I’ve been working out of Fredericton which means driving over an hour each way plus it’s a different work environment.  On the long drive home I was tired and discouraged but I didn’t want to miss our monthly “Chicks Night Out” and thank goodness I didn’t. When you are married you came home to your husband and talk things out and de-stress from your day, but as a widow you do longer have that need filled.  Or so I thought, but that’s not necessarily true when you have a good social network. Tonight there were thirteen ladies of all ages and in all stages of grief.  We had a great time talking about our stories, sharing some laughs, food and cards.  I even bought a beautiful hand knitted scarf from one of the ladies.  About half ways through the evening I felt the stress and loneliness lose its hold and I felt contented. Widows know that contentment is hard to come by and yet that’s what friends give us when we let them into our lives.  My journey would not be as easy as it has been if not for other widows and their support and encouragement.  They give me contentment and that is priceless.