Dear Judy,
I have to write what must seem to you like an extremely odd question. My husband dropped dead of a heart attack 4 weeks ago. I know what I just wrote will strike you at least as odd as what I’m about to say, but bear with me.
The two of us did not get along. That’s putting it mildly. I found out he was gay about midway through the marriage, and we didn’t have a lot to say to each other after that discovery. He was out most nights, and never especially interested in my life. I stayed home, or went shopping with friends. He died of a heart attack in some stupid hotel downtown.
Why did I stay with him an entire decade, five years after I found out he was incapable of being faithful? Well when I tell you he left me a very wealthy widow, I’m sure that will provide most of the answer.
My only problem now? Lots and lots of people have been contacting me lately to offer their condolences. This even though the funeral was a month ago, and I thought by now their tears would have dried up.
Personally, I am not in the least unhappy. I am rich and relieved.
What do I tell these purveyors of sympathy? The truth?
Lesley (no city please)
Dear Lesley,
I can’t begin to tell you how infrequently I learn of your kind of dilemma. Almost all the widows writing in to thecheckoutline, even if they disliked their late husbands (which a number of them acknowledge) don’t end up happy.
Fewer still end up happy AND wealthy. Especially not these days.
Since you happen to fall within that rarified category, I’d suggest keeping your feelings to yourself. After all, you don’t want to give anyone ideas, now do you?
Thanks for writing, though.
Judy
