Widowed AF: Real stories of love, grief and beyond - With Rosie Moss

As we celebrate an amazing achievement of 25,000 downloads, we're also taking a deep breath and diving into the deep end of topics many fear to tread - death. Remember Eileen? She graciously shared her heartbreaking experience of losing her partner to COVID-19 in our previous episode. Her story has a haunting resemblance to my battle with the virus in the ICU, which fortunately, I survived. In a world dealing with the ravages of a pandemic, we find ourselves grappling with grief, loss, and the grim reality of mortality. 

Nothing quite prepares you for the powerlessness that accompanies the inability to be with a loved one in their final moments. The suddenness of death, the shock of it all, can leave one reeling and profoundly impacts the journey of grief. We recount the story of a brave couple who stared death in the face, the choices they made in the midst of the pandemic, and how they navigated life-altering decisions. We touch on the importance of acknowledging our own mortal fears, and the unsettling realization that despite doing everything right, life can still throw us a curveball. 

Powerlessness. It's a word that rings with a harsh reality and it's a feeling that can trigger trauma, especially in children. This episode explores the therapeutic power of giving voice to the voiceless and how sharing traumatic experiences can aid in healing. Autonomy for children, creating and sharing memories - these are crucial elements of our discussion. As we share our personal struggles with revisiting memories of our loved ones, we acknowledge the courage required to confront these powerful images and emotions. Here's to grief, trauma, healing, and above all, the remarkable human capacity to endure.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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Picture this: you're trying to navigate through the murky waters of grief, you're overwhelmed, your heart is heavy - and then, you have to explain death to a child. How do you do that? How do you help a child understand grief? These were the tricky questions I tackled with Julia Samuel, an expert in bereavement and author of Grief Works, in this thought-provoking conversation. Julia's insights, drawn from her vast experience in the bereavement sector and her work with families whose babies and children passed away, brought new dimensions of understanding to these heavy topics.

As we engaged in our candid conversation, we exchanged thoughts on the layered complexities of grief and healing. We explored the power of validation, the strength of community, and the importance of mindful parenting in fostering a healthy environment for grieving children. We touched on vital aspects of self-care and the role it plays in navigating personal grief. 

Julia explained our instinct to shield our children from pain and loss and how, at times, this can paradoxically hinder their understanding and acceptance of grief. 

We further discussed practical tools that can help those grieving, specifically the Grief Works app developed by Julia. This app is designed to support and manage the grieving process actively. We discussed its functionalities, including the 28-day course it offers, its affordability, and how it can be gifted to friends or family in need. From discussing the nuances of grief and therapy to sharing the power of vulnerability and authentic conversations in connecting with people, this conversation with Julia Samuel was profoundly enlightening, offering solace to anyone on their own personal journey through loss and grief.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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Join me, your host Rosie Gill-Moss, as we navigate through a heartrending tale of loss and resilience. Our guest, Eileen O’Brien, bravely shares her experience of losing her partner, Scott, to the relentless grasp of Covid-19. Eileen's journey, both harrowing and profound, uncovers the raw emotions of love, fear, and finally, grief, experienced in the face of a global pandemic. Her story underscores the pandemic's Russian roulette-like impact on our lives, making it a compelling listen for anyone grappling with similar situations.

Imagine the anxiety of witnessing your loved one's deteriorating condition, and the guilt associated with not being present during their final moments. Eileen's candid expression of these emotions provides a heart-wrenching insight into the unpredictable ordeal of Covid-19. Listen in as she shares her experiences of Scott's ICU journey, the torturous wait for daily updates, and the devastating moment when Scott was intubated, offering an intimate exploration of grief and the struggle of accepting a loved one's mortality.

Yet, amidst the storm of loss, Eileen discovered the resilience to navigate her grief. Returning to work, she found a semblance of normalcy and purpose, a distraction from her profound grief. Through conversations with Eileen, we learn the importance of companionship, both human and four-legged, in the healing process. Hear how Eileen's courage and strength have not only helped her find happiness again, but also empowered others experiencing similar situations. Listen for a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of Covid-19 and the resilient human spirit in the face of loss.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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The complexities and highs of managing a big family, the power of grief, and the unique experience of hearing your own voice - we're discussing it all and so much more. This episode is full of raw, touching moments and personal insights, as we share the stage with David, a father of eight, who had the unimaginable task of breaking the news of their mother's death to his five children. David's experience teaches us about life's unfairness and how one navigates through such difficult times.

We delve into the intricacies of blended families and the paramount importance of honouring the memory of a deceased parent. Be part of our journey as we relive going  to see Pink at Hyde Park - an emotionally uplifting adventure that contrasts with the powerlessness of prolonged struggles. And guess what? We've got a special treat for you! Julia Samuel, the author of the renowned book, Grief Works, will be joining us on the podcast.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

When we lost our spouses, my guest David Kanifogel and I found solace and strength in a widowhood support group. We never imagined that it would become a crucial part of our healing journey, providing a safe space for discussing topics we couldn't share elsewhere. Join us as we dive into our experiences with the Hot Young Widows Club spin-off group and the impact it had on our lives.

