In answer to your question "does this site help"? I don't know as I am a new member, but I can tell you that writing about it helps. Yes, it's painful to put your feelings into words, but it keeps their memory alive. It's the good things that we need to remember and how they shaped our lives. The little things that we take for granted come back and remembering them will put a smile back on your face. Time has no limits on who, when or even why. I think that by focusing on your daughter is more important than worrying about dating. It'll happen when your least expecting it to.

I too am new to this online support. However, it has helped me. Finding other people who have gone through similar situations and talking with them. When someone who hasn't gone through what we have, asks me how I am feeling, its unexplainable. On here its different. People understand how you feel to an extent and understanding each other is a lot easier.

Thank you, I can sense some relief from just engaging others with similar hurts.

You bet this site helps! You have found a home with us if you so choose.
I know for a fact that I wouldn't be in the secure place that I am without all of these wonderful people here on this forum. I came here one lonely night searching for I didn't know what. 16 months later I am building a new life and love all the while cherishing the memories of my last chapter. It is possible to not only thrive but also to survive. It takes work but you have to learn to acknowledged, accept and let go of so many issues along this path. It can break you but it can also make you stronger. It will change you but it's up to you as to how.
I'm so sorry for your loss and truly feel your pain. Stay with us friend....read, write....vent. Someone will always be here with a kind word, advice or a swift kick in the pants if so needed! ;)
I'm glad that you found our group....we will help you but you also need to help yourself. Love never dies so you need to live this life in a way that honors all that you've learned from your past.
Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows...you can do this....
Strength and courage to you new friend!
Darcie

That is so encouraging to hear, Darcie. Sound wisdom on honoring what's been learned, that alone could keep one focused on the positive outlook for a while. Laura taught me a lot about being patient with others and "not knowing what they may be going through". I'll stick around and see what this has for me and if I can contribute in any way. Thanks for having me, In Him, Mike

I am so very sorry for your loss. It must be difficult having to raise your children as well as attend to your own needs. I lost my husband 1 year and 13 days ago. Fortunately my children were in their 20's and my son still lives with me. This site has been tremendous in validating my feelings and giving me the sense that others get it. It is such a lonely experience to lose the love of your life, the person with whom you share your entire life. Many people in your life are unable to really understand or give you the sense of community that this site does. I have a cousin who lost her husband 2 months before mine. We are still in our 50's and so were our husbands. Just at that part of life where you are done raising kids and getting back to just the two of you. It helps to come here and let it out and receive responses from people who know exactly how you feel. Time does make a tremendous difference. I look back at this past year and know that I have survived but still can't fully digest that this is forever. So I continue to just focus on right now and get through each day. I wish you peace on your journey. God Bless