Kids leave. Then come and visit twice a year if you're lucky. A spouse lives with you everyday. I will be physically alone in the house he bought and fixed up until I die. Yes I will have grandkids someday but while I'm making them cookies they will have no Grandpa stories to listen to.
Then sell the house and move nearby to them. They will have YOU to tell them stories. I'm sure your husband couldn't give a fuck about the house if it means being closer to your children.
Have you considered attending a church function, when they come back next year (or so) where singles get together? No one will replace what you had as a couple. But, you can still find a new lifelong friend.
Then come and visit twice a year if you're lucky.
If someone only visits you during christmas, they don't enjoy your company. They just feel compelled to do it.
The fix for that, would be to make certain they enjoy your company. And offer babysitting their grandchildren so they can enjoy a weekend alone etc.
But that requires effort. And it will not replace a dead spouse.
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