Contributions by Linda Ambard
![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2023/2023feb-ambard.jpg)
A surviving spouse shares her remarriage story. The Love Lives On Act would allow surviving spouses to remarry at any age and maintain their benefits.
2/14/2023 - TAPS - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2017/mar2017-ambard-runinng.jpg)
The grief journey takes us to unknown places, and while we don't know all that we will encounter, we can pack some things to help us on the journey ahead.
3/10/2017 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/22-3-hope.jpg)
I have been able to face my fears daily. They don’t rule my life. I choose to be happy. I choose not to quit. I choose to take a chance.
10/1/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016jul-mad.jpg)
Sometimes in grief, you will get angry at your loved one. A surviving spouse shares the side of grief we won't always admit - we get mad at our heroes for leaving.
7/8/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016may-secret.jpg)
When Linda Ambard's military husband was assassinated she lost hope. Then she met a man who saw her for more than just her story.
5/16/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016apr-linda.jpg)
Marathon 100 can be about surviving the Heartbreak Hill of life and pushing through my fear to take back my life one step at a time.
4/15/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016mar-hands.jpg)
Navigating loss and grief with your adult children and your new relationship.
3/22/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016feb-choice-pxb.jpg)
In a new relationship, a surviving spouse talks about the choice between allowing it to move forward in hope or protecting herself from losing again.
2/29/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016feb-waitingoncall-pxb.jpg)
She missed her husband's call. Not returning it in time would cause years of guilt, but an important lesson to always let others know how much they mean to you.
2/12/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016jan-gentle.jpg)
An honest dialogue about opening your heart to a relationship again after the death of spouse.
1/27/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2016/2016jan-umbrellaxpath.jpg)
The grief journey crossroads of avoiding pain and risking your heart to find happiness again.
1/7/2016 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-ambard2.jpg)
I embrace the spirit of hope that comes from my faith and from the life I have been given.
12/15/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-machupiccu.jpg)
Getting off of the couch isn’t about exercise; it is about living life.
12/8/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015nov-ambard.jpg)
I am thankful that Phil taught me what it was to be loved well and how to love well.
11/23/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015nov-freedom.jpg)
Phil never took for granted the freedoms afforded to him by the citizenship he received to our country a week shy of his 18th birthday.
11/11/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015oct-ambard2.jpg)
This weekend with other military widows brought me clarity. It is the place where I could see how far I have come and where I need to dare myself to go.
10/6/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015oct-ambard.jpg)
No retreat, no surrender, and I have to trust at some point the way ahead will become clearer and more comfortable.
10/1/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015sep-ambard.jpg)
It is going to hurt and I am going to want to quit, but I continue on because I simply cannot let terrorism have any more.
9/15/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015aug-ambard2.jpg)
In that choice to forgive, I am free to remember a man gone far too soon. I am free to enjoy living and not be consumed by my own negative judgments.
8/27/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015aug-ambard.jpg)
It battered my physical body and bruised my heart. The oppressive heat of summer bore down relentless and pressing and left me aching for a simpler time.
8/6/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jul-ambard.jpg)
Phil’s legacy of duty, honor, commitment, faith, life, and love did not end with the death of his physical body, but the legacy grows and shines through my work.
7/22/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
I am good at being the mute friend and the friend that never takes the risks, but I am learning that nothing ventured is nothing gained.
6/30/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jun-ambard.jpg)
Four years out, I can say that this journey is like a marathon. It still hurts. But by focusing on the next step it will eventually lead the finish line.
6/16/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015mar-hands.jpg)
Forgiveness isn't something I can see happening in one decision. There isn't just one thing I can do to fully forgive. It is simply a process.
4/27/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
I act on the dreams that I have the power to achieve. I am no longer the broken winged bird that cannot fly. Someday is today.
3/3/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jan-ambard.jpg)
Happiness is a choice. It isn't always easy to make that choice and certainly life is not always fair, but looking for contentment is easier than enduring a pity party.
1/27/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
It’s all about that attitude. While I cannot deny that I still have pity parties and days that I break down in tears, but every day I make the choice to be happy.
1/13/2015 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-ambard2.jpg)
I have to prepare my heart for the onslaught of pressure to the healing wounds. I know that from Thanksgiving (our anniversary) through Christmas, I will hurt.
12/22/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014nov-ambard.jpg)
As I ran the hills of the Athens Marathon today, I recognize a huge change that I have made.
11/17/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
My other promise to Phil was to find a chapter two-find love again.
10/27/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014oct-hope.jpg)
Phil's death caused a quake in my belief system and it has made me question who I am, what I stand for, and what I carry in my heart.
10/20/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014aug-sandheart.jpg)
When Phil's candle burned out far too early, I snuffed out a part of me with him. In the 23 years of marriage, I found a safe harbor to weather the storms in.
9/1/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
Three years after Phil was killed, I've realized that I, like most, had a skewed perception of grief.
8/18/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jul-ambard.jpg)
I have a dress that sits in the back of my closet. I wear it on special occasions because of what it has come to represent.
7/7/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-ambard2.jpg)
Loneliness creeps up on a person. In unexpected traumatic death, there is no preparing for being alone.
6/23/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014may-ambard.jpg)
Who am I without my Phil next to me? Who am I and where do I go next?
5/19/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014feb-ambarddance.jpg)
It is my year of promise, new beginnings, hope, and I intuitively know that I will find my way.
5/19/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015feb-ambard.jpg)
April is my celebrate life month. I simply look for ways to celebrate the life I have been given and for ways to honor the man who loved me well for 23 years.
4/21/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014mar-ambard.jpg)
Sometimes in the quiet moments the longing sneaks in. It comes in my sleeping hours when I will awake with a sense of wanting and knowing all that has been lost.
3/24/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014feb-ambarddance.jpg)
For some reason this year, Valentine's Day is gouging me. This day has become my "Single Awareness Day."
3/3/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014feb-ambard.jpg)
Those sparks ignited with the magic of Disney and are blazing. I chose Disney because it is a happy place and my inner girl child comes out.
2/3/2014 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013dec-ambard.jpg)
I stood facing down the monster of the holidays this year not knowing which way to turn.
12/9/2013 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-ambard2.jpg)
I am stronger than I ever thought. My heart beats true and full, but I will never be the same girl Phil loved and knew well.
9/30/2013 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013jun-ambard.jpg)
My youngest graduated from the Air Force Academy recently. He was commissioned by his oldest brother and his youngest sister.
6/10/2013 - Linda Ambard![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013apr-ambard.jpg)
I may not feel much like rejoicing, and I may not feel like I am in control of my life today, but I do know this: with faltering steps, I will stumble on.
4/22/2013 - Linda Ambard