Widowed AF

In the latest episode of Widowed AF, join Rosie Gill-Moss as she sits down with Jackie Rees from Glasgow, who shares her unvarnished journey through grief, love, and enduring connections.

Jackie recounts a story that begins with an unexpected heart condition that leads her into an emotional labyrinth. We follow her and her husband David, whose life was tragically cut short by a congenital heart defect. Jackie talks candidly about their 23 years together—highlighting their shared passion for rock music, their travels to New York, and the life they beautifully built without children by choice, but full of love nonetheless.

Rosie and Jackie discuss intimate moments, including their chance meeting through a Kerang magazine message board and David's touching, albeit unconventional, marriage proposal. But the heart of the episode revolves around the series of medical challenges that David faced, which escalated rapidly, leaving Jackie grappling with their sudden and unpredictable nature.

In navigating her life post-David, Jackie shares the small gestures of human kindness that supported her—care packages from friends, a close-knit support group, and the invaluable bond with David’s family. Through it all, Jackie paints a balanced picture of grief interwoven with moments of hope, friendship, and the conscious decision to keep living a full life.

Listen to Jackie's moving yet triumphant story, reflecting on the realities of widowhood and the unexpected paths it forces one to tread. Her tale is one of resilience and courage, coupled with touching anecdotes that bring a smile amidst tears.

Tune in to understand how she navigated the turbulent waters of loss and found new shores to anchor her life upon.

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Judy Condie’s life was shaped by her deep bond with her husband, Richard, a man she’d known almost her entire life. Their love story wasn’t a whirlwind romance but a slow burn, rooted in shared history and familiarity. They worked side by side, raised children together, and faced the ups and downs of life with a quiet resilience. Richard was her partner in every sense—through decades of shared experiences, he became her anchor. But life, as it often does, threw them an unexpected curveball.

Richard’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer was the moment their world shifted. For eight years, they battled the disease together, a fight marked by Richard’s incredible determination and Judy’s unwavering support. Despite the grim prognosis, Richard transformed into a man of incredible strength—quitting drinking, becoming more active, and finding a new sense of purpose. His fight wasn’t just against cancer but also against the idea of letting it define his remaining days. He became more compassionate, more driven, and more determined to live fully, even as his time grew shorter.

Judy watched this transformation with a mix of awe and heartbreak. Richard’s stoicism meant he kept much of his emotional journey to himself, but Judy understood him in a way that transcended words. They shared dark humour, and when the time came, Richard did open up—just briefly, in the final days—telling Judy all the things she had long known but had rarely heard from his lips. His final days were spent surrounded by love, in the comfort of a place they both cherished, with Judy by his side.

When Richard passed, Judy faced the daunting reality of life without him. The house they had shared felt empty, the life they had built together seemed suddenly vast and hollow. But Judy knew she couldn’t let grief consume her. She needed a plan, a purpose. So she turned to something she had always loved—the open road, the promise of new horizons, and the solitude of nature.

Judy’s journey took her across the world to Australia, where she spent five months travelling, often alone. It was in these moments of solitude, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, that she began to truly grieve. The beaches, the wide-open skies, and the endless roads offered her a space to cry, to reflect, and to heal. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a pilgrimage, a journey inward as much as it was outward.

Through her travels, Judy found herself again. The sadness didn’t disappear, but it became a part of her story, a story she learned to carry with grace and strength. She learned to cry when she needed to, to let the grief wash over her and then let it go. And in doing so, she began to find peace.

Judy’s story is one of resilience, of the quiet courage it takes to keep living when everything you know has changed. It’s about finding new purpose in the aftermath of loss, about seeking out the light even when the darkness seems overwhelming. Through her journey, Judy shows us that while grief never truly leaves, it can lead us to unexpected places of beauty, growth, and ultimately, hope.

Links From the show :

Caught in a RIPtide. by Judie Connie -  Available on Amazon
The Salt Path by Raynor Win  - Available on Amazon

Listen to the full episode today.

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In this episode of Widowed AF, Rosie and Jonathan Gill-Moss reflect on their recent experience hosting Woodstock, a festival that brought together a community.   What began as a simple idea blossomed into a joyous day full of music, friendship, and celebration. Despite minor hiccups, such as missing stages and toilet issues, the event symbolised more than just fun—it was a testament to the healing power of connection.

