Hello, I'm new.
Last edited Tue Mar 11, 2025, 06:31 AM - Edit history (1)
Hi to everyone,
I'm new. I'm hoping this is the right place to post this. If not just tell me where. Thanks. I am 63, gay, recently widowed. I was married to a very loving and humble man for 41 years. Still mourning and have a really difficult time. I am joining tonight because....I don't know why. I've lurked here for so many years. Tonight when I came to check things out, it said "DU Members only", so, here I am.
I'm not great with computers so be patient, please. Thank you. I would like to add just a couple of things so you know I'm not a fake or poser. I love Salmon Enchanted Evening Sunday Post (my favorite part of DU), BoZarts pics, Elleng's pics, and many other folks on here that I cannot think of right now because I'm a little nervous and intimidated. I am usually outspoken but being recently widowed my world is not the same and I am trying to find myself again, so I may just lurk some more. It's nice to finally feel apart of the DU family. Thank you again!
EDIT:: WOW! I never imagined such a huge welcoming! THANK YOU ALL! It's kind of like meeting a rock star when I see names that I've only followed when I lurked and you're speaking directly to me! That's really nice! I hope to be a thoughtful contributor but for now I will mostly read and hang out. I'm still trying to pull myself together after the loss of my husband so I'm feeling very lost and uncertain. Again, THANK YOU ALL!
= new reply since forum marked as read
You will find a caring community here. 
I lurked off and on for years. Joined not too long ago as I am now old and pretty much isolated. Throw in widowed and reached an age of diminished filters, so this is a good place to learn, share, hang out.
Hope you make some new friends here. We are all stronger together.
Condolences on your loss. That must be terribly painful.
We are glad you are here. 
I know how it is to lose the most important person in your life. So I grieve with you. check in with us often
Happy to have you here
so sorry you lost your love, that has to be so very hard
you are indeed part of the DU family......and we need all the help we can get!
Always room for one more!
My condolences on your loss! 
We're a friendly group. Mostly. 
I'm sorry for your loss.
Nothing to be nervous or intimidated about, we’re just people too. 
It sounds like you've come to the right place for sure.
Pull up a chair and stay a while.
This is a nice place.
You came to the right place. Come on in the water's fine.
Please keep in mind that there is a Bereavement Group on DU if you ever need to discuss anything.
I won't take it personally that you forgot to mention me, I still got your back.
Welcome, NCgayguy. Here is a safe place to be.
I read a lot, rarely post a response. I still feel welcome here 
You mentioned some of my favorite posters, and I have many more!
Between DU and Qura my other favourite site. There can be some great and kind differences. There are many members but they mostly all great.. enjoy . 
So sorry for your loss and hope you can find some comfort and comradery here.
We are an open and accepting community. Gay, straight, androgynous, or other, you'll find a safe space and we embrace your thoughts and views. All of us make all of us richer.
Cheers!
Always great to welcome new members. And believe me, you'll find family here.
And a very welcome to DU! You'll find everyone from everywhere here. We may have our spats here and there just like a couple or a very large group but, we pretty much share common goals; a decent, productive, inclusive society for everyone. The water's just right here so dive in and start typing away!
Oh, by the way, if you ever encounter any trolls spewing RWNJ or MAGA bullshit, don't hesitate to hit the alert button. That's how we feed our sharks! 
Welcome to DU. I'm sorry for your loss. My family comes from western NC.
Enjoy the ride. I certainly do.
I'm glad you are here!
So sorry for your loss. Hope we can be part of your extended family and support system.
We are here for you. Share as much as you are comfortable with.
I've been married for 40 years, and we'll celebrate 41 years this year. I can't imagine how hard everything feels for you right now, especially with all the added turmoil and stress. I am sending you a big hug and an equally big welcome to DU.
Well it’s a SHITSHOW “out there” so may as well huddle with people that understand.
There is a grieving forum I believe.
Are you into photography?
Cooking?
Lots to do and interact with.
Take care and hope to see ya around.
Many of us have lost someone very dear so we understand. There is a Bereavement Group; here's the link:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1234
I've been in there and everyone is kind and supportive.
I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Again, welcome!
Check in with the NC Group
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1069
when you're ready and the Bereavement Group
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1234
has been very helpful and compassionate to me especially when I lost my parents. I hope you have a pleasant time here. Welcome.
❤️pants
aboard friend.
I've been here forever. Anybody new signing on makes me smile.
Put your feet up. Relax... and know you are AMONG FRIENDS.
Long may you post!
I'm in NC myself. I live out in the farm country with my husband and my animals. I'm so glad you finally joined DU!
I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your husband. That's one transition I know everyone dreads. Any time you love someone, one or the other is going to go before the other, causing terrible grief for the one left behind. But I'm so glad you knew the love. I hope the DU love will make for a little bit of a softer landing.
Where in NC? We visit Asheville from
TN almost every month!
Condolences to you. It has to be hard. We’re here whenever you need us!
Welcome! I use this tagline on a lot of my posts because f6ck trump and f6ck haters!!! 👉
Never be intimidated here. We’re just other people helping other people.
Becoming A Star Member! I am sorry for your loss and hope that by hanging out here, we can help in some small way to ease your way forward.
Hello! 
Welcome to DU.
Welcome to non-lurkingville, i.e. DU! I'm a fellow long-time lurker like you, and even a not-so recent widow (8 yrs). Jump in whenever you feel comfortable. Before you know it, you'll be sharing your view on all the issues!
Mahalo for Joining DU.. Welcome! 
So Sorry about your Precious Loss of losing your husband
Deepest sympathy
and i hope you find a voice here.
sometimes our discussions are 'lively'
but hopefully never mean spirited.
and you have my sympathy- losing a loved
one is never easy~ take care
a big hug for your loss
