So sorry to hear about your wife. Losing the 25% income is nothing compared to losing her. The money is worthless without someone to share it with.
Whether 27k or 30k your last paragraph says it all. Hopefully with a little luck tour 8nvestment grows 50 fold ($100 per share) you can take your bride on a few cruises!
GLTA
PS Thanks for all your thoughtful input. Really appreciated