It has been a little over a month since my wife passed away.

For the first time in over 40 years , I am alone.

Whether it was roommates, the usual assortment of girlfriends

or a wife sharing my life, living together, I've always had someone.

Sometimes the sudden loneliness is almost to much to bear.

The grieving, continues. This is the time when, I suppose,

I should "man up", "grow a pair" etc. The personal loss is more devastating

than I could possibly imagine. I still have a difficult time talking about Karen's death,

especially with the strangers I have to deal with while trying to settle her estate.

It is easy to understand why the suicide rates skyrocket during the Christmas season.

Lest anyone reads more into this then what was intended, don't worry. I'm too selfish,

too egotistical to contemplate ending what is a very strange journey. I still believe that

there is a lot that I can do to make people smile.

Despite my travails, I would like to wish to my family & friends, a very Merry Christmas.

Let there be peace on earth & within every one of you.