My Spouse Died Too

Welcome to part 2 of The Phoenix is a Poet with widower Barry Johnson. If you haven't listened to part 1, please do that first because it gives you a terrific context.

In this episode, Barry and Emeric continue their open-heart conversation. You'll discover the number one reason why you should really keep a journal. The sensuous-ethereal-sex-dream that became Barry's first poem. Deep dark places. Dating conundrums. Finding meaning.And you won't want to miss Barry's mesmerizing voice as he reads his poems, and so much more.

Bulletos

• Why I Really Write in My Journal
• The Sex Dream: How I Wrote My First Poem
• Poem Reading: A Lover Visits
• Blood Rushes Through
• Didn't Answer the Phone for 72 Hours
• Crying in Bed—3 Days Straight
• Pretending to Be Content
• Sweet Sweet Sweet Mourning Song
• Poem Reading: Again
• Grief: The Gift That Keeps on Giving?
• Freeway of Emotions— Unlimited Lanes
• Missing the Things Nobody Knew
• Can You Find Meaning in The Dark?
• Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Thank Bob Dylan)
• Hurricane Grief
• Squashed Feelings 101
• What Her Letter Said
• First Date: Good Woman, Bad Timing
• Relationship Expiration Date
• Barry the Romantic Renaissance Man

Thanks for listening. I hope you join Barry Johnson and me for part 3, the grand finale of The Phoenix is a Poet, because surprises await you!

If you like the My Spouse Died Too podcast, please tell someone you feel might like it too.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, This Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

Your emails are my fuel. Email me at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

This is a story of unconditional love. Widowed poet Barry Johnson details how he met Beverly, the love of his life.

They couldn't have kids but had the courage, when most couples balk, to adopt Megan, a beautiful young girl who for years was stuck in Kentucky's foster-child system. All Megan ever wanted was a Mom.

Tragically, Beverly dies. Megan is nineteen, and Barry must forge ahead as a newly minted widower and single Dad.

But there's a cruel twist because Barry will die too, unless this one thing happens.

Your Bullets

• Once Upon a Time
• We Met at Work
• Beverly was Everything You Hoped For
• Beverly's Tender Delicate Heart
• Kids for Adoption
• How We Adopted Megan
• When the Last Door Closes
• Barry is a Poet
• "L" Carved on My Chest
• She Died. Then I was Dying
• Grief Ambush Hit Me Hard, Years Later
• Therapist Said I Never Grieved
• Barry the Phoenix
• That First Night Alone
• The Trauma Echo
• Why I was Angry
• How Much Worse Could It Get?

Thanks for Listening. Please join us for part 2 of The Phoenix is a Poet with Barry Johnson.

If you like the podcast, please tell someone you think might like it too.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, This Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

I love your comments. Email me at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," Maya Angelou said.

In this solo episode, I share 5 quality of care stories.

Even though my wife Donna passed away in 2013, I'll never forget how these people made me feel. Stories about two doctors, plus Toni the nurse, and Maggie the speech therapist.

And how the Head of Neurology at Ohio State University Medical Center finally learned, from yours truly, why you should never serve a dying patient the hospital roast beef supper.

This is dedicated to the selfless medical professional caregivers and support teams who don't settle for average performance.

Few Bullets

• Maya Angelou
• Where are the Cheerleaders?
• High School Musical
• Dr. David O'Malley— Gyn Oncologist
• Dr. James Elder — Brain Surgeon
• How Do You Boil Water?
• Hospital Roast Beef Supper
• Toni the Nurse
• Maggie the Speech Therapist

Thanks for Listening.

What's your quality of care story?

Tell me at [email protected].

If you like the podcast, please tell someone you feel might like it too.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, This Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

How long will you shield your broken heart? High-risk first real kiss.

How many kisses does it take to reduce your head trash? How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?

How an average widower even considers going gay.

Why you should make amends now. Should you grow a big pair before it's too late?

Diverse dating deeds. Why you should never date this kind.

Why I called Steve judgmental. Am I too judgmental because I called Steve judgmental? And more galore. Absorb the twenty-one almost clever bullets, if you dare.

