A mutual friend had set up our
Luncheon date, and I had never
Met the woman.
But as soon as our eyes met outside the
Restaurant I knew she must be the
New widow.
I asked the host to seat us by the
Bright window rather than in the small
Back room where we were first headed.
Our conversation would be bleak enough.
"Tell me your story," I said.
"Start from the beginning."
I was silent as she recounted the
Details of her husband's death just days
After he became ill.
I experienced her pain with her.
I nodded in agreement as she
Described her loneliness.
I shared my story too.
After our lunch we lingered and lingered.
Kay and I are from different cities and
Under ordinary circumstances our
Paths would never have crossed.
But widowhood isn't ordinary.
It's the most drastic, heartwrenching,
All encompassing challenge I have ever
Faced.
And it was theraputic to sit across the
Table from a gal I'd never before met and
Connect.
We both comprehended loss.
We sympathized with each other's struggles.
And since I'm farther along in my grief journey,
Kay could see my progress and know that in time
She will recover too.