You're Not Alone!  

Dear Reader, Your spouse has died and now you're alone. This doesn't mean you have to stay alone. I'm sure your friends have been wonderful and have included you in many outings. This is good, and you should take advantage of it, because if you refuse they will stop asking you. I know, sometimes you might be tired and want to stay home, but don't. You need to get out of your home, meet new people, do new things. I have found that volunteer work makes me feel good about myself and allows me to meet another group of people of all ages in all walks of life. This is stimulating and broadens your horizon so that you can become a more interesting person. If you are fortunate enough to be invited out by the opposite sex, that is a plus. Go and enjoy yourself without any feelings of guilt. I always said that if I died first I would expect my husband to go out. This would mean that he had enjoyed our life together and wasn't spending time needlessly grieving. It would be a compliment in a way. Our society is made up of twos, in many circumstances, so this allows you to be in the mainstream. I can remember my first "date" after my husband's death. I was invited to a dance and here I hadn't danced in a number of years. Between not having danced for so long and "what would I talk about?" I was a nervous wreck. Not to fear, it was like riding a bike -- it all comes back. It turned out to be a fun evening and opened up another door. So live each day to the fullest. Grandma