What to do after your partner dies

by Sheila White
(Cambridge, ON, Canada)

It may take a while, but you must shake off any depression and regrets and start all over again. This is a new beginning for you; take advantage of it.

Living in a seniors' facility as I do, there are many around me who just sit in their apartments and grieve. Others get out and circulate, join in the entertainments offered, take rides in the facility's buses, and generally enjoy life. They are the wise ones and they fill their remaining years with new memories and good friends.

Myself, I have made new friends -- people I have been speaking to on a casual basis over the five years I have lived here with my husband. Suddenly I find myself wanting to know more about them and listening to their stories with renewed interest. People are really fascinating if you listen and learn. Too many seniors, I find, don't really want to know about ME and always turn the conversation back to themselves. That's fine. They obviously need it, so I sit back and listen, and we both have a good time.

Life goes on. Make the most of it. Each day is a present -- a gift, Accept it with love,

Sheila White