Written for the River Current Publication Last fall a friend of mine asked if I would perhaps consider having dinner with a recent widower…Larry. Larry was actually someone that I knew from my high school years…and ironically, we had even shared a date or two in college. I had no hesitation. If I could in some way share some hope or encouragement with him, I would be honored. Our dinner turned into comfortable/easy conversation that lasted well over 3 hours. Not wanting the evening to end, we decided to even share a movie together before we said our goodbyes. We have been sharing dinners and time together ever since. Together we have a keen understanding of each other’s loss, yet both hang on to the hope of happier days ahead. I have tried to support and encourage Larry as he has adjusted to living alone and confronting the tasks of taking care of things at his home. When he discussed the idea of planting a garden this spring, I was all in! How fun it woul