Twenty-One Almost Clever Bullets

• First Kiss Head Trash
• Get By With a Little Help from Your Friends
• Grow a Pair?
• Why They Won't Stop Judging You
• Who Are The Gossip Mongers?
• Divorcee Puts Out Bat-Signal
• How You Get Trolled
• Do Your Kids Really Tell You Everything?
• Is It Always the Man's Fault?
• One and Dones
• Was I the Rebound Guy?
• Organic Dating
• Who NOT to Date
• Why Men Buy Playboy
• What's Aerosmith?
• Dating a Much Younger Person
• Judgy Comments
• Marvin Gaye Sex Anthem
• Are You Promised Tomorrow?
• Fulfill Yourself. Do This Everyday
• You Are Not Alone

Thanks for Listening.

If you like the podcast, please tell someone you feel might benefit.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, This Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group!

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

Can you help me? Because I look for ways to improve. What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me via email at [email protected].

What are you feeling right now? Send me a note at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

Widower Steve Jacobs tells us why—after 9 years since his spouse Sheila passed away—why he still attends widowed grief group dinners.

Tips to avoid gossipy neighbors. Why Tampons confuse dads. Asking your late-spouse for advice. Friends with benefits, and tons more.

This is part 2 of 3. If you haven't listened to part 1, please do so for Steve's Once-Upon-a-Time story.

Bullet Points

• Nine Years Since
• How to Avoid Gossipy Neighbors
• Goofy Things People Say
• You Can't Know How I Feel
• Can You Expand Your Empathy?
• Your Loss is Your Loss
• Does It All Suck?
• Raising Teenage Daughters Without Mom
• Tampon Challenged Fathers
• Homemade Zoo
• Two Daughters Getting Married
• Lesson for a Potential Son-In-Law
• No Bed, No Bang?
• Are You This Kind of Listener?
• Comfort Them with Material Things
• When Should You Use the "D" Word?
• Secret Dates
• Friends with Benefits
• Grief. Intimacy. Guilt.

Thanks for listening.

Join us for part 3. Steve tells us, after his spouse died, what his first real kiss with another woman was like.

How an average widower considers turning gay.

Fix your relationships now. How to grow a pair before it's too late.

More dating escapades and why I called Steve judgmental. Am I judgmental too? Join us again in part 3.

If you like the My Spouse Died Too podcast, please tell a widowed friend.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, This Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how you can help. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. It takes about 2 minutes. On the main podcast screen, if you scroll, you should be able to find the Ratings & Reviews section. You can tap to use a star rating and you can also leave a written review.

I love your emails. Send me a note at [email protected].

Peace! Let's talk soon.

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

Steve and Sheila are in their 40's. Gifted teen daughters and son. Solid jobs. Lovely home. The good life is on cruise control.

Then one day without a hint—life blows-up.

Join me and my widowed guest co-host, Steve Jacobs, in this man-to-man multipart conversation.

Read These Riveting Bullets

• Once Upon a Time
• Police said "Minor Accident."
• We Did Everything We Could
• Fix That Issue Before Someone Dies
• She Was the Cougar
• The Foggy Year
• Were There Signs?
• Sadly, Most Women Have This
• Playing Mommy's Impossible Role
• Let's Get the Routine Going
• Fresh Meat for the Lions
• Only the Good Die Young-Billy Joel Says
• Maybe You'll Know After You're Dead
• Who Has a Cleaning Man?
• The Greatest Worry Each Day

Thanks for Listening. Join us for the next part. Steve tells us why nine years after becoming widowed he still goes to widowed grief group dinner parties. And tons more.

If you like the My Spouse Died Too podcast, please tell someone you think might benefit. You can hear the podcast almost anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, this Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

Can you help me? Because I look for ways to improve.

What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me via email at [email protected].

Thanks in advance.

What are you sinking about? Tell me at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

FORBIDDEN EPISODE — Please Don't Listen if you can get arrested for the mere mention of Jesus, or if Jesus triggers you.

How my faith impacts my grief. My simple uncluttered belief system. How I got here. How I stay. This is not a sermon. Call it a testimonial. Please ponder.

Los Bullets

• Drink the Kool-Aid
• Are You a Jeezus Freak?
• Luggage Loaded Label
• Prejudices Make Sense
• Wooden Biblical Cruise Ship
• Once Upon a Time
• The Cult (not the band, dang)
• Child-like Belief
• Silicon Valley Jesus
• YouTube and the Bible
• Peace Patience Wisdom Discernment

Thanks for Listening. I pray God grants you Peace, Patience, Wisdom, and Discernment. Carry on!

If you like the podcast, please tell someone you feel might benefit.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, it Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

Can you help me? Because I like to improve the podcast.

What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me via email at [email protected].

Thanks in advance.

What's on your mind now? Send me a note at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

Paige and I continue our late-night foray.

