So, here’s the deal: my husband died a week ago in the middle of a golf came. You’re thinking heart attack, right? Wrong. Just because Chip was 73 doesn’t mean he had a bum ticker. The guy was healthy as a horse, except for a few aches and pains. No, what happened was, he got struck by lightning. That’s right. ZAP! June is a big time for thunderstorms in upstate New York. Why didn’t he think about that?

Now, I’m a widow, where before I was his second wife. He is – was – my second husband. Hubby number one, Potter, and the father of my five adult children, had a wee drinking problem, which he apparently doesn’t have any more, thanks to the efforts of his second wife. Well, I say good for her.

Am I sad? I don’t know, frankly. I feel . . . numb. They tell you to expect that. They, in this case being my daughter, a social worker and amateur shrink. She thinks I should go to a grief counseling group. I’m not much of a joiner, to be fair. I’d rather just get on the road, put some miles between me and this drafty old house, which I’ll probably sell when I get back. If I get back.

Of course, the kids are trying to talk me out of it. They say I shouldn’t go alone, but going alone is the whole point! I need to clear my head. Figure out who I am now. I haven’t been single since I was eighteen. If you want to know how long ago that was, I’ll remind you that it’s rude to ask a lady her age.

Another thing I need to put in the rearview is Mel. He was my late husband’s best friend. They shared two passions: playing golf and watching golf on TV. Mel was with him that day when they sky opened up, cowering under a tree, which everyone knows you’re not supposed to do. He saw the whole thing, which I have to say must have been awful. Even so, the fact that he’s all over me now like white on rice is driving me nuts. Oh, I’ve long known he had feelings for me, but whatever happened to a tasteful waiting period? Not that I’d marry him, anyway. Not that I’d marry anyone.

Then there’s my friend, Karen. Says she wants to see me before I go. Unlike everyone else, she’s not giving me a hard time for wanting to get out of here. So we have lunch, and guess what? She didn’t want to wish me a great trip. She wanted to complain about her own life, and her marriage that she’s now decided to get out of.

Long story short? Everything’s packed and I’m finally in the car. First stop, Buffalo. Maybe I’ll visit the Falls, but probably not. That’s for saps, and if you haven’t figure out by now, one thing I’m not is a sap. Anyhow, I’ll keep you posted about my adventures from time to time, so stay tuned.

You can read more about Lavinia in The Amendment, the third novel by the author.

When Lavinia Starkhurst’s husband is killed in a freak accident, she takes to the open road and meets a number of strangers, all with struggles of their own. Through these unexpected and occasionally hilarious encounters, Lavinia reflects on her past deeds, both good and bad, explores her two marriages, her roles as caregiver and wife, hoping all the while for self-acceptance and something to give her new life meaning.

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Meet the author
Anne Leigh Parrish is an award-winning author of upcoming novel The Amendment (Unsolicited Press, June 26, 2018). Her previous titles are Women Within (Black Rose Writing, Sept 7, 2017), By the Wayside, stories (Unsolicited Press, 2017); What Is Found, What Is Lost, a novel (She Writes Press, 2014); Our Love Could Light The World, stories (She Writes Press, 2013); and All The Roads That Lead From Home, stories (Press 53, 2011). Find out more at: anneleighparrish.com and follow her on Twitter at @AnneLParrish.

All comments are welcomed.