Hi Geo
I came back for the first time in months the other day and thought the same.
The site and community was a lifeline for me after my husband Martin died in April 2014.
I am so grateful to you and the others who were travelling the same path at that time.
All the best
Sandy

Somehow I missed your post last year. I was part of that group, as well and it was a lifesaver at the time. Hard to believe it has been 10 years + for me and all of us too.

I’ve been in Fla. now for 7 years and have a good life, relatively speaking. My ex SIL lives with me, so I’m not alone and I’ve made a couple of good friends. Soon I’ll be 77 and that’s hard to believe too. I try to keep busy and have developed some artistic abilities that I enjoy.

I’m not interested in finding another partner, but friends for sure. They make all the difference, as I have no family, other than a brother who lives in Tenn. but I also know I’m just biding my time. It’s something that changes you forever. Take care
Mary Ellen

I agree with you, Geo. I have been a widow since 2010. Not sure exactly when I joined DS, but it was before the format changed. I didn't comment much so I know you wouldn't remember me, but I found it so comforting to read comments from those that felt the same way that I was feeling. It's sad that there is so little activity on DS. I suppose people have found other sites to be active and helpful. It was good seeing a posting from you. Roxanne

I joined a different group right after my husband died _ called "Chapter Two."
VEry active, lots of folks - and one day the moderator announced that it was shutting down in two weeks. A couple longtime members set up a new forum - and it was good for a while. In time, there was no moderation - instead of a place for the widows/widowers it started to veer into generic 'advice for the lovelorn.'

And weirdly: although it was formed on the heels of "Chapter Two" and how **outraged** people were that Chapter two shut down with so little notice - it's successor shut down with ZERO notice.

I've been widowed since 2010. I did realize the demographic odds were not in my favor. My outlook was that I was better off alone than with someone who wasn't a good match. (I loved my late husband, but he was an alcoholic. I wasn't going to make that mistake again)

I did find someone though. Which is a bit odd - I'm kind of an acquired taste.

Hi….I was first here in 2009and it was my lifeline……several of us met in person…..first gathering at my place…..wasn’t even phased by 8-9 strangers coming…..at that point I figured the worst that could happen was I’d end up in heaven with my Love….Baahaaaha
We all seemed to be of that mindset…..several were from out of state.

We had a comeradory….net a few times more in other states….got me through some really tough days….

Only keep in touch with a couple now….

Seem to have had a relapse of sorts the last week….while content for the most part, going through the raw grief thing ….caught me off guard…..

Still searching for some of the old friends here….and hope to make a few new ones……
Hugs
Lori