I met my fiancé 7 months after my husband died. I know he would be happy for me.

Regina Lawless became a widow at age 40 and met her now-fiance shortly after.

Courtesy of Regina Lawless

• Regina Lawless met her husband at 18 and was with him for 21 years.
• He died from a heart attack when Regina was 40 and their son was 15.
• Regina found love again later that year and is now engaged.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Regina Lawless, author of "Do You." It has been edited for length and clarity.

My husband Al and I were pioneers in online dating.