Since losing my husband three years ago, I’ve been learning how to stand on my own. But nothing prepared me for what unfolded while shopping for a  dress for my son Andrew’s upcoming wedding.

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With only two weeks until the big day, I suddenly realized I still hadn’t found anything to wear. I had kept putting it off, thinking I had time.

“Time to treat yourself, Sandra,” I said to my reflection and headed to the mall.

My first stop was Nordstrom. Everything there felt overdone—sequins and shine, not what I had in mind.

The sales associate seemed determined to dress me like I was competing with the bride. No thanks.