Every Widow Thing

In this informative episode of "Every Widow Thing," host Lacey is joined by Whitney, Holly, Keira, and special guest Cheryl Martin, a retired grief therapist and recent widow. Together, they explore the complexities of grief, particularly the often-overlooked challenges of the second year after loss. Cheryl shares her personal journey of navigating widowhood and the insights she gained from her professional experience as a grief counselor.Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of empathy, the need for ongoing support, and the reality of living with grief long after the initial loss. Cheryl offers valuable tools for coping, including the significance of allowing oneself to feel a range of emotions, the power of community, and the necessity of seeking help when needed.Join us as we delve into the realities of grief, the importance of remembering our loved ones, and the ways we can support each other through this difficult journey. Whether you're a widow/widower, a friend, or someone looking to understand grief better, this episode is filled with compassion, wisdom, and hope.Topics Covered:The challenges of the second year of griefThe importance of empathy and supportTools for coping with lossThe significance of remembering loved onesFinding the right therapist and support groupsDon't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction: Introduction of Cheryl Martin, a retired grief therapist and widow.00:02:13 - Experiencing Grief as a Therapist vs. a Widow: Cheryl discusses her insights on grief after becoming a widow.00:04:15 - The Challenge of Second Year Grief: Discussion of the difficulties of the second year of grief.00:06:19 - The Marathon of Grief: Grief as an ongoing journey.00:08:39 - The Importance of Remembering Loved Ones: Significance of remembering deceased loved ones.00:10:11 - Navigating Conversations About Loss: How to approach conversations about deceased loved ones.00:12:07 - Therapist Tools for Grief: Using therapy background to navigate grief.00:13:26 - Allowing Grief Emotions to Surface: Importance of expressing all grief emotions.00:15:33 - Self-Care and Grief: The necessity of self-care during grieving.00:18:02 - Finding Support Groups: Benefits of joining support groups.00:21:43 - Choosing the Right Therapist: Advice on finding a suitable therapist.00:25:40 - The Goal of Therapy: Guiding individuals through their grief journey.00:28:38 - Books and Resources for Grief: Recommended resources for grief.00:30:10 - Grounding Techniques in Therapy: Grounding techniques related to EMDR and trauma.00:34:05 - Understanding Dissociation: Explanation of dissociation during trauma.00:39:13 - Reliving Trauma in Therapy: Discussion on reliving traumatic events in therapy.00:41:14 - Navigating Medical Conversations: Challenges of discussing trauma with medical professionals.00:45:02 - The Role of the Therapist in Grief: Therapist's role in holding space for clients' grief.

Okay, grab your comfiest blanket and a big ol' bowl of snacks, because the "Every Widow Thing" crew is spilling all their binge-watching addictions! Make sure to stick around until the end for some interesting new trends for those looking for love!They discuss everything from the fun and fantasy of "Younger" to the dark humor in "Bad Sisters" and the emotional rollercoaster of the new Bridget Jones movie, "Mad About the Boy."But it's not all fluff! We're also getting real about how shows like "Shrinking" and "Landman" tackle grief, and how those stories hit home for us. Plus, you won't believe the wild TikTok trend we found about love at... Home Depot?! Seriously. And why the local grocery store soup station might also be worth a shot!Whether you need a good laugh or something to make you think, this episode's got your back. So, hit play and join the pajama party!TIME STAMPS:00:00:00 - Introduction and Lighthearted Topics00:00:20 - Current Shows and Recommendations00:01:30 - Younger: A Fun Fantasy00:02:39 - Schitt's Creek and Bad Sisters00:03:27 - Soothing True Crime Shows00:04:02 - Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy00:05:22 - Grief Themes in Movies00:06:38 - Shrinking: A Grieving Perspective00:08:00 - Handling Widowhood in TV Shows00:10:42 - Cordially Invited: A Family Dynamic00:12:02 - Landman: A Complex Narrative00:15:25 - Virgin River: A Mixed Bag00:16:10 - Home Depot Dating Trend00:19:07 - Soup Flirting and Closing Thoughts

