I am not a widow, but I did lose my father 10 years ago at the age of 18.  I can barely bring myself to speak about it in public for fear of opening Pandora's box and breaking down.  The grief can be so gut-wrenching at times--the physical sensation literally feels like someone has grabbed onto your intestines and is twisting them into a knot.  Thank you, Globe and Mail, for pieces like this.  I was in tears the entire time I was reading, but it was so cathartic to commiserate in private.