Everything I Know About Widowhood I Learned From Jessica Fletcher

by Christina Hamlett

Wolves, swans and French angelfish are among a litany of species which mate forever. If a partner dies, the survivor literally becomes a lost soul and gives up all interest in continuing alone.

Humans, too, often embrace the mindset of there being only one true love allotted to each of us per lifetime. In Eve's Diary by Mark Twain, an inconsolable Adam weeps at her grave with the words, "Wheresoever she was, there was Eden." Even if Eve had been the first one to face the future newly single, there'd have been no Central Casting to which she might easily apply for a replacement.

In a perfect world, we would blissfully exit our shared existence hand-in-hand. In an imperfect one such as that in which I suddenly found myself after 25 years of marriage, we can either fold to despair like a cheap suit or stride boldly into grand adventures and do our dearly departed lovers proud.

My vote is for striding boldly. Who's with me?

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

About the author

Former actress and theatre director whose credits to date include 45 books, 265 stage plays and squillions of articles and interviews. I am also a script consultant for stage and screen, a distance learning instructor, photographer, gourmet chef, and professional ghostwriter.

Reviews

[C. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Know About Widowhood, I learned from Jessica Fletcher, Christina Hamlett threw me. I read this because I respected the author, but I also have had friends lose husbands and watched their journeys, and something nudged me to read this one. Ms. Hamlett appeared so upbeat and strong in social media, and upon seeing she'd written this book about her process once her Mr. Wonderful had died, made me all the more curious. The thought of losing my own husband chills me to my core, and I wanted a taste of this potion Ms. Hamlett had produced, before I needed to use it. Bless her, the book was soothing to read. I honestly cannot put my finger on the why except she made widowhood sound . . . doable. That gave me great relief. The writing style in this short memoir is uplifting and absolutely well done. Highly recommended.

[Betty J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Everything I Know About Widowhood, I learned from Jessica Fletcher, Christina Hamlett shares her journey through the loss of her beloved husband. Through the author’s narrative, emotions surge, bringing tears along with unexpected bursts of laughter. This book isn’t an average story of mourning, it reminds us beauty can come from life’s darkest moments. Well done!