Every Widow Thing enjoyed a super staycation at the charming Poppy Round Top Airbnb, just an hour and a half from Austin, Texas. Over Valentine's Day weekend, they dove into Mel Robbins' inspiring new book, The Let Them Theory. Listeners can expect a heartfelt and relatable discussion as the podcast explores how this book resonates with the widow community, tackling the pressures of people-pleasing and the importance of releasing control. With personal stories and laughs, they share how embracing the "let them" mindset empowers them to reclaim their lives and pursue dreams without the weight of judgment. This episode offers a fun and uplifting conversation, reminding listeners to focus on their own happiness and let others do their thing!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Welcome to Poppy Round TopIntroduction to the staycation and the setting for the podcast episode.00:00:21 - Mel Robbins' The Let Them TheoryDiscussion about Mel Robbins' new book and its relevance to the hosts.00:01:38 - Insights from the BookExploration of key insights from the book and their application in daily life.00:02:55 - Vulnerability and ControlThe impact of vulnerability on relationships and the desire for control, especially in the widow community.00:03:47 - People-Pleasing TendenciesDiscussion on the tendency to please others and the stress it causes, particularly for women.00:04:41 - Empowerment Through Letting GoThe empowering message of the book and the challenges of letting go of control.00:05:56 - Navigating WidowhoodHow the book's concepts apply to the experiences of widows and their journeys.00:07:07 - Judgment from OthersAddressing the judgment widows face from others regarding their choices and timelines.00:09:21 - Awareness of ControlThe importance of recognizing what is within one's control and what is not.00:10:30 - Expressing FeelingsThe significance of expressing feelings rather than suppressing them to avoid resentment.00:12:24 - Finding BalanceThe need for balance in caring for oneself while supporting children through trauma.00:14:59 - Friendship DynamicsReflections on friendships and feelings of exclusion after loss.00:16:30 - Setting BoundariesThe importance of setting boundaries in relationships and personal well-being.00:19:06 - The Role of ChangeUnderstanding that change in others can only happen when they are ready.00:20:38 - Parenting and ControlThe struggle of controlling children's lives and the realization of their independence.00:22:38 - Self-Confidence Through ResponsibilityHow allowing children to take responsibility fosters their self-confidence.00:25:24 - The Power of Letting GoThe transformative power of letting go of control and expectations.00:27:05 - Taking Back PowerThe importance of reclaiming personal power after loss and trauma.00:28:00 - Overcoming Fear of JudgmentThe journey of overcoming the fear of what others think and pursuing personal dreams.00:29:07 - Final Thoughts on DreamsEncouragement to follow one's dreams and the freedom that comes from letting go of others' opinions.

Holly shares about a disappointing date with a man who drove a red Porsche. And, no, it wasn't Jake Ryan. ;) After the holidays, it appears that there are more men on the apps, but is the quality better? That remains to be seen. Hear the widows' take on their dating app experiences and dating overall. Keira met her fiancé on Hinge, so maybe there is hope. (We had a few technical difficulties with the microphones. We have addressed it going forward. Thanks for your patience.)

The widows come back from a holiday party to share some wisdom on the holidays, dating, and more. "It's the most wonderful time to be widowed. NOT" Topics discussed: -How the holiday funk has changed over the years -Taking a break from widowhood -How Whitney gets dating advice from a reality show called Later Daters -Is it stealing or sharing when you share your grief with those who are grieving? -Advice from our present selves to our past selves Join our insider's group on FB to connect with other widows and widowers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/523215036841828 Follow us on social media https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/ https://www.facebook.com/everywidowthing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Whitney and Holly do an impromptu recording to discuss holiday cards, a Later Daters obsession and Whitney's boyfriend. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

In part 2, Lacey, Keira, and Whitney continue their conversation about EMDR therapy with Katie Cummings, a renowned trauma therapist with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Katie discusses the different techniques used in an EMDR session, such as tapping and buzzers, and explains how triggers and targets are an important part of the process. Katie gives listeners tips on what to look for when choosing a therapist and how EMDR can specifically help people who have suffered loss. https://www.katiecummingslpc.com/ Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Join our Every Widow Thing Insiders Facebook group to connect with other widows and widowers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

