Sometimes merely listening and letting time heal the wounds is the best remedy, and the WidowNet group seems to know this. Others on the e-mail list are much more talkative and aggressive, feeling that getting things out in the open is the better way to deal with their sorrows. Many write original poems capturing the way they feel about their lost spouse. Others write journals and keep them for personal use or post them to the rest of the group to see. Still others even write books to tell the story of their lives together.
Financial information is discussed on the listserv between all who want to join in.
Even living wills are talked about. If one has an inquiry regarding how he or she, who in the past never had to worry about keeping the checkbook, taking care of the bills, or dealing with the insurance, they can ask the question to the group and can be sure to receive a response almost immediately. This sort of communication, though computer mediated, can provide a comforting hand to many who are frightened of being alone. For example, the people on the discussion group planned a trip to Seattle, and many attended. Emails were sent discussing what a nice time everyone had and compliments were being thrown all around at each other.