Collin County Living Well Magazine November/December 2017 | Page 57

Time passed.
My family pretended nothing had happened until Thanksgiv-
ing––the first holiday sans Mom. A trip in awkwardness for
each and every one of us. My family was happy to gather
for Thanksgiving and I looked forward to seeing them. How-
ever, all I knew how to prepare was the turkey and dressing.
I asked our kids to think of what they would like to prepare so
we would have more than turkey, dressing, and store bought
pies. In the end, it worked out well and we spread my de-
ceased wife’s ashes on our big tree in the front yard. That
spring, flowers bloomed for the first time in several years.
Nothing like ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Let me tell you, I worked out long, hard and often during this
fresh start. I was warned that single females would start call-
ing and to be aware of their intentions since I was an active,
financially stable widower. My phone would ring, and emails
flowed wanting to know if I would like the pleasure of some
female company. It was a busy time, especially for me, since
I had very little dating experience beyond college graduation
and that was nearly 30 years earlier and dating had changed
a great deal. There’s a big difference between married and
single people. I had not been around single people in years.
What an adventure!
Healing.
There but for the grace of God, go I. Sadly, good days can
be replaced by daze if we’re not awake and aware of our
situation: control our thoughts, feeling, emotions, words, and
actions. And what widow or widower will be succeeding at
that consistently?
My clients could not have been any more supportive, along
with the broker who was helpful. My business partner did what
he could to cheer me up. The Widowed Persons Services, had
a wonderfully supportive chapter with activities and a swell
group of people. I enjoyed the pleasure of their company.
Prestonwood Baptist Church supplied a singles class that was
really something. Toastmasters was an outlet, as were several
standup comedy schools. No; I did not want to be a standup
comedian. After a couple of years of studying and perform-
ing, I was glad that was behind me.
The Italian Club of Dallas, was where I met my wife Suzi. By
then, I was two years into being a widower and thought I
would never find anyone worth having. Suzi is a delightfully
gifted and talented, Yoga teacher, artist, singer, and enter-
tainer, and financially responsible.
Life Now
We live and learn. In time, we studied some more. We do our
best to guide others through the journey and adventure, and
the joy of life. I enjoy exercising daily, eating properly, and
continue to share my life and family with my wife Suzi. We
work together in my practice and have the same interests such
as our faith, family, hobbies, and experiencing new things.
We are having fun together despite being older, if not wiser.
If you too find yourself a widow or widower, you’ll have to
make the arrangements. Get to it and through it. You’ll learn
to cook for one, shop for one, and get used to saying “me”
instead of “we.” Remember to give yourself permission to en-
joy life again.
Securities are offered through Securities America Inc., member FINRA and SIPC, Advisor
services offered through Securities America Advisors., an SEC Registered Investment
Advisor. John Checki, Jr. Representative. This is not a CPA Firm.
John Checki Jr. and his firm have been helping some of the nicest families in North Dallas, Richardson, Plano, and Frisco for
about 30 years. They specialize in Baby Boomers Wealth Management and have a unique and complete Wealth Management
Process. You can read the rest of their story on their website. (John’s proudest accomplishment is his family: Children,
Grandchildren and Wife.) They love family and to travel, scuba dive, take pictures, study, and attend church gatherings.
John Checki, CPA, CFP®, CRC®
Your Personal Chief Financial Officer
2435 N Central Expy, Ste 1508
Richardson, TX 75080
[phone]
J.J. Checki III
www.johncheckijr.com
John Checki
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