My husband and I sold our home and decided to rent for ease so we wouldn't have to worry so much about the bigger ticket items. I cried when we shut the front door for the last time and my son came up to me and said "mom home is where you make it, Home is where we are" We were finally settling in to our new place ( a year) and he was suddenly gone. I clung to this place because we were there together. His smell, his things, his pictures, his everything. I wanted it all close to me and I couldn't seem to get it close enough, still can't. I am actively looking for a new place (not by my choice) and its a scary thought. going to a new place with out him won't be home to me. I had lived on my own for about 6 months before we were married very young so being with him is all both of us ever knew. I guess for me its a double edge sword. I will take him with me where ever I go but yet we won't settle in together like we had done before. I decided that I will create a family memory wall that is centered around my husband's picture. Each year we will add something to that wall. It will be ok and she will be with you every step. Talk with her, think of her and include her in the only way you can. She will always be in your home because she's in your heart

Lisa

I know that I am biased but in my opinion, you couldn't have made a better choice than AZ! LOL We moved here in 1988 and I have not regretted it for a second. It is a very beautiful and diverse state with hot weather, yes, but also cool mountains a couple hours drive away. I think you will be very happy here. Even though it was for a very different reason, I moved here to start a new life too and it worked out beautifully. Best wishes and a nice big AZ hug to you! Welcome...Darlene

I wanted to add a bit of advice that a therapist who deals in grief said to me...Moving is also a loss. Before you go, take a moment to walk this home, each room, and reflect on a memory you had there. Say goodbye to that space. It might help with the transition you are about to make. Best of luck to you, none of these choices we make are ever easy. Lori

I admire your strength moving ahead since your wife passed away. I pray the very best for you and that it will help in your healing. I am moving on Saturday, two years after my husband died, giving up our home and moving in with my daughter until I find a condo. As with you being in a home together for many years brings to mind many happy memories. I hope that you will find comfort, happiness and peace.

Thank you, I hope you find comfort, happiness and peace as well

I am in a new home...I think it is helpful. For instance, i felt like catching up with our old neighbor, but kept putting down the phone. I felt like crying and couldnt bear to talk to her. Marc and I lived next door to her, and talking to her would be too sad, because she was in my life with Marc.
So yes, Im finding it easier to live in a new place where many never knew him. Those in our old neighborhood are grieving his loss too.

I see your moving to AZ, I'm visiting there now. I'm trying to see if I like it enough to move here. Ilk about 2 hrs north of Phoenix.

I liked it alot from my trip down there, but i really enjoy the sunny hot weather..

my new place is in Glendale in the Deer Valley area..hope to be moved soon :)

I think it helped me. I was afraid though of being in the my old house, and I also bought a lot of new furniture when I moved so that was fun and gave me something to focus on for a while. I didn't think about it being a new chapter at the time but now, I can see it that way from the backside. I hope all goes well and understand the mixed feelings, hugs to you.