David's world was turned upside down when his wife, Hindi, passed away, leaving him to care for their five children. He had to learn to navigate single parenthood, manage the household, and provide emotional support to his grieving kids. We explore how he handled these challenges, as well as how our group helped him process his own emotions and tackle the societal expectations placed upon grieving fathers. 

But life has a way of surprising us, even in the midst of grief. David's decision to take his children on an adventure to Israel ultimately led to a new chapter in their lives—blending families with his partner, Bacheva, and building a new life together. We discuss the joys and challenges of step-parenting, maintaining a connection to our late spouses, and the hope that exists even as we carry our grief with us. This is a conversation that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss and is looking for support, understanding, and connection.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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  In this episode of Widowed AF, hosts Rosie and Jon Gill-Moss discuss their recent emotional challenges and the importance of showing vulnerability.  They have a special message from guest Steph May Hills, who shared her story on Monday. 

The conversation touches on the need for better support for men's mental health. The hosts also share their own experiences with mental health and getting tattoos in mid -life. 

Raw, funny and honest, this episode is a reminder that grief and mental health struggles are a universal experience that can be eased by openness and support.

We must apologise, but Rosie says the word ‘moist’, quite unnecessarily. 

Thank you so much for listening, If you have enjoyed our podcast please leave us a review, and put Jon out his misery 

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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I recently had the incredible honor of speaking to Steph May Hills, who shared her raw and powerful journey of losing her husband, Martin, and navigating the aftermath of such a heart-wrenching tragedy. Our conversation delves into their beautiful love story, the ordinary life they shared before Martin passed away suddenly in November 2021, and how the little moments are what Steph holds onto in her heart.

As a mother, Steph's strength is truly inspiring as she recounts the delicate process of helping her children cope with the loss of their father. Listen in as she discusses the importance of love and resilience, even in the most difficult of circumstances, and the comfort she's found in her new furry friend, Moon. But Steph's story doesn't end there; she bravely opens up about the shocking revelation of secrets and betrayal after Martin's death, and how she's moving forward through grief.

Our conversation also touches on the loneliness of being a widower at 38, and how Steph's relationships with others have shifted, leaving her feeling like a piece of her died with Martin. We explore the idea that grief changes a person beyond measure and the importance of taking the time to reflect on the progress made in our grief journey. This episode is an emotional rollercoaster that serves as a reminder that love never dies, and finding ways to keep a loved one's memory alive is crucial.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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Ever struggled with opening up about your emotions? As men, it's often difficult for us to share our feelings, but we're tackling this tough topic head-on. Join us in this heartfelt episode as we discuss last Monday's gut-wrenching conversation with Kathy Lockett and explore the importance of mental health and communication among men. We share our thoughts on having meaningful conversations anywhere from the pub to coffee chats, and how simply vocalizing our feelings can make a world of difference.

What happens when we don't set boundaries to protect our mental health? Tim opens up about his mental health journey and the significance of establishing healthy limits. We also take you behind the scenes as we record this episode in our new garden studio, surrounded by the blissful chaos of our children playing. By the end, you'll understand why sometimes just saying things out loud can help, even if you're not talking to anyone else. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's chat about mental health, communication, and self-care together.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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What if your entire world came crashing down in the blink of an eye? We're joined by Kathy Lockett from Surrey who courageously shares her heart-wrenching story of loss, detailing her husband Tim's battle with depression and his tragic suicide. This incredibly powerful and emotional conversation sheds light on the impact of such a loss on Kathy and her family, and how important honesty and openness have been in helping them cope with the tragedy.

Kathy's determination to break the taboo around discussing suicide and mental health is truly inspiring. We delve into the challenges she and her family faced, including the insensitive comments and difficult conversations that arose when people discovered the cause of her husband's death. We also celebrate the tremendous strength and resilience demonstrated by Kathy's son who managed to face his school exams amidst the emotional turmoil of losing his father.

This episode goes beyond the heartache, exploring Kathy's journey to healing and moving on from the loss of her husband. We discuss the complexities of dating after such a loss, the importance of mental health awareness, and how Kathy has worked to keep her late husband's memory alive. Join us for an important and thought-provoking conversation on love, loss, and the powerful courage required to face grief head-on.

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• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
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When we think about grief, we often imagine it as a dark, all-consuming emotion. But what if it were possible to find light and hope amidst the pain? 

Throughout the episode, we dive into the complex emotions that accompany grief and discuss strategies for coping and moving forward.  John open up about how he finally understands the importance of sitting with our grief and why allowing ourselves to feel both sadness and happiness can ultimately lead to growth and gratitude.

 When all feels lost, listen in to find hope and inspiration for your own journey through grief.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)