I became a widow after 45 years of marriage. It's been 3 years and I'm still grieving.

• I was married to my husband for 45 years before he passed away. 
• It was him, me and our dog Cassie, who died shortly before my husband did. 
• My life and identity have changed, I'm a widow now. 

I am a widow — that's my new title.

This past June would have been my husband Steve and my 48th wedding anniversary. Instead, our marriage will be frozen at 45 years.