17 Days: A Widower’s Story of Loss, Resilience, and Parenting Through Grief with Shane Musgrove

In this episode, you'll hear: 

• Insights into the unique challenges of being a widower, both as a man and a father

• Tips on finding the right support group 

Shane Musgrove is the creator of 17 Days, a public speaking platform dedicated to helping others navigate grief, loss, adversity, addiction, and more. Growing up, Shane experienced a challenging home environment marked by abuse and addiction. His father struggled with alcoholism and addictions to crack cocaine and pills, ultimately passing away from an overdose when Shane was in his early twenties. Later in life, Shane’s mother also overdosed but has since recovered, and his younger brother, a recovering meth addict, recently served six years in prison. At age 42, Shane faced another profound loss when his wife of 22 years, and the mother of their three children, passed away from metastatic breast cancer after a brief 17-day battle. Today, Shane devotes his energy to making a positive impact in the world, guiding others through life's darkest moments.

In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave, and Shane delve into Shane's journey as a widower, exploring the unique challenges of being a man and a widow and how the demographics of support groups can play a significant role in finding the right fit for healing. Shane reflects on how his difficult past shaped the way he coped with the devastating loss of his wife, including the heartbreaking 17-day period from diagnosis to her passing and the atmosphere at home during that time. He shares what it was like to say goodbye and the emotional shift from fighting her cancer to accepting her impending loss. Shane also discusses the delicate balance he had to find between managing his own grief and being present for his children, offering insight into his approach to helping them process their own loss. He opens up about how his relationship with his children has evolved through this shared experience and the practical and emotional challenges that came with it. Finally, Shane reflects on the profound ways this journey has changed him, sharing the lessons he's learned, and how they've reshaped him as a person.

“There are no bad days, there’s only bad moments."

“There is a brighter tomorrow.”

Follow the podcast: 

• Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h) 

Resources:

• 17 Days Website

• HealthspanMD

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

• Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades

Additional Credits:

• LFPWLI is managed by IMS LLC