...husband died

Is there love after true love? 

Roughly this time last year, in an Army cemetery somewhere in York a funeral was taking place. The deceased happened to be a friend's husband who - unlike what you are thinking - was killed when a lorry driver fell asleep at the wheel and plough into their car. Jack* and Sophie* were married a grand total of six weeks before this accident, was barely pregnant and lovingly caring for their year old daughter.

They were both 22.

And, whilst I and several other friends attended another wedding, their lives were shattering, ending and changing in ways that no one wanted. In that one moment, Sophie's life as she had declared to God not even two months ago was over.

Now, a whole year on, Sophie is a widow caring for beautiful daughters who are to go through their whole lives never even meeting their father. But though these girls may never know this dad, does that mean that they should be denied a dad? Should Sophie live forever as a widow or meet someone and love? 

A lot of people comment that it's "too early" for her to consider this. But why is it? We all know that she loves Jack; that a part of her will always, always love him for the reasons that include such fondness over their short marriage, their children and memories. That link is as strong as the diamonds in the wedding ring she will never remove, and that should be enough.

Be it tomorrow, next month, next year or next decade, we should wish the best for everyone. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy. Who is it for us to tell someone when and who to love? 

May Jack rest in peaceful slumber.
May Sophie live in precious simlpicity.