Sadness clung to her like an indelible stain

She could not shake it off

Mourning the loss of her husband

After a long loving marriage

Sleeping was a real nightmare

Waking up was worse

The empty pillow stared at her in mute silence

Her thoughts grew weary from lack of sharing

Mornings were particularly hard

Setting the breakfast table for two

Then realizing he will never again be at the table

Friends did call on her for support

Their kindness was lost inside the chasm occupying her heart

Morning walks were lonely affairs

Her hand instinctively reaching out

To that empty space on her left side

Shopping was a painful activity

While searching the shelves for essentials

Some items literally screamed at her

Things she used to buy for him

She found it very hard to cook for one

After decades of portioning for two

Dinner was so lacking in conversation

She started talking out loud

Answering her own questions

Mimicking his views and expressions

This daily routine seemed endless

Suddenly it all changed

Her husband came to her in a dream one night

Telling her to replace the sadness in her heart

With the memories of their happy adventures

She started to smile again

Every waking moment became a joy to behold

She found the key to release her captive loneliness

She became a social queen

Hosting lively dinner parties

Holding court at the table

Proudly sharing her old memories whilst making new ones