Among Friends

[willowbark]

@TeddysMom I can relate although way too painful to write about. It has added to my sadness.  I sometimes see a neighbor when I go outside.  I talk to the people at the grocery store.  

That's about it.  

[TeddysMom]

I'm here.

Any time.

[Chimi]

There is some good news. They are increasing the standard deduction from $15,750 for single filers ($750 increase), over 65 has an additional $2000 ($1500 increase) for single fliers . From 2025 through 2028, taxpayers over age 65 can claims an additional deduction of $6000 for single filers earning under $75.000. Over that income, it gradually decreases.

[willowbark]

@TeddysMom thank you. 

I am so glad I started this thread.  I hope all are feeling a little bit better.  

To those reading but not posting.  

[TeddysMom]

Just knowing there are so many others going through the same dark days is helpful.  We are not the crazy ones.  To all those who see me and are afraid to bring up his name: don't be afraid.  I would appreciate knowing you care and that you remember him.  

I was lucky enough to have a long and happy marriage but my life is not over and as soon as I understand all these new life rules I will move on.

The before is commited to memory now but the after is totally up to you. Make it count.

[Timalyn]

Guess I am average then.  Lost my husband to Covid in 2021 and he was 57 , me 59. 

Only enough insurance to bury him.  We don't qualify for SS benefits because I have a job.  That is my blessing to have had a job for 40 years but the loss of a 2 income house to a 1 is substantial.  I penny pinch like crazy and still worry about te next month to come.  I keep moving forward but it seems at a slow pace without my ride or die.   Blessings to the fellow sisters who have suffered the same.  This club welcomes all , even though we all wish we didn't belong.  

[pinkcrystal]

I am five years out.  I am now dating a man from church but we live apart.  I know I'll never, ever find anyone like the man I had, but time has helped with the awful hurt.  I hope you all find some comfort however you are able.  

[lynnie61]

I am not a widow.  I am not married.  But I had two very long term relationships and when they ended it was very hard.  I didn't date for many years, then 9 years ago I met the nicest man.  We are not married, but its loving, and committed.  We live together and it works for us. I am glad I took another chance.  You can't replace the husbands you love.  I just don't understand how people just drop and don't or won't include the remaining spouse in family events, holidays and birthdays.  It's heartbreaking to me.  

Lots  of great people on these forums for anyone that needs to reach out at times.  Always people checking in on holidays too.  

Thinking of all of you with big hugs!   (((❤️)))

[lynnie61]

[geezerette]

I can understand why some friends drift away after a spouse's death.  Sometimes the dynamic just changes without that person.  

In my case, several of "our" friends were really more "his" friends than mine.  And once he was gone, the relationship between us changed and felt strained.  I still see them, but not as often.  We were very close to one couple, and I am still very close to the woman, but the 'couples' aspect of our relationship is no longer there.

On the other hand, I now have relationships with people that my husband never would have been interested in.