Welcome!

As a new widow, I've found that God is a true Father, a faithful Friend, and a deep Comforter. As I've learned to navigate this journey with grace, I've found things that are helpful, practical, and inspiring. That's what I want to pass along to you!

THE LATEST

What to Do When Your Husband Dies: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Creating a New Routine: Daily Habits That Help Widows Heal

Grieving the Loss of a Spouse: 7 Gentle Ways to Cope and Heal

You are here:home/the blog/When It’s Time to Let Go of What They Left Behind

When It’s Time to Let Go of What They Left Behind

SHARED BY JANE BURGIO| LEAVE A COMMENT

This site MAY contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase. I only recommend products I truly believe in. Thanks for your support!

There’s a moment in grief that no one really talks about. It’s not the funeral or the first holiday alone — it’s standing in front of a closet, a garage, or a drawer full of memories, and realizing that it’s time.

Time to take a step.
Time to let go of things.
Time to decide what stays — and what doesn’t.

For me, it was my husband’s car.

FREE GUIDE: What to Do After Your Spouse Dies

It sat in the garage for months after he passed. I couldn’t bring myself to move it, wash it, or even sit inside. It was the last place he drove. His scent lingered in the seats. His sunglasses were still in the cupholder, like he might walk out the door and need them again. Every time I looked at it, I felt like I was losing him all over again by even thinking about letting it go - losing tangible, visible evidence of his presence, provision, and protection.

And yet… I knew it was time.

The things they leave behind hold so much more than their physical presence. They hold memories, smells, laughter, touch. Sometimes they even hold guilt — “Why didn’t I appreciate this when they were here?” “Why am I the one left to decide what to do with it all?”

But here’s what I’ve learned: letting go of things doesn’t mean letting go of them.

It took me weeks of agonizing to make the decision. That morning, I opened the garage door for one last look - a final keepsake moment, a memory of when our cars together in the garage indicated the world was as it should be. And I cried. Because the world wasn't as it should be, and definitely not as I wanted it to be. I drove his car on the last leg of its journey as part of our family, our dynamic duo. I lingered in the driver's seat, just because. I took a photo. I whispered, “Thank you for everything, Babe.” And when I had to walk away, it was with an aching heart — but also a strange sense of peace.

I realized I was making space — not just in the garage, but in my life. Not to forget, but to heal.

Here are a few things that have helped me take the big steps:

• Start small. One drawer. One pair of shoes. One item of clothing. It doesn’t have to be all at once.

• Invite help. A trusted friend, a sister, someone who can sit quietly or listen to your stories as you hold each item.

• Create meaning. I kept his favorite flannel shirt and had a pillow made. His wedding band now rests inside a small frame beside our wedding photo. A display of his guitar picks and concert stubs sits in a shadow box on a shelf. These things hold him in a new way — not to tether me to the past, but to honor what we shared.

• Talk to God throughout the process. Ask for strength. Ask for gentleness. Ask for signs of grace. You’re not doing this alone.

Most importantly: Be kind to yourself.

Free Download: 10 Scripture Cards for the Brokenhearted

I’ve created a set of 10 beautifully designed Scripture cards you can print and keep on your nightstand, in your Bible, or even on your mirror. Each card is a gentle reminder of God’s presence and promises when grief feels heavy.

Fill out the form here to get your free printable Scripture cards.

Keep them close. Pray them often. Let them speak life into your heart.

Taking Big Steps with Grace and Gentleness

Uplifting Scriptures and Christian Quotes...

The Widow’s Financial Checklist

There is no “right” time to do this. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. And if you are, that’s okay too. Some items will go. Some will stay. What matters most is that the process reflects your heart, not anyone else's timeline.

Grief will always be part of my story. But as I clear space, I find that I am also making room for new things: new memories, new hope, even joy. Especially joy.

Taking big steps doesn’t mean leaving them behind.
It means choosing to carry them forward — in love, in faith, and in peace.

Has there been something that was hard to let go? Please share your story.

When Guilt Walks With Grief

Looking for More Encouragement?

If this post encouraged you, you'll find more in my book, Unshakeable in Christ—a 30-day devotional centered on healing through our identity in Christ. Each day features a powerful "I AM" statement rooted in Scripture. It’s written for women who, while navigating life’s hardest seasons, yet cling to their identity in Christ as their firm, unshakeable foundation.

Share Your Story

Have you found comfort in any daily routines? What’s helping you heal? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear what habits are helping you in this season, and your experience might give hope to someone else.