Mary, since you have pretty much ruled out Miami due to financial reasons, give your paradise home a few months and see where you are then. Do you have a church family? Are there women around you that want to learn embroidery? Start a group. Put up fliers in a local market and see if you get any interest. Maybe there are others there who would need a Tudor? Try to change your thinking about where you are. You were happy there before and you can be again....just take some time to finish grieving. I care...post here again.;)

I agree with jrob - take some time - do some things to change the routine - so that you are not so lonely - you will get through this - it is still so new and very early - no big changes - just little ones.

Oh Mary - I was so sad to read this. It is still very early days and the shock of loosing your DH so suddenly must have been very traumatic for you. I think that you should give your retirement home a good chance and stay there for at least six months before you make a more serious decision. Hugs and love coming across the seas from South Africa. Sarah.

I am so sorry. I understand how difficult it is right now. But I think you have a good plan to volunteer at the new library. Are there any other places you can volunteer or maybe tutor kids?

Mary, volunteering at the library or other civic centers can eventually lead to a paid position to ease any financial stress. But, staying active and your mind busy doing things you enjoy is so important to staying afloat emotionally after such a loss. Focus constantly on what you do have with a thankful heart; do not dwell on what you do not have! You are still young, just OLDER, but, definitely not OLD; so much living to do and new things to explore! It is up to YOU to pull yourself back up from this understandably depressed state. Helping others can give you a feeling of self worth, and help you start "living" again! May the bless you with an uplifted heart and a feeling of knowing you are never truly alone! Set goals and gradually work towards them. A step not taken leads to nowhere! Grab life! Be happy!
Angel

Mary I keep remembering you in my prayers, and I know that you are going through a very hard time. Please don't make a decision yet about moving back to Florida... Really give yourself some time. I would not make a decision yet, for at least a year or two.

You've been given very good suggestions here. The main thing is finding something to fill your time and some company... How about adopting a puppy to keep you company?

I send you a hug, and remember... some of us are praying for you, and for other cuties that are going through hard times.

It is sad when our lives are turned upside and we do not know what to do next. Please give yourself some time before making any decisions. You are in my thoughts. Hugs Sally

Listen to your heart and the right decision that is going to work for you will come. Don't do anything drastic until you go through all your options. Big Hugs.

Dear Mary - I've been wondering where you've been lately.
The pain in your heart must be intense and only time will ease it, but give yourself time to adjust. Give yourself time to see your paradise with different eyes. 'Being alone' does not have to mean 'being lonely'. Things will never again be the same as they were but you will be able to hold on to those wonderful memories and, in time, move on. You have many talents which you can share so nurture them and when the time is right you will be able to open your arms and heart to accept new people and new ventures into your life.
Thinking of you very often and hoping that each day brings just a little more comfort.
Much love - Alma.

Mary, I am in the same boat but my heartache is 4 and a half years old. I am always here if you want to write.
Lyn

Hi Mary god bless you sweetheart, I have to agree with Alma give your self some time just maybe you are there for a reason. Hugs Sue Ohio

Mary my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Think of all the wonderful memories that you shared.

You have been given some very good advise.
Take one day at a time and as was said, set
goals for yourself and ensure that you reach them, then carry onto the next. This will help.
Hugs and love Yvonne

Mary I have not been on Cute for a while. I am very sorry to hear about your husband. I am sure that life is not easy and to decide what to do is difficult. You have always sounded to have a idyllic life in the Dominican Republic. Remember the good times you had and why you moved. Life sometimes alters drastically without warning and it will take time to adjust. Take each day at a time and give yourself time to think. You will know eventually what is right for you to do. Thinking of you

Mary you must give your self time & it takes a lot of time to get through the loss of your mate. If you can try volounteering, look for someone you can help. This will in turn help you also. You continue in my prayers. I know how difficult it is to adjust to the loss of a husband./Lillian

I'm still praying for you and know in Gods perfect timing He will guide you in what to do....my heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow.

I want you to know you are still in our prayers. With your education and experience as a teacher have you thought of working in a pre-school, maybe even volunteering to read to them. Children are such a blessing they have a way of touching our hearts. I work in a preschool and we are always looking for volunteers. You have love that a child could really use. This would help you and them. Think about it maybe it would help. God bless you.

Thank you, I talk to the priest today, he is very sweet, He told me intead of asking myself WHY? I should ask What for? we kept talking he wants me to go next week to a girls orphanage, they need help, but I do not know if I am able to make that comitment. Thank you God bless you all, you are all angles.

Mary, I am so excited about your being able to go to the girls orphanage. I know for a fact that nothing brightens up your day more than little arms around your neck. Don't worry about making a commitment...go when you can and feel like it. I just know this was brought to you for a reason. God bless.;)

I can only imagine what it would be like....but people in similar circumstances had be advised not to if possible make any permanent residential move for at least 12 months i dont know how true this is but it seem to be a good idea till things are clearer.......my thoughts are with you.....soozie

Mary, I don't know what to say since you have had so much good advice. I will continue to lift you up in prayer as you adjust to your life now. Lean on the Lord for He knows just what you need. Hugs, Judy

Thank you all God bless you.

When you left for Miami, you missed your home. When you can come to the realization that you will no longer miss your home in the Dominican, then it will be time for you to go. Perhaps you can afford a rental in Florida and rent out your house which can pay for it. Perhaps you would draw a higher rent by renting it weekly as a furnished vacation rental and having a property manager handle the details as you will be living in the states. Call some property managers there and start looking into it, just so you have time to think about it. Heck, I might even want to rent a week from you, LOL. My husband and I have 9 rentals. I use lots of websites to list my homes when there are openings. Try VRBO.com, craigslist etc. By the way, I really truly feel for you. I know I love my husband as you love yours and your words bring a million images to my mind. You mentioned a priest, so I assume you're catholic. I have been sealed to my husband for time and all eternity. I know without a doubt that when we die, we will be reunited. Perhaps you should look into that. You can submit his name to a Mormon temple and the workers there will take his name and information and tell you how it's done. You can do this even if you're Catholic.

Mary, I'm sorry I did not see this earlier. I am crying for you because I feel your pain so clearly in your words.
My ideas are similar to the others. Stay where you are until you find a way to go back to your family. You will need to find something meaningful in your life while you are there. The orphanage? A sewing group? Something that gives you a reason to get up in the morning and brings you closer to other people.

I hope tomorrow brings a brighter day.

My heart goes out to you. So many changes in your life. Take each day at a time and give yourself time to adjust before you make life changes that you can't undo. Maybe you can rent out part of your retirement home, to a friend who will give you friendship in a lonely time. Best of luck, hugs and prayers.

Thank you for your advices I have been thingking about renting this place but I do not know how to start? Any advice will be welcomed. Thank you God bless you all.