The "January Blues" hit a little differently when you’re navigating life after the loss of a spouse. In this episode, we’re keeping it real about why the start of a new year can feel so heavy for widows and how to manage those tough emotional hurdles.

But it’s not all heavy talk—we’re also looking ahead! We’re diving into our upcoming Valentine’s Day events designed to bring us together. We talk about why having something fun on the calendar is so vital for healing, and how leanining into a community that "just gets it" can make all the difference. Come hang out with us as we chat about connection, shared stories, and finding a way forward together.

Link to Tickets!

https://every-widow-thing-valentines.eventbrite.com

Connect with us!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/

FB INSIDERS GROUP:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hYvAAdEK/

Takeaways

• It's hard to transition into a new year after loss.
• January can be particularly challenging for those grieving.
• Community events can provide support and connection.
• Planning events can help in coping with grief.
• Having something to look forward to is essential.
• The hosts are organizing Valentine's Day events for widows.
• Connection with others who understand is vital.
• The importance of humor and light-heartedness in healing.
• Raffles and community engagement can foster connection.
• It's okay to reach out for support during tough times.

#griefsupport #lifeafterloss #widow #Valentinesday #AustinTexasEvent #grief #widowhood #new year #community #support #events #healing #loss #friendship

Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do the demands of parenting. Today, we’re opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of being the "only" parent during the most wonderful (and sometimes hardest) time of the year. We explore how to create new joy when the old traditions feel heavy, the power of community, and the beauty of prioritizing experiences over things. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:18 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions

04:25 Traveling During the Holidays

08:42 Experiences Over Material Gifts

12:00 Navigating Grief and Parenting Challenges

43:33 The Weight of Single Parenting

52:55 Creating New Traditions and Moving Forward

Meet Danny Leslie, a widower who turned his grief into a powerful message of hope and resilience. After losing his wife, Raffi, to cancer in December 2024, Danny compiled their journey into a remarkable book titled Thank You, Cancer.

In this episode, Danny shares intimate details about their life together, the challenges they faced during Raffi's five-year battle with vulva cancer, and the profound way God showed up for them along the way. Discover how Raffi's adventurous spirit and unwavering faith shaped their experiences, and how they found moments of joy amidst the pain.

Purchase Danny's book, Thank You, Cancer: https://bluehatpublishing.com/products/thank-you-cancer-by-raffaella-dobles-and-danny-lesslie?variant=46742469771500

Follow Danny here: momentumwithdanny

Follow us here: everywidowthing

Like and subscribe to the podcast!

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing
Introduction to the podcast and its mission.

00:00:25 - Danny Leslie's Story
Overview of Danny's journey as a widower after losing his wife, Rafi, to cancer.

00:01:29 - Rafi's Spirit and Impact
Danny shares insights about Rafi's vibrant personality and their relationship.

00:02:59 - Living Life Unplanned
Discussion on their adventurous lifestyle, including selling everything to live in an RV.

00:04:41 - The Cancer Diagnosis
The moment Rafi receives her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their family.

00:07:51 - Navigating the Unknown
Danny describes the uncertainty and fear following Rafi's surgery.

00:13:34 - The Weight of Information
Danny recounts the difficult conversation of informing Rafi about her cancer diagnosis.

00:14:46 - Life with Cancer
Exploration of the daily challenges and logistics of caring for Rafi during her illness.

00:19:22 - The Role of Children in Grief
Discussion on how their children help Danny cope with the loss of Rafi.

00:22:09 - Chronic Pain and Care
Insight into the physical struggles Rafi faced and the emotional toll on the family.

00:30:12 - God Moments in Grief
Danny reflects on the spiritual experiences and signs of God's presence during their journey.

00:36:31 - Radical Generosity
Stories of community support and unexpected financial help during Rafi's treatment.

00:40:34 - Thank You, Cancer
Understanding the title of the book and the lessons learned through adversity.

00:43:06 - Reconciliation with Loss
Danny discusses how he reconciles his faith with the loss of Rafi and the absence of anger towards God.

In this special episode of Every Widow Thing, our friend, Stephanie, joins us to share her experience of profound loss and grief after her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi, died in a horrific home accident. Stephanie honors Kobi's life as an artist and photographer, recounts the tragic accident, and reflects on moments of spiritual connection that followed. Join us for a testament to resilience, enduring love, and finding light through signs, faith, and the healing power of family and nature.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie's Story
On today's episode, the host introduces Stephanie, a mother sharing her journey of grief after losing her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi.

00:01:30 - Kobi's Life and Personality
Stephanie reflects on Kobi's vibrant personality, her talents, and the love she had for her family and community.

00:03:00 - Foreshadowing Before the Tragedy
Stephanie shares significant events leading up to Kobi's death, highlighting moments that seemed to foreshadow the tragedy.

00:05:30 - The Day of the Accident
A detailed account of the day Kobi passed away, including her symptoms and the family's interactions before the incident.

00:09:00 - The Moment of Impact
Stephanie describes the moment Kobi was injured and the spiritual connection she felt during that time.

00:12:00 - Emergency Response
The family's frantic efforts to get help and the chaos that ensued as they awaited emergency responders.

00:14:30 - Arrival at the Hospital
The family's experience at the hospital, including the difficult discussions about Kobi's condition and organ donation.

00:18:00 - Creating Lasting Memories
Stephanie recounts the emotional process of making handprints with Kobi and the significance of those memories.

00:20:30 - Signs and Spiritual Connections
The discussion of signs from Kobi and how Stephanie and her family have felt her presence since her passing.

00:25:00 - Healing and Grief
Stephanie reflects on the healing journey for her family, the different ways they cope with grief, and the importance of self-care.