What is EMDR? How does it work? Who does it help? On this episode Lacey, Keira and Whitney speak to EMDR specialist Katie Cummings. Katie is a renowned trauma therapist with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful approach to healing trauma. In Part 1, you will observe Katie facilitating an EMDR session with Lacey to address her aviophobia (fear of flying.) Keira will also discuss her profound experience with Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET). A variety of therapeutic approaches can be effective in treating trauma, and EMDR is a proven method. https://www.katiecummingslpc.com/ Find us on Facebook and Instagram. Join our Every Widow Thing Insiders Facebook group to connect with other widows and widowers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

There's a new term for empty nesting! Holly and Whitney talk about their experience with "Free Birding" it now that their youngest kids have gone to college. Whitney shares a helicopter parent fail story and both widows discuss how grief plays a part in this new chapter. In the second half of the episode, the widows share tips on how to find your people. Do you think sitting at the bar in a restaurant is a good or bad idea? Holly just won't let it go. Check out the new Facebook page Every Widow Thing Insiders and connect with other widows. https://www.facebook.com/groups/523215036841828 During this period of transition, the widows anticipate a less consistent release schedule for episodes. Feel free to connect with us on Instagram and or Facebook. Survive and thrive! www.everywidowthing.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

The Widows discuss the differences in burying a husband vs cremating one. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Today EWT speaks with 19-time triathlon competitor and Austin fitness guru, David Garza. A year ago, David and the love of his life broke up, but a friendship remained. Listen in as David shares his personal story of loss and gives insight into how exercise can help you move through grief, and that there are also gifts in grief. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to navigate the complex world of widowhood? Behind the façade of resilience, many widows are keeping secrets. In this raw and honest episode, real women share their personal stories, revealing the unspoken truths that often accompany grief.  Join us as they share their confessions, revealing the hidden struggles, unexpected joys, and newfound strength that emerge in the aftermath of grief. Discover that you're not alone and find solace in the shared experiences of others. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

People think about living well, but have you considered dying well? What would it look like if you had it your way? We spend time planning the important moments in our lives- weddings, births of our children, but what about the last moment of your life? Lacey, Keira, Holly and Whitney welcome hospice advocate Arnetta Robinson to the show. They discuss the gift of hospice and how you can create a meaningful experience for yourself or loved one. Spoiler alert: Some plan for everything from roses on the bed to a good looking visitor reading poetry in the room to Whitney playing the ukulele....it's all in the planning. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

This episode tackles the complex issue of compounded grief. Don and Katie Cash share their story for the first time publicly. Don's daughter, Caitlin, found her friend professional cyclist, Moriah “Mo” Wilson, murdered in her apartment. This event, covered by Dateline NBC, brought a wave of grief not only for Mo's family but also for Don and Katie, highlighting the ripple effect of such tragedies. We explore how Don and Katie navigate their own grief while supporting Caitlin through this unimaginable loss. www.moriahwilsonfoundation.org This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 This episode is also brought to you by spiritpieces.com/everywidowthing Remember your loved one through cremation art! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

