Dear readers,

The death of a spouse leaves a hole that cannot easily be filled, according to some widows. In their tales, there are moments of longing one more day with the deceased that the depression of knowing it won’t happen is too strong to bear.

After months, sometimes even years, of mourning, is it right for the widow to search for love again? Or are widows doomed to singlehood because society finds it odd to take on a new partner?

This week, Jeanine Mukabacondo tells her sad encounter and the aftermath of her husband’s demise. Also, in our lead story, we look at other widows and how they cope with life after losing their husbands. For some, finding love again is the furthest thing from their mind, however, religious leaders tell us why it shouldn’t be a bad thing.

It is considered extremely inappropriate (or illegal) for a teacher to have any kind of unprofessional relationship with a student. When a teacher seems "friendlier” than normal, a trait he has with just one student and not his entire class, is that crossing the line? The counselor and a few individuals give advice to a student whose teacher might be interested in more than just good grades.

Rachel Garuka