Debbie,

The first weekend trip I took was a little tearful, but mostly because I went to a destination that we loved visiting and stayed in the same motel that we patronized. That trip was the best gift I could have given myself, as it broke the ice of fear. I have taken many since then, and I have found them to be very rewarding for many reasons, but the most important one was that I found I could enjoy myself even if I was alone. I started out a little shaky when I left home, but I soon felt comfortable in hitting the road.

I just returned from a trip to Disney World; drove the entire distance; rode the rides; relaxed; and enjoyed making new memories as well as remembering our trips together to DW.

I guess to sum it up: I learned that I enjoy my own company. It was scary taking that first trip without DH, but once I took the plunge I never looked back. I can enjoy going with someone, or I can enjoy being by myself. I've done both. We never really know until we try something what inner strength is waiting to be released.

Enjoy yourself and let us know how it went. TJ

My husband and I bought a time share in Aruba six years ago after going there for several years. We had already made our reservations to fly down in Feb. but his cancer took him in Nov. One of the places he wanted some of his ashes scatter was Aruba so I went down by myself in Feb. for one week and the second week my two daughters joined me. The first week alone was certainly a different experience. Just flying on the plane alone was difficult. We were flying first class because of his being ill so they had not re-sold his seat so I had this empty seat next to me as a constant reminder that he was missing. As we approached Aruba I began to cry knowing how much he loved it there. The first day I arrived was the most difficult..explaining why my husband wasn't there. All the reservations, of course, were in his name. I went to dinner by myself and that was a little hard as well. The next morning they had an orientation to tell everyone what was going on and what the activities would be and I saw a woman sitting alone so I went over and asked her if the seat next to her was taken and she said "no". Turned out she was a widow and had brought ashes of her husband down the year before and so we hit it off and ended up having dinner together and sitting on the beach together several times. So my experience wasn't as bad as I thought it might have been. Good luck ...I am sure you will be fine.

Buel1950. Sounds like God had a hand in that. Isn't it amazing how the right people are put in our paths at the right time?

Debbie - I'll be anxious to hear how the trip went. I went on a short trip to Florida last month - it was fine really - not a place that I had ever gone with Jim so there were no memories. It was sad coming home without him here to greet me -but my dogs sure gave me a nice homecoming!
I will be travelling to Wyoming next month. This is a place that was very special to Jim and I - some of the happiest times we've ever had were in Wyoming. I'm struggling with the thought of my first trip there without him - it makes me very sad. On the other hand, I need to see if this is still a place that I can visit and possibly retire. I hope that a this place isn't "taken" from me also. Good luck on your trip!
Hugs,
Stephanie