As Lacey, Keira, Holly, and Whitney continue chatting with Don Cash, a new face joins the conversation. Don introduces them to his wife, Katie. The conversation takes a turn as Katie offers insightful and heartwarming advice on navigating a relationship with someone who's lost a spouse. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 This episode is also brought to you by spiritpieces.com/everywidowthing Remember your loved one through art! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Don Cash was in college when he met his future wife, Elane. There was only one problem, she was already married. That didn't stop love from finding a way, but cancer was not as easily overcome. Their love story was cut tragically short, leaving Don to cherish the memories and battle the emptiness her absence left behind. Listen in as Don shares his unconventional love story with the ladies of Every Widow Thing. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 This episode is also brought to you by spiritpieces.com/everywidowthing Remember your loved one through art! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Holly, Lacey, Keira and Whitney invited Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, M.D. OBGYN, into the widow's circle to discuss all things sex and sexual health! Getting back on the horse, so to speak, is scary after having a long-term relationship! We took your questions to an expert! Everything from sexually transmitted infections (STI), to how to make sex more enjoyable, Hormone Replacement Therapy (now called Menopausal Hormone Treatment), Ozempic, latest grooming trends and much more! Nothing is off limits with Dr. Shieva! @drshievag. This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 This episode is also brought to you by Meredith Schlosser, real estate agent for the Los Angeles area and beyond! If you are looking to buy or a sell a home in the LA area or need a referral for an expert agent around the world, Meredith should be your first call. MeredithSchlosser.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Happy anniversary to Every Widow Thing! Lacey, Keira, Holly and Whitney look back on the first year of the podcast! They give updates on past episodes, share their favorite moments and discuss what has changed since starting this exciting endeavor! This episode is brought to you by Roger Brooks and his team at Strategic Investment Management. As an Austin-based fiduciary financial advisory firm, Roger and his team bring decades of experience and empathy to help people regain financial control through life's ups and downs so you can move forward with confidence. www.strategicim.com. 512-341-9898 This episode is also brought to you by spiritpieces.com/everywidowthing Beautiful cremation jewelry and glass art to honor the people and pets you love. Use the link above to find the perfect memorial. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Grief is a journey, but navigating it after losing your spouse can feel especially isolating. In this episode of Every Widow Thing, we explore the often-overlooked topic of boundaries. This episode is a must-listen for any widow or widower feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of how to move forward. Join us as we break down the power of boundaries and empower you to reclaim control after loss. This episode is sponsored by meredithschlosser.com and spiritpieces.com/everywidowthing --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

The Widows continue their discussion of ashes. You'll be surprised by some of the options out there for your loved ones' ashes. This episode is sponsored in part by https://www.spiritpieces.com/ Unique and beautiful cremation jewelry and glass art! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

The Widows discuss their experiences with the ashes of their husbands. Keira brings Frank out of the closet for the first time but can't seem to figure out how to open the box. Lacey's husband, Oliver, was buried, so she offers her own unique thoughts on the subject! This episode is brought to you in part by https://www.spiritpieces.com/ Unique creation jewelry and glass art! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

After Tiffany's husband, Matt, died unexpectedly, she began her grief journey with an actual journey. She started small with a trip to Colorado with her 5 and 7 year old, but travel soon became more than an escape; it was a road to healing. Listen in as Tiffany shares her story and some very helpful travel tips. From wedded to widowed to world traveler, she will inspire you to handle your own baggage as you embark on your new path. Tiffany is available for travel consulting and also hosts a Widows in the Wild travel group. You can follow her on instagram at @rebuilding.joy She also tackles dating after loss. You can follow that at @datingafterdeath and listen in to her podcast. This episode is sponsored in part by: https://meredithschlosser.com/about 240 FIVE-STAR ZILLOW REVIEWS When you want the best, call Meredith Schlosser. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Every Widow Thing sits down with author JJ Elliott. She discusses her first novel, There Are No Rules For This, about 3 women dealing with the loss of their best friend by suicide. You'll be touched by the friendship and surprised by their antics. The story is heartwarming, funny, and honest. Get ready for a great conversation about life, loss, and living funerals! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

In this episode, the conversation continues with some of the kids of Every Widow Thing. They were between the ages of 6 and 14 when their fathers died unexpectedly. What these young widowed mothers worried about most was how their children would be affected long term by such a tragic event. Listen in and see what the kids have to say about their lives then and now. Lacey's son- Ryder was 6 when his dad died. Keira's 2 oldest kids- Aislin and Thomas were 11 and 9. Holly's sons - Gabe and Zach were 14 and 11.  A big thank you to the guest moderator, Sally Rodgers! Not only is she a writer, communications specialist and former journalist, but she also lost her own father at the age of 4 years old. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