00:30:00 - Advice for Other Grieving Parents
Stephanie shares insights and advice for parents who have lost children, emphasizing the importance of hope and openness to signs.

00:35:00 - The Role of Faith in Grief
The conversation shifts to the role of faith in navigating grief and the importance of being open to spiritual experiences.

00:40:00 - Conclusion and Reflection
The episode wraps up with reflections on the lasting impact of Kobi's life and the ongoing journey of healing for Stephanie and her family.

In this episode of "Every Widow Thinks," we had the privilege of speaking with Jeff, a widower from Austin, who shared his deeply personal journey following the loss of his wife, Mona, in 2019. Jeff opened up about their love story, which began with a blind date in Seattle, and how they built a life together in Austin, raising their daughter, Julia.

Mona's battle with a rare cancer, liposarcoma, lasted nearly nine years, during which Jeff and Mona navigated the complexities of treatment while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy for their young daughter.

Resources:

https://flatwater.org

https://wondersandworries.org

https://www.hospiceaustin.org/our-services/christopher-house/

00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeff and His Story
00:01:00 - Meeting Mona: A Blind Date in Seattle
00:02:40 - Moving to Austin and Starting a Family
00:04:20 - Mona's Cancer Diagnosis: Liposarcoma
00:05:50 - The Journey of Treatment and Family Support
00:07:30 - Living with Cancer: A New Normal
00:08:50 - Mona's Determination to Maintain Normalcy
00:10:20 - Navigating the Medical Community as Physicians
00:12:00 - Traveling and Creating Memories Together
00:14:10 - The Shift in Health: Rapid Progression
00:16:00 - Emergency Surgery and Hospital Stays
00:18:15 - Transitioning to Hospice Care
00:19:40 - Final Days at the Christopher House
00:21:00 - Talking to Julia About Cancer and Loss
00:22:30 - Julia's Coping Mechanisms and Support
00:25:00 - Reflections on Grief and Milestones
00:27:10 - Adjusting to Life After Loss
00:28:40 - Therapy and Support Resources
00:30:30 - Planning for the Future: Wills and Wishes
00:32:00 - Mona's Legacy: Letters and Memories
00:34:00 - Navigating Dating After Loss
00:36:00 - Julia's Growth and Challenges
00:46:00 - Conclusion and Reflections on Parenting

Deb Pilcher's grief journey began years before her husband's death, with the stillbirth of their first daughter, Anna.

In a surprising twist, that first devastating loss was the catalyst for healing and hope when her husband, Wally, was killed in a driving accident that left her oldest son in critical condition. Deb was given an image that to this day allows her to reframe her grief and feel joy in spite of her devastating losses.

Deb's story—marked by child loss, widowhood, two battles with cancer, and a new marriage—is shared here to bring hope to others who are grieving.

Hope is a superpower!

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
Whitney introduces Holly and Deb, sharing the significance of Deb's support during her early widowhood.

00:01:30 - Deb's Grief Journey Begins
Deb recounts the beginning of her grief journey with the stillbirth of her first daughter and the subsequent loss of her husband, Wally.

00:02:50 - The Impact of Wally's Death
Deb shares the details of Wally's tragic death in a car accident and the immediate aftermath for her and their children.

00:05:00 - Jacob's Survival and Trauma
Discussion about Jacob's injuries from the accident and the challenges of communicating the news of Wally's death to him.

00:08:00 - The Role of Friends and Family
Deb reflects on the support she received from friends and family during the crisis and the importance of community.

00:10:30 - Navigating Grief and Denial
Deb discusses her initial denial of Wally's death and her focus on Jacob's recovery.

00:12:30 - The Long Road of Grief
Deb explains how she coped with her grief over the years, focusing on her children and gradually processing her loss.

00:15:00 - Finding Joy Amidst Grief
Deb shares how she reframed her grief and found moments of joy, including the concept of "reunion day."

00:20:00 - The Challenge of Moving Forward
Discussion on the fear of moving on from grief and the struggle to let go of memories.

00:23:00 - Humor in Grief
Deb and Whitney talk about the importance of humor in coping with grief and share funny anecdotes.

00:27:00 - Dating After Loss
Deb discusses her journey to dating again after Wally's death and the challenges she faced.

00:30:00 - Meeting Clay
Deb shares the story of how she met her current husband, Clay, through her friends.

00:35:00 - The Wedding and Family Dynamics
Deb describes her wedding to Clay and how her children have adjusted to the new family dynamics.

00:40:00 - Balancing Memories of the Past
Deb talks about the importance of acknowledging Wally's flaws while celebrating his memory and ensuring her children understand that no one is perfect.

Holly is in a funk and that's totally normal. Grief is a part of our life now, even 8 years in. It definitely is not as heavy and ever present as the early years, but to think that there will come a day when grief has left you, is not realistic.

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, Whitney and Holly dive into the complex emotions surrounding grief, loneliness, and the unexpected role of humor in healing. As they share personal stories and experiences, they explore how laughter can coexist with sorrow, even in the most challenging moments.

Join them as they discuss:

• The nuances of grief and the feeling of loneliness, even years after loss.

• The importance of acknowledging all emotions related to grief.

• Hilarious anecdotes, including a story about a widow twerking at a funeral and the use of cardboard cutouts to honor loved ones.

• The healing power of laughter and how it can lighten the heaviest of situations.

Whether you're navigating your own grief journey or simply looking for a lighthearted take on a heavy topic, this episode offers a blend of humor and heartfelt conversation. Remember, where you are right now is not where you will stay—laughter and healing are possible!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!