widow, grief, healing, podcast, community, memoir, parenting, resilience, support, life after loss

summary

In this episode, Ona returns to the podcast after a break, sharing her experiences as a widow navigating life and grief. She discusses the challenges of raising children without their father, the emotional rollercoaster of grief, and the process of writing her memoir, 'Between the Stitches.' Ona emphasizes the importance of moving forward while honoring her late husband, Geoff, and expresses her excitement to reconnect with the widow community and her listeners.

takeaways

• The journey of grief is ever-changing and unpredictable.
• It's important to find ways to move forward for oneself and one's children.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and reflection.
• Community support is vital for those navigating loss.
• Sharing personal stories can inspire others to find hope.
• Life can feel overwhelming, but small choices lead to significant changes.
• It's okay to take breaks and return when ready.
• The process of writing a memoir can be cathartic and enlightening.
• Encouragement can come from knowing others have faced similar struggles.
• Connection with others who understand your journey is invaluable.

Sound Bites

• "Life is wild."
• "It's a feel good story."
• "Check out the book."

Chapters

00:00

Reconnecting After a Break

02:39

Navigating Grief and Daily Life

05:17

The Journey of Writing a Book

summary

In this episode of 'Widows Dating Divorce Dads', host Ona engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer, a widow who shares her journey through grief, parenting, and finding love again after the loss of her husband to cancer. The discussion covers the emotional challenges of navigating new relationships while dealing with past trauma, the importance of family dynamics, and the resilience required to move forward in life. Jennifer's story serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations, highlighting the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness.

takeaways

• It's important to establish rules when blending families.
• Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during new relationships.
• Communication with children about loss is crucial.
• Dating apps can be a helpful tool for finding love again.
• Survival mode often kicks in during times of crisis.
• Maintaining normalcy for children is a priority during grief.
• Emotional baggage from past relationships can complicate new ones.
• It's okay to seek happiness after loss.
• Every widow's journey is unique and should not be judged.
• Moving forward does not mean moving on from the past.

titles

• Navigating Love After Loss
• The Journey of a Widow

Sound Bites

• "I wanted him home with me."
• "You go into survival mode."
• "It's always moving."

Sandy finishes with a short reading for Megan to share messages from her late husband - including how he feels about her Divorced Dad!

Sandy emphasizes the continued presence and influence of loved ones in spirit, while also exploring the spiritual connections that can guide us in life. Her work is truly comforting and a gift!

Connect with Sandy on IG : sandy_the_intuitive or visit her website : www.sandyscheschuk.com

This is the real and RAW experience of a widow and an episode you'll want to share with your NON widowed friends!

In this episode, Ona and Megan discuss their experiences navigating life as widows, focusing on the judgments and assumptions they face from others. They share personal stories about their weekends, the challenges of dating after loss, and the expectations placed on them in new relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and kindness towards those who are grieving, as well as the complexities of financial planning and support in their new lives.

takeaways

• Grief is a personal journey that others may not understand.
• Judgments about how one should grieve can be hurtful.
• Dating after loss can bring its own set of judgments.
• It's important to communicate openly about expectations in new relationships.
• Financial stability is a crucial topic for widows and divorced dads.
• Support from friends can make a significant difference in the grieving process.
• Assumptions about moving on can lead to misunderstandings.
• It's okay to prioritize your own needs and feelings after loss.
• People often project their own fears and judgments onto others.
• Kindness and understanding are essential when supporting someone who is grieving.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Weekend Recap

11:33

Navigating Grief and Judgment

26:39

Dating After Loss

36:28

Assumptions About New Relationships

50:10

Financial Judgments and Planning for the Future

widowhood, dating, grief, love, hope, relationships, identity, family, healing, personal growth

summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Ona and Kelsy share their experiences as widows navigating the complexities of dating, love, and personal growth after loss. They discuss the importance of hope, identity, and the journey of finding love again while honoring their late husbands. Kelsy shares her story of resilience, the challenges of online dating, and the joy of building a new relationship with Joseph. The conversation emphasizes the significance of living life fully, creating joyful memories for their children, and the power of connection and communication in relationships.

takeaways

• Kelsy describes her late husband as a 'Husband on Loan from Heaven.'
• The journey of widowhood can lead to profound personal growth.
• Finding hope and identity after loss is a gradual process.
• Dating again can be both exciting and challenging for widows.
• Online dating experiences can be humorous and enlightening.
• Love is an essential part of life, even after loss.
• Manifestation can play a role in finding love again.
• Building a relationship with a new partner requires open communication.
• Integrating a new partner into family life can be a positive experience.
• Traveling and creating memories with children is vital for healing.

titles

• Dating Again: A Widow's Perspective
• Living Fully After Loss: A Widow's Tale

Sound Bites

• "I have those feelings again."
• "I want to live life."
• "I felt like I was walking outside of my body."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