Rosie also opens up about personal challenges, from overcoming insecurities around sobriety to regaining her love for dancing, highlighting her journey of self-reclamation. Additionally, as they discuss their children’s back-to-school experiences, Rosie provides a heartfelt message of hope for parents navigating loss, showing that with love and support, even the toughest transitions can lead to growth and happiness.

This episode is a celebration of how life continues to evolve after tragedy and the small victories that make the journey worthwhile.

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Summary:
Welcome to another episode of Widowed AF. In this episode, host Rosie Gill-Moss has a detailed conversation with Geraint Williams, who shares his experience of being widowed and raising two young boys. Geraint discusses his late wife Rosie’s ten-year journey with cancer, the impact on their family, and the adjustments he has made since her passing. The discussion covers their early life together, Rosie's initial cancer diagnosis, treatment, and remission, the decision to have a second child through IVF, her terminal diagnosis, and end-of-life planning. Geraint provides practical insights into managing life with young children during a spouse's illness and navigating the complexities of grief and single parenthood after her death.

Geraint begins by recounting how he met Rosie in 1997 and their life together up to the birth of their first child, Walt, in 2010. In 2012, Rosie was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led to a year of treatment. After a period of remission, they decided to have a second child through IVF, resulting in the birth of their son Rex in 2016. However, in 2017, Rosie experienced a localised recurrence of cancer.

In 2021, Rosie received a terminal diagnosis, with cancer spreading to multiple parts of her body. Geraint explains how they managed this difficult period, including their decision to delay informing their children to preserve their innocence. He details Rosie's end-of-life period, her efforts to plan her own funeral, and the challenges of being a single parent after her death.

Geraint also shares his journey through grief, the importance of counselling, and the specific challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and seeking support. This episode aims to provide insights into the practical and emotional aspects of coping with loss and the importance of open communication.

Guest Bio:


Geraint Williams: Geraint Williams is a widowed father of two boys. His wife, Rosie, battled cancer for ten years before passing away in 2022. Geraint shares his journey of caring for Rosie, raising their children, and navigating life after her death.

Trigger Warnings:

• Discussions of terminal illness and cancer
• Conversations about grief and loss
• Mention of end-of-life planning

Related Links:

• https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame?nolanguage=en 
• Royal Marsden Hospital

Disclosures and Disclaimers: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional help for their own unique situations. The views expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its producers.

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In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss catches up with listeners She shares updates from her busy life, discussing kids finishing school, primary school proms, and the usual juggling act of parenthood.

Rosie talks about her recent chat with Dan Clark from MindJam. If your kids spend a lot of time gaming, Dan's insights on the benefits of gaming for neurodivergent and bereaved children are worth hearing. It helped put some concerns about screen time into perspective.

Rosie also updates listeners on the upcoming Widstock event. Expect a cocktail bar, posh coffee van, inflatables, and a glitter wall. Rosie will be performing on stage, so grab your tickets for a fun day out.

She also shares an update about a former guest, Sarah. After sharing her story about losing her husband to a drug overdose, Sarah reconnected with an estranged family member who heard her episode. This highlights the impact of sharing personal stories on the podcast.

Rosie introduces her new podcast, Rosie FM. This new venture allows her to dig deeper into various topics, with interesting guests like Dr. Louise Newson, a specialist in menopause. Check it out and leave a review if you enjoy it.

If you have any questions or topics you'd like her to cover, please get in touch. Keep on keeping on out there.

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In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss welcomes Audry Lynn Henniger, who shares her story from Texas. Audry discusses the events surrounding the disappearance and death of her husband, Bill, during a whitewater kayaking trip, highlighting the similarities between her experience and Rosie’s.

The episode begins with Audry describing her life with Bill, an adventurous and lively man who loved extreme sports. Audry details the day Bill went missing, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty during the 30 days before his body was found. Rosie and Audry discuss the challenges of dealing with their husbands' risky hobbies and the impact of these activities on their lives.

Audry shares how she and Bill met in their twenties and their plans for an early retirement filled with outdoor activities and rescuing dogs. She reflects on the aftermath of Bill’s disappearance, touching on the practical issues such as managing finances and the emotional toll of grief.

The conversation moves to the support systems that helped Audry, including therapy and the role of friends and family. Audry explains how she navigated the legal and financial aspects of widowhood and the importance of seeking professional help to understand her grief.

