Any widow(er)s around here?

I'm so very sorry for your loss. If you enjoyed rving when your wife was with you, you may be happier traveling, even solo. AS a poster mentioned, there are clubs for singles, LOW (Loners on Wheels) which is an Escapee affiliate. As hard as it is, I think RVing solo is better than sitting at home alone.

Good that you have friends meeting up. And good you have the dog. Where we winter at, there are many, many singletons. It's not just an RV park, but lots of singles.

Good luck and God bless.

Dale

In my world, every time there's something else that my wife can no longer do with me,...the quality of my life goes down. It's going to be more and more of a struggle. I suspect that RVing will become worst than half the fun when she's gone. I feel sad for those who die, AND for those who are left behind. I suppose that you either find ways of making yourself stronger, or else.....I don't know.
I'm sorry for your loss.

My wife of 44 years passed last November after almost 3 years of cancer induced quadriplegia. She knew she was dying and we had several conversations about what I thought my life would be after she was gone. I told her I was going to full time after selling the house. She enjoyed RVing until she couldn't anymore but was not crazy about full timing. She agreed that would be good for me. She also gave me her blessing to find someone else after waiting a proper period. I am now mostly timing after selling the house and living in a small apartment.

The first few times it seemed like a piece was missing but the more I got out and did things during my trips, the better it felt. I adopted a small dog who is the perfect travel companion. I haven't looked for "someone else" yet but I will be looking soon. I am just starting out on this new life journey and while I am well aware of how short life is, I plan to take my time and make sure I am making decisions that are in concert with what I see as my future. I wish you happiness and fulfillment in your journey.

Original poster here. I've posted occasionally on this site about technical and equipment issues and have always found the most helpful and knowledgeable people about the RV world here. Now, when I post something in the realm of life and the ways of the human heart, ya'll again wowed me with your thoughtfulness! Thank you everybody for the perspectives and sharing your own experiences with losing your partner. Regarding my upcoming road trip to the SW, someone mentioned "finding yourself", indeed!, my identity as a spouse/partner no longer seems relevant. I've always been an intrepid person, prided myself on not being fearful. Finally found something that scares me; Alone-ness. Perhaps finding myself will at least partially involve embracing solitude and befriending it. That said, I'm 64 and have some good years in front of me and intend on living them to the fullest. I want to, and plan to love again. The challenge is living in the present. Always, right?

Here's a poem a friend sent me. Thought I'd share:
By Gwen Flowers:

Grief

I had my own notion of grief.

I thought it was the sad time

That followed the death of someone you love.

And you had to push through it

To get to the other side.

But I’m learning there is no other side.

There is no pushing through.

But rather,

There is absorption.

Adjustment.

Acceptance.

And grief is not something you complete

But rather, you endure.

Grief is not a task to finish

And move on,

But an element of yourself –

An alteration of your being.

A new way of seeing.

A new definition of self.

I feel your pain, I lost my wife two years ago after a long battle with cancer. I still haven't really got back into the travel mode, I have taken some short trips but my heart just isn't into long days on the road. The dog is good company but not much for conversation. All the best, it will get easier as time goes on.

there is a singles rv club, try google.

It's a new "normal", don't force it. Just when you thought the range of emotions were dealt with, here come a while group more with the solo traveling. Give yourself space, and give her credit, albeit posthumously. So sorry for your lost; may you find peace as you journey to find yourself.

I lost my travel partner as well 1 1/2 years ago. I have felt really strongly that I want to continue on my own and I know my husband would want me to. I went out on my own about a year after he died, for 3 1/2 months and I’m glad I did. Met new friends, learned a lot about my RV. Just put one step in front of the other and don’t be too hard on yourself. God bless you.