One of the biggest concerns for Whitney, Keira, Lacey and Holly after their spouses died was the kids. How will they handle it? Will they be traumatized for life? How will they cope? What long term impact will this have on them? Today you will hear from some of our kids. You may be surprised by what they have to say. Lacey's son- Ryder was 6 when his dad died. Keira's 2 oldest kids- Aislin and Thomas were 11 and 9. Holly's sons- Gabe and Zach were 14 and 11. A big thank you to the guest moderator, Sally Rodgers! Not only is she a writer, communications specialist and former journalist, but she also lost her own father at the age of 4 years old. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Though partners in every sense, Shellie and Andrew lacked one crucial document: a marriage license. This seemingly minor oversight held immense weight when Andrew was tragically killed in a bike accident. What they'd assumed was "just a piece of paper" suddenly became a barrier to Shellie's rights and protections. Listen in as Shellie shares her story and gives crucial advice to any couple holding off on marriage until the time is right. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

“What punishments of God are not gifts?”  When Whitney found Anderson Cooper's grief podcast titled All There Is, she was curious. What would his take be on the grieving process? It was the episode with Stephen Colbert that inspired her to ask the widows to take a listen and discuss the idea of finding the gifts in grief. They had no idea how much they would learn from 2 men who have suffered more than their fair share of loss. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Dating 2.0! Why? Because it's too damn funny not to share. Holly, Lacey, Keira and Whitney share some of their not so fun dating tales. From catfishing to fish photos and one sweaty nomad, we cover quite a bit. Take a listen to our dos and don'ts from our own life experiences and learn from our mistakes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

The holidays are here and that can bring on not so fun feelings. Holly, Lacey, Keira and Whitney talk about how to snap out of the holiday blahs. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

This is part 2 of Dana and Robert's story after a devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma. Dana shares how they handled the grim diagnosis, what she did to keep sane, and the sweet way Robert ensured he would be at his daughters' weddings. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Dana and Robert had a thriving financial planning business, two precious daughters, and a full life. They had no idea when they met Kiera and were touched by her own story that a few months later, Robert would be fighting for his own life. Dana sits with Whitney, Keira, and Holly to share Robert's final months after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Glioblastoma. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Grief is hard, but believe it or not, there are some good things that can come out of the grief journey. The widows touch on this idea and give some of their own examples of the good side of grief. (We dedicate this episode to Whitney's sweet bulldog, Wembley! ) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Holly brings in one of her long standing phrases. The widows share some of the things that make them mad. Golf widows, keeping score, crying on social media and other people's opinion on when widows can date are all addressed! Lacey is the voice of reason. Keira won't stop talking about the Golden Bachelor, and Whitney causes a scene. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

On this episode of Every Widow Thing, you will meet Tim Wilschetz who is a widower. Tim and his late wife, Carol, met in New York City. They were two very successful executives enjoying life in the city, and they dated on and off for 6 years. In 1999,  they married and later had two children, Emily and Daniel. Life was great, and they decided to move to Austin, Texas to be closer to family.  On a family trip to the Caribbean, Carol was having pain in her abdomen. Soon after, she had scans done by a doctor, and he ruled out cancer. So Tim and Carol had a mini celebration that night. Unfortunately, it turns out that four months later after returning to the doctor for further evaluation, she had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The next 18 months were hard, but Carol was tough. She worked up until two weeks before she died, and she and Tim decided they wanted their family to have as normal a life as possible. Tim said they took as many pictures as possible to document their life together. What other advice does he have about living in the moment after learning about a terrible diagnosis? Join us and find out.  You'll also learn about how he and his children honor her through the Carol A Buch Foundation.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

This episode of Every Widow Thing much like the old children's television show, “Sesame Street", the widows discuss two words: Yes AND No! While it's important to create boundaries and say no sometimes, the widows feel like it's also important to say, “Yes". Yes to you! Yes to the things that get you out of your comfort zone and fill your soul. As a single mother, what do you say “Yes” to? Is 2024 the Year of Yes? We think so! Join us and find out what we are saying "Yes" to! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Who would have thought that a Lionel Richie concert would introduce the widows to a sweet couple who bring hope to the idea of love after loss. Janice and Vic Means met after each had already had over 50 years of marriage with other people. When their spouses died, they had no idea that there would be a second chance at love. Listen to their story, their advice and their example of how to live and love after loss. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

