The issue of being a single parent was so consuming for them. Finally, external questions occupied the thoughts and feelings of widows. That doesn't mean they moved but that they found they needed to renegotiate important relationships in their lives. What Helped, What Didn't Social networks proved important in the healing process. That doesn't mean they don't use it.
Many people like to do their self-exploration in a guiding, trustworthy environment.
Yes, there are. That trilogy consists of high dependency, intense anger or overwhelming guilt. In contrast, the most effective helper for widows tended to b e their own mothers if they were alive, despite the fact that the highest level of social contact was with any existing adult children. People who have been through the experience seem to be able to help more than those who have not. The flipside is also important.