I learned something today from  reading another lady's blog about dating after her husband passed away. This was my reply to her.

I was married for 49 years and when he passed 19 mo ago, I was of course, as you, devastated. After about a year I decided that I would try to date in hopes of finding someone special. I had three dates from hades.....and that still did not stop the desire I had to keep looking for a friend. Now I don't think anyone would disagree with with me that there is nothing wrong with having a male friend. However, the good men are few at this stage of life. I could not understand that I, a good natured country girl had to be so lonely. It didn't make sense. So I tried the internet dating for singles and that is WITHOUT A DOUBT A MISGUIDED AND IN MY OPINION a bunch of losers. I cancelled all my subscriptions and called it quits. BUT deep down inside there was that longing for a companion. So I hired a private agency that has is a member of the "Better Business Bureau" to find me a kind, christian single gentleman. I paid thousands of dollars. And was told that everone that joins their club is uniquie in that they are educated, have money, (I wasn't looking for gentleman that wanted a "nurse with a purse") and that they do a back ground check on them. Oh, that was just what I was looking for.... I had hit the jack pot so to speak. But ahhhhhh what a joke. I mean a big joke. No doubt they charge everyone a small fortune to join and they did do a background check on me. But after 35 days in the club only one man contacted me. Oh yes, he was educated, had money, BUT, he was a Paraplegic. He wrote to me that he was in a wheel chair, had no control over his bowel or bladder and required daily care from a private nurse.
Dear God I prayed, how did I get into this situation? Of course I told him that I felt we were not a match at all. That I am in fact very active.

After that I began the process of getting my money back from the "Private Dating Club". They would not budge, they kept saying that I was not giving it time. I, very simply told them that they had lied to me and rushed me into joining based on a book 3 inches thick of "success stories". Now I'm not one to hold up the white flag. I'm about as honest a human being as there is. But I grew up on a farm and it was a good life but very hard life as well. But we were taught that even when we make bad choices it's not the end of the story. UNLESS you chose for it to be.

So....after wrangling with the "Elite Dating Service" for at least 2 weeks, I decided to go public. Yes, it was embarrasing, but maybe I could prevent some other lady/gent from making the same mistake I did.
I called CBS and immediately after hearing my story they were on the way to my home.  The camera crew was most impressive as well as Adam Murphy the Consumer Reporter for Channel 46. They also called the dating agency and they told Adam  they would refund the entire amount I paid them.

Lesson I learned: I had so many wonderful years with a wonderul man that I believed hung the moon.We have a precious son and a daughter that look just like him. We were bonded together and will be forever and ever.

I went to his grave site today and talked to him and told him how foolish I was to ever think that anyone could take his place in my heart. Then I drove back home and wrote this for him:

To my dearly beloved husband. What a wonderful gift I received when you came into my life.Thank you for all those wonderful years together. And for all the love, care and grace you brought to my family, this community, and to me. Please know that you are still loved and deeply missed. We shall see you on "that morning".
Mollie, happy and content in GA