Posted by:
exminion
(
)
Date: January 20, 2018 03:27AM
I lived alone for several years, when my children were scattered away at out-of state universities, getting their graduate degrees, new jobs, etc. I missed them, because they had lived here while going to the U of Utah, too, and our house was like a fun, but tame, fraternity/sorrority house. Then, all of a sudden--quiet!
They left me with two old cats, who lived to be over 20, and a fairly young black lab, who was my companion and security guard. She was a good listener, and was never farther than 4 feet from me. I have a very people-oriented career, that I love! I'm balanced between extrovert and introvert, so when I came home, my favorite thing to do was go hiking alone with my dog, in any weather, coming back to a warm, peaceful house, and have dinner in front of the TV.
I had survived two abusive TBM marriages (one husband beat me, and the other cheated on me), and living alone was like Heaven on Earth!
I raised my children here, and my doctors are nearby, the hospital, the fire station, grocery stores, the vet. I have a great support system, even though all the Mormon neighbors have been shunning me for 9 years. I have a few longtime non-Mormon friends, some cousins, and mostly work colleagues and clients. I have not been lonely, and never bored.
So sorry, Polly, for your loss. I can't imagine losing a husband you loved and who loved you.
Now, my children are all living back here, have great careers, are happily married, with children of their own. One has a house two blocks away, another is about 3 miles away, and my youngest and her husband and children live with me, and want to buy a house in the neighborhood. I'm happier than I've ever been! I wake up every morning to children's chatter, and singing, and I laugh a lot! Thank God my kids and I left the cult together, and broke the "cycle of abuse." They are kind, loving parents, and good citizens.