Thursday, February 19, 2026

How a Caribbean ‘widows cruise’ saved me after my husband died at 57: I was broken, says NICKY WAKE. Then the extraordinary group I met let me move forward

Andy was my rock. We met back in 2002, and from the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was the one. Our love story began like a fairytale, but it quickly grew into something even more special. He became my best friend, my confidant, my support system, and my everything. He was the missing piece that completed my life puzzle.

Our first encounter was at a mutual friend’s birthday party. I remember walking into the room and being immediately drawn to him. He had a warm smile and kind eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity with him. We struck up a conversation and quickly realized that we had a lot in common. It was as if we had known each other for years.

As we got to know each other, I discovered that Andy was not just charming and funny, but he had a heart of gold. He was kind, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and I was no exception. He saw me for who I truly was and loved me unconditionally.

Our relationship blossomed quickly, and before we knew it, we were inseparable. We enjoyed spending time together, whether it was going on adventures, trying new restaurants, or simply staying in and binge-watching our favorite TV shows. Andy became my world, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

One of the things I loved most about Andy was his unwavering support for my dreams and ambitions. He never once questioned or doubted me, but instead, he encouraged and motivated me to reach for the stars. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and that pushed me to achieve things I never thought possible.

But Andy was not just my rock in good times; he was also my rock in the toughest of times. When I was going through a difficult period in my life, he was there for me, holding my hand and providing a shoulder to cry on. He never judged me or tried to fix my problems, but he listened and supported me through it all. His love gave me the strength and courage to overcome any obstacle that came my way.

As the years went by, our love only grew stronger. We faced challenges and hardships, but we always came out on the other side, hand in hand. Andy was my constant, my safe haven, and my home. He was the one person who could calm my fears, make me laugh, and wipe away my tears. He was my soulmate in every sense of the word.

In 2010, Andy asked me to marry him, and without hesitation, I said yes. It was a moment I had dreamed about since the day we met. We got married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by our loved ones, and I knew in my heart that I was the luckiest person in the world to have Andy as my husband.

Throughout our marriage, Andy continued to be my rock. He was my partner in every sense of the word, and together we faced whatever life threw our way. We celebrated the good times and leaned on each other during the tough times. And through it all, our love only grew stronger.

Sadly, in 2018, I lost my dear Andy to a sudden illness. It was the most devastating moment of my life, and I still miss him every day. But even in his absence, his love and support continue to guide me and give me strength. He will always be my rock, my best friend, and the love of my life.

In the end, I am grateful for every moment I got to spend with Andy. He taught me the true meaning of love, and I will always carry his memory in my heart. He will forever be the man I was meant to spend my life with, and I am blessed to have had him as my rock.

most popular