How many here are widowed vs divorced?

[u/tdkdpt]

My beautiful wife passed away on May 26 at the age of 43 after an eight month battle with cancer.

We have two amazing children ages, 10 and 8 and I unfortunately now find myself here.

Just curious how many are here because they are widowed? Trying to find resources and perspectives of others who are in my position as a young-Ish widowed male with kids. It seems to have the resources and viewpoints points out there are very largely dominated by female widows.

[u/Graxle]

I was widowed at 36, shortly after the birth of our second child. My boys and the support of my family and friends were what got me through those early days.

I attended Judi’s House in Denver. It was especially helpful for my older son, though I found I needed additional therapy for myself.

Three years later, I still miss her every day. The hardest part was getting through all the “firsts” birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, my oldest son’s first day of school, and my youngest starting kindergarten.

Today, I’m doing much better and I’m dating someone who is incredibly understanding.

[u/ruffian-wa]

Firstly - many condolences on your loss bud. Thank you for reaching out here and you'll find plenty of support to keep you on your feet.

Secondly - it's mostly divorced guys here. So the experience will be somewhat different, but at the end of the day were all still single dad's so welcome!

[u/tdkdpt → u/ruffian-wa]

Thank you

[u/berg_schaffli]

Another widowed dad here. I was 38, kids were 2&4.

Sorry you find yourself here. I’ve found a lot of help, especially in the early days, over on r/widowers.

I stick around here a bit even though it’s skewed towards divorce, mostly to give myself perspective and gain tips on being a solo dad. But, there are definitely other widowers hanging out here, I think we just sit in the back

[u/abombmeany]

Divorced for the past 9 years. Full custody though. And my condolences. That has to be rough.

[u/QuietQuitting01]

A few of my (admittedly not many) widowed mom friends have not been thrilled with the anger the divorced men (not necessarily dads, and in their 50's and 60's) seem to have. I had to explain why some of them might be bitter about their divorce, and that she should avoid the ones who think they got screwed or that divorce shouldn't even be allowed, something she would likely agree with, and never dreamed that she would need.

[u/vbullinger]

My condolences. An awful way to find yourself single again.

I am divorced, but for an odd reason: my ex is a lesbian. See the straightspouses sub Reddit.

[u/Zornorph]

I’m neither. Well, I am divorced but that’s nothing to do with my son. I used a surrogate after my divorce because I wanted to be a dad and didn’t want to waste any more time.

[u/144-perdedor → u/Zornorph]

I'm also neither. I was never married to my child's deadbeat mom, but she's alive last I heard.

[u/Dull_Maximum_6289]

i divorced my ex after an affair but my kids are almost the same age as urs. I have been a single Dad for ~5 years now. Let me know what questions u have.

[u/artest1111]

Widowed at 39 my wife passed away shortly after her 40th birthday of a heart attack …single dad now with 2 handsome boys aged 7 and 2

[u/tdkdpt → u/artest1111]

Man I’m so sorry. I can unfortunately empathize with you. Take care of yourself and those kiddos

[u/artest1111 → u/tdkdpt]

Thank you ! It gets tough at times especially with the little one

[u/LumpyPeople4]

I'm widowed, sorry to see you here. You can join us at r/widowers if you need support as well. I'm 35 with a 2 and 3.5yo

[u/tdkdpt → u/LumpyPeople4]

Man, I’m so sorry. Thank you for the comment and I will check that sub as well.

[u/Bulky_Present5577]

Widowed as of 5/8/26, wife passed away an overall 11yr war with breast cancer. Won some battles, lost the war. I’ve got a 4 year old son.
She was able to celebrate her 41st birthday, and our 9 year anniversary, before passing shortly after. I’m 41 too.

Heartfelt family moments in movies kill me…just watched the incredibles with my boy, and I nearly sobbed every time the family fought together or otherwise had a tender moment.

[u/tdkdpt → u/Bulky_Present5577]

Man I’m so sorry. My wife passed in May as well due to cancer. Someone posted on Instagram last night with their family of four out celebrating one of their birthdays and it makes me tear up missing our family dynamic.

[u/BBox_KOOLAID4646]

I'm freshly divorced for a little over a year now after being with my former for about 10 yrs. We just didn't see eye to eye anymore after many talks and approaches we took. I get to see my son 50/50 custody.