My husband and I had our last 10-day Caribbean cruise this March aboard the Enchanted Princess, and I’m so glad that we got to do that. On Sunday, May 3, 2026, I discovered, to my shock and horror, that he had already passed away when I went to wake him up for Church that morning. He was fine the night before, and this was totally unexpected. He was 73 years old. Needless to say, it’s been a very difficult six weeks since that day.
It took me awhile to realize that I am a widow, a single woman. I have never in my life lived alone, I went from living in my parents’ house to being married and living with my husband. I was 21 when we married, and we’d been married for 48 years, our anniversary had been in April. We’d raised a family of two daughters, lived in four States, cruised over 20 cruises, taken so many trips with family and without, and flown to London and Paris. How do I possibly have anything to look forward to now that he’s gone?
So, what will I do now? I really don’t know what the future holds for me. I’ve cruised alone before, so I may still cruise once in a while. I did go to Myrtle Beach by myself on the one-month anniversary of his death, just to be by the ocean. I am an independent woman, but I miss having him to travel with. We were supposed to go back to London in the Spring.
I closed down my Poshmark and Ebay shops, and also my Etsy store, on the day that he died. I’ve just opened them back up, I’m hoping that I can somehow manage to keep up with them. I definitely have the widow’s fog, it’s been so hard to concentrate. I’m so scattered and unfocused.
At this point I totally had to redecorate the bedroom, I just couldn’t leave it like it was when I found him that day. I would never have gotten any sleep in there. I’ve also taken on the task of cleaning and organizing the garage, he was a tool hoarder for sure. No one needs a hundred screwdrivers, at least I don’t need that many. I don’t deal well with clutter, so it’s been a daunting job for me. My friend says that I’m moving 90 miles an hour, but I just can’t sit still too long right now. It gives me time to think if I do.
I have had to learn new skills; I needed to trade in both of our cars to buy a more reliable one. I think that I did a pretty good job bargaining, I just remembered how he would do it, and did that. I also managed to fix a window that needed totally new hardware, and I got it back onto its track. Took me a week, but I was proud of myself that I finally managed to get it totally fixed. I’ve also appreciated those who have stepped up to help me with other jobs that I couldn’t do on my own.
Somehow I and the family will get through this tragedy in one piece. I’d appreciate your prayers for all of us as we navigate this new season of life. If you are also a widow, I’d appreciate your advice for getting through this. It’s amazing how much you can miss someone when they’re not around. However, he is sending me signs, and I know that he’s okay.
Thank you,
Kathy, The Quiet Cruiser
The Quiet Cruiser 