Living alone

After 65 years of being happily married, I lost my wife, Polly, on January 24, 2009 to the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Except for a daughter living in Harrah, WA and a son living in East Wenatchee and their children who I rarely see, I have no other relatives. I find also that I have no friends. Polly and I were the oldest of the group we associated with but outlived all except a couple who also have memory problems. The most difficult thing for me is being alone. I have momentary flashes when I realize that Polly doesn't live here any more but I no longer cry when those moments occur. I don't think I will ever get over the empty feeling that came with losing here. We went everywhere together so when I go to the supermarket or out for a meal, I feel the loss. When I lie in bed reading at night and hear the noises that a house makes, for a split second I think that am hearing Polly moving around. I know I will get used to her being gone but I will never get over missing her.