This episode was inspired by a listener with small children who worries about her children forgetting their dad. It can be tough to find ways to keep your loved one a part of your household and family. Holly, Keira, Lacey and Whitney all share what they do to keep their husbands' memory alive. Spoiler alert: Their husband's handwriting plays a big role! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Dr. Angelique Campen, an emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience, joins Holly, Lacey and Whitney to spill the secrets on how to get the best care for you or your loved one while in the hospital. She covers everything from how to get a good night's sleep to keeping your hospital bill down. She also shares a sure fire way to get your hospital staff's attention. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

People can say the damndest things. It can be hard to know just what to say when someone goes through a tragedy, but some remarks are just plain gross. Listen in while Holly, Lacey, Keira and Whitney share some of those moments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

The widows dive into what you need to know before and after tragedy strikes. This is an episode for every single person living right now. You want to be prepared before grief hits. What are the passwords? What paperwork is involved ? What questions should you ask your significant other/family member right now? You may be surprised by our tips. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

From f bombs to late night booty calls to changing friendships, grief can make people do strange things. In this episode, the widows share some of their own grief side effects. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Holly, Keira, Lacey and Whitney are back from the summer with big news to share! Keira is engaged! She shares her engagement story and all the widows weigh in on the idea of finding a father for your children vs finding a husband for yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, the ladies share the first year of their "new normal." They talk about decorating for the holidays and what some of the ladies have in common with the winners of the Super Bowl! Where do they go after a big moment? And do we really need matching pajamas for the Christmas holidays? Some expectations after your husband's death just cut too deep. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Family vacations look a lot different when you are doing it as a solo parent. Lacey, Keira, Holly and Whitney share travel stories and tips on how to navigate taking your kids on vacation when you have no other adult to help you. Or is it called a trip, because it's no vacation for the mom? One of us points out that a therapy dog for travel may end up being the dog needs therapy and creates one more thing for the mom to take care of. Spoiler alert: Keira still xeroxes her paperwork and cussing at the Louvre will not be tolerated. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

In this episode of Every Widow Thing, Whitney, Keira, Holly and Lacey, talk about how we all met. We share our ideas for how we can use our experience to be of service to others. Each of us gives one piece of advice for how to navigate grief. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Dating after death can be bittersweet and also awkward! Whitney, Keira, Holly and Lacey share some of their online dating stories and how being single is different now versus when we met our husbands. And spoiler alert- someone overshares! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Whitney, Keira, Holly and Lacey discuss how grief feels now versus the first year. We talk about the holidays and our new traditions. We also address the elephant in the room. Some of us will be empty nesters, truly empty. Will our coping mechanisms help deal with this and other issues? We can tell you what we learned and the results of how rainbow colors just might heal your trauma. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

For us, the signs are there. But do you believe that? If so, do you recognize them? Whitney, Keira, Holly and Lacey all share their thoughts and experiences with signs after the death of their husbands. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

Most weekend afternoons, Whitney and Hunter were running in two different directions driving 3 kids to their different activities with barely time for a quick peck on the cheek by the coffee machine. But on this particular Saturday, they went to the Texas Craft Beer Festival. They spent real time together; out of their routine and out of the house. Little did they know that this day would be a true gift and the last real day of Hunter's life. This is Whitney's story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

When Holly's husband, Toby, pulled out of the driveway with their 11-year-old son, she assumed it was just another carpool to baseball practice. She never dreamed that a few short hours later, she would receive a call telling her to meet the other parents at Dell Children's Hospital. With unanswered phone calls and text messages to Toby's phone, Holly knew something was terribly wrong. In this episode, she shares what happened when a drunk driver hit Toby's car head-on, not only taking his life, but sending four young boys to the hospital. This is Holly's story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support

It was the end of a two-week summer camp, and Keira was excited to pick up her two oldest children. Her husband, Frank, had flown in the night before from a business trip so that he could make the drive with his wife and youngest daughter, Carys. It was a beautiful day, and the family was excited to be reunited. Unfortunately a drunk driver traveling on the wrong side of the road hit them head-on. What happened next is unimaginable. This is Keira's story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everywidowthing/support