I am having to see many once-capable men be reduced to feebility by the effects of time.

This slow decline seems way worse to me than going fisticuffs with a bear.

I wish my Dad would find someone to spend his days with after my Mom passed, he's lonely and bored. I keep telling him he doesn't have to marry them, just find a group to hang out with that does stuff. Spending life in a recliner watching TV is not living.

X 2

I told my wife that if anything were to happen to her, I would probably re-marry. My criteria: 10 to 15 years younger, preferably no kids, a nurse and I almost don’t care what she looks like (I’m marrying a caretaker)…….she just rolls her eyes.

x3

I'm amazed at the number of widowers here. More common than many think. All the best, Grizz.

I'm amazed at the number of widowers here. More common than many think. All the best, Grizz.[/quote]

I became one at 42. In the 90s, cancer was the number one cause of deaths in 40 year old women. I can not count the number of men I have met that are in this club. The waiting rooms at the hospital on that floor looked was full as the maternity floor but with older men.

Yup. 25 here...

I’m 34 just divorced mine 15 years together 12 married let’s just say I’m not sure I’d do it again.

Married 20 yrs. It ended. Daddy didnt lover her as much as sisters. Very emotional unstable. Did tons better the second time. No emotional instability.

One and done for me. I’ve worked way to hard on this relationship to have to start over with another

I was married twice. 13 yrs the first time, seven years the second. No way in hell I'm ever getting married again. I've accepted the fact that it just wasn't meant to be for me and I'm ok with that, my job on this Earth is to be a Dad and a PawPaw. Although both of my marriages were painful expensive failures, the good Lord did bless me with some truly awesome kids that mean the world to me and I don't know what I'd do without them.

I'm starting on my bucket list, tired of just talking and dreaming about things that I want to do before my glass runs out of sand. Have always wanted to go dove hunting in Argentina, so I just booked a trip and am going this October. Really looking forward to the hunts, the food, and the extracurriculars.

One takeaway from my divorce a long time ago. At that time I was naive enough to believe that justice was blind and that I had rights under the law.

Nope. Wife started screwing around and judge told me to pack my bags, haul [censored], and pay child support. Lawyer was expensive but useless. I became what is known as a Disneyland Daddy. Got the kids first, third and fifth weekends, Fathers Day, and alternating Christmas. Paid child support and, until divorce was finalized, paid temporary spousal support.

There’s a lot more BS but if you’ve been there, you already know it. If you haven’t, then you wouldn’t believe it.

Wife and spouse did everything possible to turn the kids against me and, for awhile, it worked. Her hubby died and I didn’t shed a tear.

I have zero respect for the legal system. I’m law abiding but no longer naive.

Not meaning to correct my "elder," but the term "Disneyland Dad" refers more to the dad's attitude (all fun/no discipline) than just the days he gets to visit. You and I have known plenty of guys that want that picture on their desk of them and their kids so everything looks "normal", but really aren't that involved in their kids' lives.

I had the same visitation schedule with my girls, but I worked at being as "present" as I possibly could be, as I'm sure you did. 'Bought them things they needed (that their mother wouldn't buy), and of course, a few things they wanted. Plenty of tears and "discussions" when I had 'em. 'Very proud of the women they've become.

Phrase frequently used by Louis L'Amour in describing men of character, bravery, and trustworthiness. L'Amour , IMO , the greatest writer of old western lore ever.

Don't know what I'd do. Was married to a crazy Cajun gal 15 years who was not trustworthy. Last time she cheated on me I took her back for a short while. Waited until she went on a vacation to Vermont, took those 5 days to move my stuff out, hooked onto the boat, and moved to the "farm". She was shocked and we were divorced 3 months later.

Married another French woman from New Brunswick, Ca. 2 years later. Has been a wonderful 27 years. She has great character. I am quite a bit older than her (18 years) and became a father at 42 and repeated it X2. A good life so far.

I think I wouldn't remarry should I become a widower. Might enjoy the company of a woman occasionally if a situation presented itself. I think the Good Lord created women to keep men company and that is a good thing (and the Bible says as much).

Creek, to me the Disneyland Dad meant that I was more of a visitor in their lives. 4 days per month and 2 weeks in the summer, child support $ and temporary maintenance($). The principal at the younger ones school told me that their mother had told them that I had no right to see them. It would be better if I stayed away. I explained to her that the temporary orders did not mention the school and that I had been a PTA member for several years. I had also been visiting my daughters for school lunches prior to the separation and the Temporary Orders did not preclude me from visiting. I also was paying school taxes on both houses plus a rent house in the district. She said Yes, but. I told her to stop right there. I was still a parent and nothing in the law precluded me from visiting and I could care less what their mother said. I also said that I could file a lawsuit against the district and her name would be prominent. She caught my drift.

That's great news Grizz.

Well done. My ex moved the girls around to various Christian schools, depending on how she felt "led." At one they were the only non-hispanic kids in the school. I asked if I could tour the school. She told me to see the principal. I made an appointment. Upon entering Mr. (insert Hispanic surname)'s office, he asked me how I was related to the (again, insert Hispanic surname)s. (She'd married a Sancho she met at work.) I answered "I'm the girls' father," and fought the urge not to strangle the stupid sum bitch. He flippantly said I could just walk around and see what I want. I got in the truck and left. He was later fired over missing money. BIG surprise.

It sure is amigo. You damn sure deserve to be happy, and I wish you the best!