Divorced and Widowed: What's the Difference?

An acquaintance asked the question "Is there a difference between the widowed and divorced." Emphatically yes. The challenges of learning to live on one's own may be similar, even the same, but the similarities end there.

The fundamental difference between the two states is the matter of choice. The widowed have no choice regarding their marital status. Death makes the decision for them. An external force takes away the marriage. The survivor had no choice.

I saw a recent photograph of myself. I looked old and bitter. Can't do anything about getting older, except die soon, and I don't care to exercise that option at this time. But I sure can do something about being bitter. So I did. After 37 years of marriage, I got a divorce.

And then I woke up and found myself in a second floor apartment, charming inside. Outside looks like a Motel Six.