Years have passed since I became a widow, a change I did not see coming.  In truth I never liked change and never went looking for it.  I've worked for the same organization for thirty six years and was married for twenty seven years.

Change meant that I would have to go outside my comfort zone and that wasn't for me.  Now years later change is something I seek out and everyday something knew and interesting happens.

Just the other day I got my first online order from Honolulu and I was so excited.  In some ways it was just a simple thing, but it's a huge leap from where I started years ago.  I used to hate change but I've learned to love the excitement of doing new things.  After all, once you have changed from "wife" to "widow" all other changes are small in comparison.

Flipping through my albums shows me that I've changed greatly since Donnie's death.  I hope that as I grow older I also grow wiser and kinder.  One thing I'm sure of is that I'm a work in progress and I will continue to seek out opportunities for growth.

If you have just lost a loved one you need time to grieve but when you're ready make some changes towards your new life.  No one else can do it for you!