Lisa - thank you for updating......you are such an inspiration to those who have just started their journey, by posting your progress - for lack of a better word - as that is not the right one, but please recieve what I say with understanding....hope that makes sense.
I am over joyed that you had a wonderful time - you deserve it and, that, although so easily said - is what your handsome Lou wants for you...although, I know BOTH you and Lou would want to be together, but...he'd want you to be happy. So cliche, but so true.
It's like, after one has time, yeah, it's not the same, but it can be "fun" (although all loss is hard, I have not lost my spouse, and think its a different loss, and my heart hurts for you, as I don't know that pain) But maybe - when we are ready to smile, or it finally happens without forcing it, you feel "okay" for a bit...or it's okay to cry too,
How do you tell someone that, who has lost someone recently? At least this is how it was for me - but I am 4 1/2 years into it, and I still have my moments.
Sorry, didn't mean to change topic....Just wanted to tie it into how "progress" can be achieved - although there is NO (ZERO) time limit, I look back and think about how many times I wondered HOW LONG would it be till I felt "better"?? You never feel "better" - you adjust. At your pace.
Hope that came out right. Hugs.