My loss was thru divorce. He left when the last child went off to college. I had never lived alone. I depended alot on friends, and found that even people I didn't know well were there to rally around me. Keep yourself open to friends and aquaintances. Join a support group. Cut yourself some slack. Sometimes (especially in the beginning) one day at a time is too much. There are days when hour by hour may be all you can manage. That's okay. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Keep doing the things you have always enjoyed. Don't be surprised if you have difficulty concentrating. It took me a year before I could sit down and read, or be able to watch a TV show that was longer than 30 minutes. You will find strength that you never knew you had. That is one of the many wonderful things about being a woman. We survive, and we are there for each other. God bless you. I'll be praying for you.