Should you marry for convenience? When you're ancient and have no helpful family around, should you marry someone just so you'll have a nurse?

The #1 best way to die: why getting hit by a big truck is a bad option.

A Mom's warmhearted wisdom for her widowed daughter.

Paige reveals her scary basement incident.

Crooked ear crystals (not like the healing crystals you buy in Berkeley).

A not-so-common sex position, and mucho mas. 'Mucho mas' is Spanish for a 'lot more.'

Mas Bullets

• Convenience Marriage
• Eighty and Alone. Now What?
• #1 Best Way to Die
• Coming and Going Wink Wink
• The Oncoming Osteo Pandemic
• Punch My Neck If I Say This
• Paige's Scary Basement Incident
• Dazed and Confused
• Crooked Ear Crystals— Hello Sedona?
• Uncommon Simple Sex Position
• Mom's Wisdom for Her Widowed Daughter
• Live Long Like a Boss
• Leaving the Old Neighborhood
• Hope for the Future

Thanks for Listening.

If you like the podcast, please tell someone you feel might benefit.

Would you take 2 minutes to help the widowed?

You can help the widowed decide if the podcast makes sense for them. Because it's raw and real and, it Ain't Your Grandma's Grief Group.

Here's how. Please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Merely tap the highlighted link to get to the review part.

Can you help me? Because I look for ways to improve.

What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me via email at [email protected].

Thanks in advance.

What's on your mind now? Send me a note at [email protected]

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

Now almost seven years after our respective spouse's deaths, Paige Wilson and I debate finding meaning and purpose.

We ponder pandemic personal practices: why do some people wear a mask, and some don't seem to give a sh*t.

Are stay-at-home orders a welcome warning or a lonely look into your future?

And much more.

Please enjoy this meandering late-night jabber, with my widowed guest co-host Paige Wilson.

Los Bullets

• My Flock of Seagulls Hairdo
• Poopy Personal Pandemic Practices
• The Selfish Man
• Why Won't You Wear a Mask?
• We All Like Certainty
• He Who Has a Why…
• Where to Find Meaning
• Why I Podcast
• Forget Meaning, I Want Him Alive!
• Down Syndrome Parent Circle
• My Oxygen

Thanks for listening.

I hope this episode nudges you to think about meaning and purpose.

Coming up in part 2, Paige and I continue our late-night foray.

We ponder marriage for convenience. When you're an old fart, and you have no helpful family around, should you marry someone just so you'll have a nurse? Maybe a paid escort is a better value?

Why getting hit by a big truck is a bad option.

And Paige's scary basement incident.

I love getting emails. What's on your mind? Send me a note at [email protected]

What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me at [email protected].

Peace, Love, Hope

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary

Tasty head trash-filled episode picks up right where we left off in part 1.

Commitments and playing it safe because of your fear of getting hurt again, your fear of not being (fill-in-the-blank) enough, your fear of all your head trash.

Why you should accept grief as part of you.

Situational Quarantining: Are you a cheater?

Too late. Or is it too soon for a boob job?

What will you miss about the pandemic?

Can you grieve and be happy? And a whole lot more.

Imagine you are quarantined with us. Enjoy this tasty rambler with my widowed guest co-host Sherri Rose.

Decent Bullets

• Quarantined: Why My Gray Roots Won
• Commitment without Commitment
• Playing It Safe
• I Just Want to Be Me
• Stay True to Yourself
• Too Late for a Boob Job?
• COVID Shaming
• Mamaw Papaw Poo Poo Poppy
• The Truth About Quarantine Widows
• If My Spouse Were Here…He's Not!
• Therapists for Therapists?
• Why I Enjoy Pandemic Stay Put Orders
• Sometimes I Still Can't Believe He's Gone
• Grief is Part of Me Now
• Don't Worry, Be Happy (and Grieve Too)
• Your Best Days Ahead

Thanks for listening to this last part of 'Pain Lessens Over Time.'

Can you help me? Because I look for ways to improve.

What other podcasts do you listen to that might be like this one or even not like this?

Tell me via email at [email protected].

Thanks in advance.

David my son. His passion. Provocative. Whimsical. Edgy. Light. Dark. David repurposes and makes one-of-a-kind clothes, shoes, and accessories. David's website: https://www.davidleondesigns.com

God Bless You and Your Family, ~ Emeric

My Spouse Died Too podcast, images, logos, artwork copyright © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary. Music and lyrics © 2019-2020 by Emeric McCleary and Elena McCleary.