Your post motivated me to take up a new passion and maybe foster a pet dog.
HI, @CheerMeUp , what a great name to choose 
I wish I lived near you, Iād be tempted to adopt a baby elephant, but I think Iād need a bigger house, or learn to play a sitar
I would say go for dog , I have 2 dogs one quite elderly and not to good . The other very young . They have kept me going got me out of the house . Iāve had some lovely people who I have met through the dogs
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I find this Album calms my mind. And have been listening to it for 7 months daily. Softly floating by Emily Blue. Love to all
Awwwwww thanks so much @tykey, I choose this nick at a time, when my wife just started her end journey and I wanted someone to really cheer-me-up, which I was not getting in my real life. This site was and is a life-line to me. I can relate my journey with everyone here who are turning one-page at a time in their life. Healing takes time and it happens differently for everyone in different ways. BTW - having a baby elephant is a good idea, love that. Need to have many banana sellers on speed dial :-).
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Iāve just been for a walk down the canal towpath into town with my two little dogs, then into a cafe for lunch (who cooked them both a sausageā:grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:). Loads of people stopped me to pat my dogs. Imagine if Iād had that baby elephant insteadā:joy:
. Do elephants eat sausages??
Just think of the attention youād get with a baby elephant lol
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Yes I agree. That would have been nice and for the baby-elephant upkeep, you could have charged some money for patting and some for taking selfies. 
. ofcourse for toddlers and kids, free.
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Thank you so much. All I hear is that āyou will never be the same.ā I know that but to know there is light at the end of the tunnel is very reassuring.
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Well, itās the new year (just). When I started this thread, I wondered if it might create a bit of optimism for our futures. Either that, or it might go down like a lead balloon. Iām absolutely delighted to see so many optimistic responses, so thank you all for that.
Please take your hope into the new year, hold it tight, and have a year to look back on in pride.
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I am so glad you decided to make your positive post . As yet I not sure what my new normal is . And it certainly gets lonely with no one to talk to at . You have given me hope that it will get better with time . Hereās to a better brighter 2026
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Hi again @Sherbet10 . At a very early stage, as you are now, I was in Bakewell looking for a cash machine. It was stinking hot and many people were sat in pavement cafeās having drinks etc. It was one of my darkest days, Iāve never known such emotional pain, I was ready to give up.. Any road up, a lady invited me to join her at her table, because no others were free. She said later it was because I looked so unhappy. We chatted for a while, I said my biggest fear was living alone. She said sheād lived alone for 20 years and loved it!!! Nothing to fear!! She asked me how I wanted my new life to be, and made me write down a list of how I wanted it to be. There were some daft things on there, but over the weeks I refined it. There were things like developing my music interests, replacing my water bed because it kept leaking, chatting people up outside cafeās, Improve the house and garden, visit the outer hebrides, go canal boating, find the best option for holidays without Penny etc. My new chapter had a plot!!! I steadily worked towards achieving these things, and bit by bit my life took shape.. I now need to write an epilogue to fulfill (except the final bit!!! 
. ) Itās probably the last time when we can write the next chapter of our lives, and make it good.
I kept in touch with that nice lady, and remain firm friends!
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How good is that that lovely lady helped you when you needed it most . I have thought about holidays without my husband . Not sure how easy it is going on your own being female . I donāt like the idea of never having another holiday. Did you get to the outer Hebrides. I have been to the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris . Isle of Harris probably the best holiday I had with my husband . Just got back from Beacon Fell itās about 20 miles away . Went with my son daughter in law and the dogs . I walk in the fresh air always seems to lift my spirits some how
Yes, I got to the outer Hebrides, my brother and I hired a motorhome. A superb holiday. Itās a long way, though.
For more normal holidays, I found Shepherds Huts filled the bill perfectly. Every year I go to such a hut on Anglesey, Iām booked to go again in May. A couple of times I hired a small cottage in Northumberland
Glad you got to the Hebrides , itās is a long way .well worth it though . I donāt drive so will have to think of something different.
Loved reading this .
I lost my partner December 9th. He died suddenly with a bleed to the brain. He was only 60z I have been beside myself with grief for me and my two sons.
My son had to work on him then I had to take over. It was horrendous.
Because of my sonās bravery working on him when the paramedics came they got a pulse . He was put on a ventilator and we had two days to say our goodbyes 
Itās still early days for us but as a family we will be strong for each other . Iām sure with time it will get a little easier .
This post have given me hope, thank you 
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Sometimes I surprise myself how much we can achieve if we just say āYESā, when a friend says āWhy dont you?ā.
NOTE: always say yes, you can always change your mind later.
A friend said to me āwhy donāt you join our choir?ā I said yes, of course.
I hadnt sung for 50 years. So I went to a practice session, to find 60 men and women singing harmonies, about 2 of them had sung seriously in the past. Of course I struggled a bit for an hour, but they were very understanding and helpful, and I started singing somewhat like I should. 18 months later (this last Xmas) I was part of a concert singing to a paying audience of over 200!
Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined belting this medley out, and the sheer pride and satisfaction was amazing. Iād also made 60 new friends as well.
I might tell you later about potholing, because, again, I said YES!
So, ALWAYS SAY YES!!!
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I canāt say I will take up singing as I not musical at all . I am sure I will find something.The phantom of the opera is one of my favourite musical . The singing is wonderful . Well done
You might be more interested in potholing when I get around to it @Sherbet10 
Holidaying alone. I decided that camping was the best way forward for me. With 2 dogs and my income severely compromised, it is a cheaper option. Plus we never did it together, so no immediate bad memories. I spent time finding something I could set up on my own. I am staying at sites of the Camping and Caravanning Club, which feels safe. I go away at least once every month and find it easier to sleep when I am out of the house. There are groups on facebook for solo female and/or widow campers. Lots of tips and encouragement.
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