Audry also discusses her involvement in volunteer work as a way to honor Bill’s memory, including fundraising for local search and rescue operations and volunteering with Camp Erin, a camp for grieving children. She mentions her current relationship and how it differs from her life with Bill, highlighting the importance of finding new happiness while respecting the past.

This episode provides insights into the practical and emotional challenges faced by widows and the various ways to cope with loss and rebuild life.

Key Topics:

• Introduction of Audry Lynn Henniger and her story
• The kayaking accident and the 30-day search for Bill
• Life with Bill: Adventures and future plans
• Practical and emotional challenges of widowhood
• The role of therapy and support systems in healing
• Honouring Bill's memory through volunteer work
• Finding new happiness after loss

Resources Mentioned:

• Camp Erin: A camp for grieving children. (https://elunanetwork.org/camps-programs/camp-erin)

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In this episode of Widowed AF,  Rosie  takes a moment to check in and share some thoughts. Rosie discusses the recent passing of Michael Mosley and reflects on how such losses resonate deeply. 

With the summer holidays approaching, she talks about the challenges of keeping kids entertained, especially with a wide range of ages.

Rosie also gives an update on the Widstock event, encouraging listeners to get their tickets soon. She recounts her solo trip to Amsterdam, highlighting the unexpected experiences and personal insights she gained from the journey.

Join Rosie as she navigates these topics and invites you to reflect on your own ways of handling daily challenges and grief. How do you balance everyday life while managing loss? Listen to the full episode to find out more.

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In this episode of Widowed AF, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Ksenija Krstic about her journey through grief after losing her husband, André, in a paragliding accident. Ksenija opens up about the shock of sudden loss, the struggle to find solace, and the importance of support from friends and community.

The conversation digs into the complexities of grieving unexpected death and the secondary losses that accompany it.

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In today's episode of Widowed AF, Rosie welcomes Rebecca Vogel-Pitts from Colorado. Rebecca is not only a widow but also a member of the former Hot Young Widows Club, a group that provided vital support to Rosie during her grieving process.

Rebecca shares the heartbreaking story of her husband Kevin's death in a skiing accident in 2016. Kevin, died during a family skiing trip to Breckenridge. Rebecca candidly recounts the traumatic experience of learning about his death over the phone, the confusion and frustration surrounding the incident, and the subsequent emotional turmoil.

Despite the tragedy, Rebecca reflects on the resilience of her family, particularly her children, who have navigated their grief in their unique ways. She also discusses the unexpected connections and support systems that emerged, including her eventual relationship with her partner, Scott, who she met through a serendipitous connection to her late husband's former colleagues.

Rebecca's story is a powerful testament to the complexities of grief, the importance of support networks, and the possibility of finding love and joy after profound loss. Her journey from devastation to finding a new sense of normalcy offers hope and solace to listeners, especially those in the early stages of widowhood.

This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be moments of connection, growth, and new beginnings.

Tune in to hear Rebecca's account of her journey and the wisdom she's gained along the way.

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In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks to Jess Walton, a young widow from Swanley, North Kent.

Jess shares the story of her late husband, Matthew, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Despite initial dismissals by doctors, further tests confirmed the rare and aggressive cancer.

Jess walks us through their journey, detailing the challenges of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiotherapy, and how they managed these treatments while maintaining their daily lives.

She shares their decision to marry in October 2018 and their honeymoon in Canada, as they tried to reclaim a sense of normalcy.

The conversation shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, highlighting how the lockdown complicated Matthew's health care and the eventual return and spread of his cancer. Jess provides practical insights into managing serious illness and young widowhood during such unprecedented times.

Jess is now preparing her own significant challenge: a five-day trek in the Brecon Beacons for the charity CoppaFeel!, aimed at raising awareness about male breast cancer. This trek is not only a tribute to Matthew but also a testament to Jess's strength and determination to honour his memory.

For those interested in supporting Jess and she has setup a fundraising page here

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jess-walton

Tune in now to Widowed AF  to hear Jess Walton's story.

Trigger Warnings: 

1. Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.
2. Death and Bereavement.
3. COVID-19 Pandemic.
4. Grief and Loss.
5. Secondary Loss.

#WidowedAF #TrueStories #CancerJourney #YoungWidowhood

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