Dear Ann Landers,
March 1 was the second anniversary of my husband's death. We were high school sweethearts in the early '40s, and he served in the Navy in World War II. We were three months away from our 50th anniversary when he died suddenly. Since then, I have learned to appreciate the pain others have suffered after losing a loved one, especially a spouse. I have been lucky to have a positive attitude because the challenges are endless -- loneliness, cooking for one, dealing with everyday problems that you once shared, trying to make a life without him. Thank God for attentive children, friends and the church. Their support is getting me through these sad months. I hope those who know widows or widowers will invite them for dinner or tea occasionally, or just offer friendship. In this busy world, it is easy to forget those in need. For elders who are lucky enough to still have their spouses -- please overlook their faults, and enjoy every minute you have together. -- Missing Him in Va.

Dear Missing Him,
Thank you for reminding my readers of what's important. Too often we don't appreciate what we have until we lose it.