Of course I can do it alone ..

I've done solo travel before him and living alone but it's nice having someone, at least 1 human being who can chat to you about whatever without the usual social mask

I hate the expression 'strong'. What are we supposed to do when faced with horrible things in our lives? We have no choice.

Yes, it’s the wishing I didn’t have to do everything on my own rather than not being able to. And the having nobody to share the every day things with. I am sure I don’t appear lonely - but I am.

MacCavity2

If only more women believed in themselves.

Apologies for not yet having read the thread
I do believe in myself. I’m also living the best life I can, something I’ve tried to do since my mid teens

Non of this fill the huge empty space mr I previously filled

I think the poem is about isolation so people will just address their own experience of feeling isolated through whatever grief, trauma or experience.

Rosie I’ve had a happy marriage of almost 30 years. I cannot even begin to imagine losing him. You have to do this, there is no choice. As you say 😭 lots of love xx

That’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

People say, "You're so strong," like it's a gift, not something I built brick by brick when no one showed up.

That was the line that stood out for me too merlot

Luckygirl3

*People say, "You're so strong," like it's a gift, not something I built brick by brick when no one showed up.*

That was the line that stood out for me too merlot

And me!

Was it Eleanor Roosevelt who said "A woman is like a teabag; you never know how strong she is until she's in hot water" ?

I could have written that. Thank you

I'm not widowed, it would be easier if I was, but this poem is so true, it makes you very strong but oh how I wish I could be a soft old lady.

Strikes a chord with me too...