01:58

Kelsy's Journey as a Widow

04:23

Finding Hope and Identity After Loss

08:19

The Leap into Dating Again

12:23

Dating Experiences and Lessons Learned

17:14

Navigating Relationships with Children

22:21

Building a New Life and Future

28:18

The Importance of Travel and Adventure

49:28

Conclusion and Reflections on Love and Life

They also talk about taking trips with just their own kids and the Divorced Dads and how that has felt to the other half of the blended family.

keywords

widow, dating, divorced dads, grief, loss, milestones, transitions, emotions, plane crash, life insurance, support, dating, grief, love, relationships, emotions, blending families, finding love after loss, challenges, new home, large families, children's comments, annulment process, future wedding, grief journey, parenting as a widow, changes in perspective, dark humor, resilience, joy

takeaways

• Navigating relationships as a widow dating a divorced dad can be challenging
• Milestones and transitions can be difficult for widows and their families
• Grief and loss can bring up complex emotions
• Having life insurance can provide financial security in the event of a spouse's death
• Support from friends and community is crucial during times of grief Grief is a lifelong journey, but it is possible to find joy and love again.
• Being open and honest about emotions is crucial in navigating new relationships while grieving.
• Therapy can be helpful in processing emotions and navigating the complexities of blended families.
• It's important to give oneself time and space to heal before entering into a new relationship.
• Finding a partner who understands and supports your grief journey is essential. Blending families after loss can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new home that accommodates everyone's needs.
• Children's comments about new relationships can be funny and heartwarming, showing their excitement and acceptance.
• Going through the annulment process can be heavy and emotional, but finding a partner who understands and supports the journey is important.
• Creating a new family dynamic after loss requires resilience and a willingness to navigate the challenges that come with parenting as a widow.
• Grief can bring about changes in perspective and a dark sense of humor, which can help in finding joy and moving forward.

Keywords

coping mechanisms, grief, sadness, anxiety, disbelief, support, judgment, being alone, sleeping arrangements, living spaces, seeing the body, therapy, grief support, coping mechanisms, coping mechanisms, healthy coping, unhealthy coping, reading, physical touch, support, shopping, drinking, trips, vacations, escape, joy, grace, grief journey

Takeaways

• Coping mechanisms in grief vary from person to person and there is no right or wrong way to cope.
• Having people around can provide comfort and support during the early days of grief.
• Sleeping and going through the motions of daily life can be a way to cope and maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Judgments from others about coping methods are unhelpful and should be disregarded.
• Each person's grief journey is unique and should not be compared to others. After the death of a partner, the experience of being alone can be overwhelming and scary.
• Rearranging living spaces and sleeping arrangements can provide a sense of comfort and safety.
• Deciding whether or not to see the body of a deceased loved one is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong decision.
• Therapy and grief support can be beneficial in helping individuals and families navigate the grieving process.
• Healthy coping mechanisms for grief include reaching out to friends, going for walks, and journaling. Healthy coping mechanisms include reading, physical touch, and leaning on loved ones for support.
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms can include excessive shopping and drinking.
• Trips and vacations can be a way to escape and find joy.
• It's important to give oneself grace and understand that coping mechanisms are a part of the grief journey.

In this episode, we talk all things FRIENDSHIP in grief. Hear how friends have shown up for us and how, while other close friendships were sadly lost.

Follow us on Instagram @widowsdatingdivorceddads for more!

But first, they share about feeling bitter on Father's Day!

But first, weekend updates filled with another much needed date for Ona & B3 and Megan's late husband's family comes into town for a birthday party.

But first, weekend updates! Megan had a somewhat stressful boat trip with her Divorced Dad and all 5 of their kids together, while Ona got a hot and spicy date night!

Sound Bites

"I want to go out to lunch with somebody. I want to meet somebody at lunch, maybe have a cosmopolitan. I want to laugh. I want to have inside jokes with somebody."

"I was so assertive, I cannot believe it because I am not assertive."

"He will tell you to this day that that was a critical moment for him was when I put my arm around his waist."

Sound Bites

• "I don't want to get to know him {Matt} yet. I want to get to know you."
• "I was excited to experience the beginning of a new relationship."
• "Their actions will show you that they care about you."

Curious to hear more about early dating, how we knew we were ready, dating stories, etc? Come join us at the Patreon!

patreon.com/WidowsDatingDivorcedDads

Thank for listening!

I was 39 years old, and now a solo parent to my then 9, 5, and 3 year old children.

This is my story and how I learned that unfortunately, strong is your only option.

Sound Bites

• "I could tell that he was dead. That's a color you don't know until you know."
• "How about a bra? Cause I was like in my pajamas, right?"
• "The hardest part will be for the rest of my life is walking this with my kids who miss their dad."