DEAR ABBY: I'm a widow, as are many of my friends these days. Widowhood is difficult. If you're not prepared, it can be horrible. That's why I'd like to urge women to learn to take care of themselves because the odds are they will be alone sooner or later after the age of 50. Some suggestions:
1. If you haven't already, learn to drive.
2. Learn to pump gas and how to check your tires and the fluids in your car.
3. Learn to use a few basic tools and do home repairs.
4. Pay attention to financial matters such as balancing a checkbook.
5. Know where your records are, what's in them and what information you will need for taxes.
6. Buy a shredder and shred unnecessary papers.
7. Make friends with other women. If you don't, life gets lonely.
8. Be courageous and do what you need to do to be happy.
9. Start to simplify your home. It will free your mind from clutter and, if necessary, allow you to move to smaller quarters.
10. Let your children lead their lives, lead your own and present a cheerful face to the world! -- KATHLEEN IN DULUTH, MINN.
DEAR KATHLEEN: Those are excellent suggestions, to which I would add how important it is to consult a CPA and a lawyer if your spouse hasn't already shown you what you need to know.