigating a sea of grief with no clear map, and for many widows and widowers, the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming and…well, lonely. But in Dallas, there’s a group dedicated to making sure no one sails those seas alone.
The Widowed Persons Support Group (WPS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1984. The term “Support group” may be a misnomer, however – WPS is an uplifting community that offers a variety of events, activities, and grief counseling sessions to help people not only process their grief but also reconnect with life.
At the heart of WPS is its six-week grief support program, which is offered free of charge three times per year.
“It’s only for widows and widowers,” says Mary Burnett, the current president of WPS. “Some other organizations may have grief support for the loss of a parent or sibling, but this is strictly for someone who lost a spouse or possibly a significant other.”
As Sally Hanson, the vice president and head of publicity, explains, “What makes us so unique is the fact that we have Lily, who is phenomenal with our grief classes, and then after they’re through with that, they can move on to the next step of re-establishing their lives without their partner.”
“Lily” is Lillian Adrian, who became a widow herself at 54.
“I got up and got ready to go to work one day,” Lily says. “My husband kissed me goodbye, and little did I know that would be the last time I heard his voice. He passed away very suddenly, and at 54 I was a young widow, and I didn't know how to put one foot in front of the other.”
Lily shares her personal story with participants, helping them understand that healing is not about forgetting the person they lost but learning how to carry their memory forward.
“Sometimes people think letting go of the pain means you’re letting go of the person you lost, and you don’t want to let go of that emotion,” Lily says. “We work hard for six weeks trying to encourage people to recognize that you’re not letting go of the person, you’re just moving forward in life.”
WPS also offers a variety of social activities to help members re-plant their lives, including dinner and dancing, theater outings, luncheons, and travel. The events are designed to be fun and uplifting, providing a space where members can feel comfortable and supported.
At a recent dinner and dancing event at Brookhaven Country Club, Lily experienced a particularly touching moment:
“I had a wonderful gentleman walk up to me and say, ‘Would you like to dance?’ I love to think about that because we’ve got to learn to dance again. You’re there with people that you don’t have to feel intimidated by. You’re learning to live again, and that’s what I love about these events.”
These gatherings provide more than just entertainment; they help members form deep and lasting friendships.
“There’s a group of us who were all born in 1949, and we call ourselves the 49ers,” Sally says. “When we turned 70, we had a big party and invited all the members to celebrate. This year, we’re turning 75, and we’re doing it again. It’s another example of how our friendships have grown and stayed strong over the years.”
For those who have found a second chance at life through WPS, the organization’s impact is immeasurable. Members have not only formed lasting friendships but, in some cases, even found love again.
“Since I’ve been a member, a few of couples have gotten married,” Mary says, “and we have a newly engaged couple!”
WPS is proof that, with the right support, life can be full of joy, laughter, and love—even after devastating loss.
For our readers who may be currently dealing with a deep loss, Sally has some wonderful words:
“I would say that there is life after death. My husband died 17 years ago, and I'm still living and enjoying life…not because he's gone, but because he would have wanted it that way.”
As Lily so beautifully puts it, “You never let go of that grief, but we try to neutralize it a little bit and allow people to journey through it easier. We help them keep dancing.”
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