It was one year ago this past April that my wife of 61 years died. I can't begin to explain the lonliness.

I am sorry for your loss--I know how daunting it must be. My husband committed suicide in 2010, on the 4th of July. It's been 9 years and I still miss him terribly. I don't know what I'd have done if it hadn't been for my friends and family members. Also, various strangers were extremely supportive, as well. I learned that the grieving process isn't linear, and that we never really get over it. I cried every day for the first year and a half. Eventually I began to adjust, but it's still tough sometimes. The smallest of things can trigger a flood of memories. I've had to tell myself that he wouldn't have wanted me to be so distraught and I do all I can to stay distracted so that I don't dwell on the emptiness.

I’m so glad we have this group. You are a very special lady indeed. Sending big hugs on this very hard day. Wish I had the right words but I sometimes think in losing your mate words are not adequate.

It's been a pleasure getting to know you and others in spite of the conditions. In this group we are all with you. Being where you are now or having been there. Big hug.

The first year is the worst. You'll be getting stronger now and you've no doubt already learned how to keep putting one foot in front of the other to get you through each day. You're starting to write a new chapter of your life and you get to write it almost any way you want.

Hugs from me....if we have helped in some small way to lessen the pain of loss for you, it makes all this posting worthwhile!