I am a new widow who misses her husband terribly. I am trying to use this journey of grief to find out who I am and who I will be in the future. I was raised in the Episcopal church, but stopped attending when my children were grown. I don't have any faith in organized religion. It never fails to disappoint. I am hoping to meet new people to expand my circle of friends.

I am fortunate to have 3 daughters, 2 grandsons, and a granddaughter who love me; unfortunately, they live in other cities in Florida and have problems of their own. I used to have 3 stephchildren and 5 other grandchildren, but I haven't heard from then since my husband (their father) died. My oldest daughter is mentally handicapped and lives in subsidized housing not far from here. She has a supported living coach who tries to help me keep my daughter out of trouble. Sometimes it works.

I love animals. I currently have a great Dane, 2 Japanese chins, a big, fat cat, and a lizard. My animals are a lot of company to me. I am not used to living alone.

I am retired from the public school system. I spent 7 years as a high school principal. Since I retired I have been teaching part-time at the university and community college while working to finish my dissertation. I haven't been very motivated since my husband's death and find it hard to focus on anything for very long.

If it weren't for my tennis friends, I don't know what I would do. I play tennis just about every day of the week. It is helpful for me to have the physical activity and my husband was so proud that I was playing.

I cannot envision what my life is going to be like in the future. If I had my choice, I would have things back the way they were. Unfortunately, that isn't one of my choices. I have to move on--but I don't really know where I am going. . .