In this Episode, we meet my sister-in-law, Jill Galiotto. Jill’s first husband had just committed suicide when I met her in 1999. Jill was 8 months pregnant and had a two year old daughter. I watched Jill move through the grief and abandonment with grace, and as she began to heal, she met the man who became her “happy ending”. After marrying Dave, they had a son, and the Galiotto’s grew a beautiful life together.

In 2016, Dave was diagnosed with Occular Melanoma, and while Jill went through a similar grief reaction, knowing that he was dying didn’t make it any easier - it made it harder in so many ways. Living in three month increments between appointments, Jill says, “I feel like cancer was the biggest masterclass in mindfulness.” As Dave’s health continued to slip away, they learned to find joy in the simplest things.

They were unable to save Dave, but Jill was able to make the time up until his death more comfortable, present, compassionate and loving. Jill shares an intimate and honest journey of living through your biggest fears.

Favorite Quote: “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Life Lessons from Winnie the Pooh

Favorite Book: The Magnanimous Heart