Don’t Call Me a Widow – Part 33 – 42 Years Ago

My love for Richard is eternal.

We met at a wedding rehearsal, and for a brief moment I thought he was the Rabbi. You can imagine my mother’s delight — but of course, he wasn’t. That small misunderstanding became the first thread in a story I will cherish for the rest of my life: the love and life of Karen and Richard Hale.

There was a time, long before Rich, when I wondered if I would ever be lucky enough to find my soulmate. In high school I was every guy’s best friend — the girl who fixed them up with my girlfriends, watched them head off to dances and movies, and stayed home babysitting for the neighbors. The few dates I went on left me feeling like the ugly duckling, unsure if real love would ever find me.

I wasn’t expecting Rich. But when he appeared, something sparked. It wasn’t love at first sight — it was curiosity, attraction, friendship, and a slow-growing commitment. Over time, that commitment became the glue that held us together. Lust softened into love, and love deepened into a connection that shaped our lives.

Forty‑two years ago today, everything changed because we chose each other.

Across those decades we faced instability, uncertainty, and more potholes than I can count. Yet every time we stumbled, we made the conscious choice to stand back up, steady ourselves, and keep going. That same resilience has carried me through these past six months. Life is not easy — no book, no guide, no promise of perfection can protect us from the serpents that lurk even in Eden. But we do have the power to make choices that soften the obstacles in our path.

So today, on the 42nd anniversary of my marriage to Richard Alan Hale, I am still wearing my wedding rings. I am still celebrating this day. I am honoring the memory of my best buddy — today and every day. I cherish the time we had, and I am using the love and energy of those years to carry me forward.

Rich will always be with me because I choose to keep him close. He is in my thoughts every day, and that presence motivates me to live fully. Yes, I will always miss him. I will always wish he were beside me, holding my hand, kissing my lips, telling me he loves me. But my memories guide me, and they remind me that someday — in whatever way eternity allows — he will be by my side again, holding my hand, kissing my lips, and repeating with that familiar insistence:

“I love you.”

Join me as we walk this path together.

#YesICan Coaching with Karen

Email: Kh.yesican1@gmail.com

DONT CALL ME A WIDOW