Hi there...
I'm not in Michigan but I didn't want to leave your post unanswered.
My husband died after a lengthy illness, and the end was 'expected' but stil a shock to the system.
I didn't have much choice but to carry on as I have two children, ages 10 and 12 at the time he died.
Some things I found that helped me:
Lists - my memory was shot for a while, so I had to write EVERYTHING down or I'd forget to do things, or what I was supposed to do. I still carry around a small notebook and rely on it.
Exercise-I cycled to work (15 km round trip), renewed my family membership at the YMCA, hired a personal trainer for a while. As I got physically stronger, I felt better. Even walking my dog helped.
Support groups - I sought out anything I could find to help me and my kids - check at local churches, your hospital, social service agencies.
Pampering - I treated myself to massages, manicures, pedicures as I could afford it. The massages were especially beneficial.
Crafting - my craft of choice is knitting and I like it because it allowed me to be social at the same time, with my knitting group.
Reading books on grieving - Elisabeth kubler Ross and Alan Wolfelt are two authors recommended to me -currently I'm reading one that Martha recommended "Seven Choices" by Elisabeth Harper Neeld. Excellent book (thanks Martha)
Online resources -this group has been enormous help.
Be gentle with yourself, take care, and take one day at a time.
Hugs, Jacqueline.

Thank-You for the help I sure am happy to here anyones advice. Sorry for your loss even it was sudden or expected you never can prepare yourself. Both my kids were adults up and married. Must be really hard to have to be strong for kids still at home when you are such a mess yourself. Sending you a hug and thanks for al the good advice.

I am a widower and in southern MI. My husband had a heart attack as well. In addition to this forum, I have found in person grief share groups to be very helpful. I liked the way they are set up. You meet weekly and there is a 'lesson' about some aspect of grief and a video of how others have dealt with that aspect and then you are free to share your expierence if you so choose. You can find a close group on-line.

Are there any close friends or family that you can lien on for a while?

I grew up in Lansing, but am in Tennessee now.

I live outside Milwaukee, WI just across the big pond. I found met -up groups helpful. It allowed me to get out and socialize without the pressures of dating. I have met many very nice people.
Russ

That should read meet -up groups.

So sorry for your loss. My husband passed from stage iv cancer last March. No family in my immediate area except a sibling who lives over 100 miles away. I joined Greif Share and went through 13 weeks and the videos and sharing does help. Now, I just go to a support group. Volunteerng helps, classes, exercising, hobbies, reading books on griefs. Hard being alone in the house, but slowly adjusting. Girlfriends help get me through.... We go to dinner, lunch, movies, museums, walk... all baby steps... Much peace to you.