I've lived life to the fullest. I've loved and been loved by the best. Someone who treasured and spoilt me to bits.
Life could not be better. We loved running our little Airbnb post-retirement, enjoyed little getaways with family and friends, and took spontaneous road trips on our own. Mornings were the best - the luxury of enjoying coffee in bed, and not having to face those traffic snarls. I told him one morning I did not want it to ever end.
At times like that, he would tell me I must remember he's been a diabetic since the age of eight, and he'd likely go before me.
I did not want to hear that!
On more than one occasion, he used to tell me that when that day comes, I must not be afraid to get married again. I used to exclaim - "Why? I don't want anyone else!" He went on to say that I must find a good man, as I need someone to look after me! Huh! Of course, I was very indignant at his suggestion, but looking back, that for sure is pure unconditional love!
A love like that can never be replaced. Yes, I felt very alone that first Christmas and New Year's Eve when his place at my side was empty. But I have learnt to adapt to going solo. Thankfully, I have always been comfortable in my skin.
Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be, and they never will be the same again, but life is for the living, and live I will. On my own, and on my own terms, for the first time in my life. I moved straight from my childhood home to the one I am leaving behind now after more than half a century. Almost a lifetime!
I am a whole day late in responding to LOH Contest #248, but I still wanted to answer the question:
2๏ธโฃ Would you consider remarrying or having another partner if you are a 71-year-old widow/widower? Why or why not?
My response to why I would not consider remarrying is a tad cheeky and tongue-in-cheek: You can't teach an old dog new tricks, can you? Neither can I see myself changing and adapting to someone else's way of living. Highly improbable for someone who has already stepped into her eighth decade! When we're young and pliable, we can still gently mould each other. Admittedly, at times, the total opposite of gentle!
Haha, don't want to shock you now, but another cheeky reason is that I do not fancy taking care of those smelly socks and undies๐ I was taught that laundry was the woman's job, and at 72 it's kind of ingrained in me, so, no thank you to that๐
My legal status says I'm a widow, but in my heart, I'm still a married woman!
)
***
###### 
)](https://peakd.com/c/hive-106316)
Artwork by @artywink
Comments (9)
View or trade
LOHtokens.@lizelle, You have received 1.0000 LOH for posting to Ladies of Hive.
We believe that you should be rewarded for the time and effort spent in creating articles. The goal is to encourage token holders to accumulate and hodl LOH tokens over a long period of time.
Life rewarded you with a great love; it's wonderful that you always carry it in your heart. I don't think I would remarry if that were the case. Thanks for sharing, my dear @lizelle. A big hug from Maracay.
Careful now doll, with your looks and cooking skills, you will be sure to draw a line of old gentlemen to your door. The saying is; "Never say never say never again" Touch wood. ๐
On a more serious note, we feel for you, and we also know that you are a fighter, so we pray that your new adventure will be filled with blessings.
!PIZZA and all our !LUV
$PIZZA slices delivered: @papilloncharity(1/15) tipped @lizelle
Come get MOONed!
Such a heartfelt and emotional piece. โA love that never diesโ truly captures the depth and endurance of genuine loveโbeautifully expressed. โค๏ธ๐๏ธ๐ญ
How beautifully you've told a reality that many of us don't want to say out loud. I don't feel like washing and ironing underwear again. You've explained it so well. We manage to live alone and don't feel lonely. We always have a thousand things to do. Hugs.
!LADY !BBH !HUESO !ALIVE
View or trade
LOHtokens.@sacra97, you successfully shared 0.1000 LOH with @lizelle and you earned 0.1000 LOH as tips. (3/15 calls)
Use !LADY command to share LOH! More details available in this post.
Love transcends borders, time, reasons and civil states my friend, beautiful words and very emotional, they have stolen a little tear of joy because I could see in your little story a genuine and beautiful love. Very happy to know that the love between you was good and true.
Your story is wonderful, it's the nicest thing I've read all day today and it makes me feel very happy.