Over two years without my hubby

[Jane Austin]

21. It's been seven years for me, this month.

The first couple of years were just terrible.

I kept exercising and kept getting out to see people and kept working.

Slowly, slowly things got better.

There are still things I can't do - like listen to certain music, or watch the big dog shows (Some of our best times were when we were showing our dogs at Westminster) but I am generally happy most of the time. But I'm not really joyous about much any more.

I miss him like crazy and dream about him all the time. There are things every day I want to tell him, but he's not here.

One of the biggest problems is that when you are alone, no one really touches you any more, especially if you're old.

Enter - pets! My dogs are all over me and are wonderfully affectionate. I also try to get a massage once a month.

I never come home to an empty house because there are four dogs here who can't WAIT to see me.

To sum up, take care of yourself and if you are depressed, get medical help.

Yes, the pure joy of sharing your life with someone wonderful is gone, but happiness is possible and you can make a very good life for yourself.