It’s been nine years since I lost the love of my life. I met Debbie in college and we just instantly clicked. We got married a little over a year after we graduated. Our great life together came to an abrupt end when a drunk truck driver slammed into Debbie’s car head on. She died instantly. At least she didn’t suffer. I can’t say the same for me or our daughter, Julie.

Suddenly we had to figure out how we were going to make a new life without Debbie. Well, I was the one who had to figure it out. Julie was very young when her mother died. Of course, I got a huge settlement from the trucking company’s insurance company. That and Debbie’s life insurance ensured that I didn’t really have to work to earn a living and Julie would be well taken care of financially. I still work. I don’t need to work for the money but I need to work to take up my time. If I wasn’t working, I’d probably be sitting at home drinking all day. Obviously, I can’t do that as I have a daughter to care for. She needs me to be strong.

Ironically, I think I have a much better relationship with Julie than I probably would have had if Debbie hadn’t died. I’ve had to act as both mother and father to Julie and she’s had to rely on me for everything. I tried very early on to make sure she understood that she could always talk to me about anything and we made a pact to never lie to each other. Luckily, she’s been a great kid. READ MORE