Widowhood Real Talk with Tina

During the holidays, grief can feel particularly overwhelming. Happy memories with a loved one who already transitioned flood in amid the season’s festive mood, and it is certainly a bittersweet feeling. In this episode, I cherish the memories of my late husband Mark through letters, photos, and cherished possessions. As I reminisce on our time together, I also talk about the significance of finding comfort in your loved one’s memories and how to manage your own grief as it hits you hard during the holidays. Join me as I guide you through this emotional landscape and support you in navigating this season with intention and grace.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

No mother should be burying their children, and no mother deserves to deal with their son’s murder. Unfortunately for Laureen Flood Rivers, she had to face the heavy burden of losing her son to gun violence in 2003. In this episode, she looks back on her story of grief, isolation, and coping after the brutal death of her son, as well as how it shook and ultimately transformed her relationship with God. She recounts how she let go of anger and found inner peace after forgiving those responsible for his murder. Laureen also emphasizes the urgent need to take action, especially from church communities, to finally put an end to the vicious cycle of gun and gang violence.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. 

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

"It is what it is. I'm going to live here out loud." Cheryl Scruggs joins Tina Fornwald for a raw and vulnerable conversation about navigating the turbulent waters of a mother’s grief. After experiencing a series of devastating losses, including the passing of her daughter, Stephanie, Cheryl opens up about her struggles with mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the complexities of grieving multiple losses at once. She shares her journey of healing, the importance of finding your community, and how her faith has guided her through the darkest of times. Cheryl also discusses her book, Surviving Grief, and her podcast of the same name, where she shares her story and offers support to others who are grieving. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense pain, there is hope for healing and that by embracing vulnerability, we can find strength and connection with others.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s about securing a legacy for your loved ones. In this powerful episode, Adam Zuckerman, founder of Buried in Work, shares how the loss of his father motivated him to build a company focused on transforming estate planning into a meaningful process for families. Adam talks about the importance of preparing for the unexpected and how his journey through grief inspired him to help others navigate the emotional and practical aspects of planning for the future. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, how to turn loss into purpose, and how estate planning can be a source of strength and connection.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

The journey of widowhood can be a lonely road, but remember, you're not alone. In this episode, you'll find a raw and honest look into the complexities of widowhood. It breaks down the enduring nature of grief, debunking the myth that it magically fades after a year. This episode reflects on how losing a spouse transforms identity and emphasizes the importance of community support during this difficult time. Be encouraged to embrace new identities and to find joy in life again, while also fostering understanding and empathy among those supporting the bereaved. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about navigating life after loss.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

Journey through love, loss, and healing with the heartwarming children’s book Here With You. Join Kellie Kaminskas, the author, as she shares her journey as a widow and how she found solace in writing a book to help children understand grief. Her son, who lost his father at a tender age, played a crucial role in the creation of this book. Together, they've found healing through the process, and their journey is sure to resonate with you. Kellie talks about self-publishing challenges, the need for support, and the positive response from readers who relate to her work. Let Kellie’s words inspire you as she shares her moving story of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Kellie’s book:

Title: Here With You

Publish Date: July 15 2024

Trade Paperback ISBN: 979-8-218-38222-3

Ebook ASIN: B0CW1JBSC2

Format: Trade Paperback and Digital

Available for purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Apple Books, etc.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org/

In this episode, we welcome Teresea Archaga, a Certified Grief Counselor and support group practitioner with the American Academy of Grief Counseling, who has turned her mourning into a mission to help others. Teresea has experienced several significant losses in her life which led her on a journey of healing and self-discovery, and she has made it her mission to help others navigate their own grief journeys. In this conversation, Teresea shares her personal story of loss and grief, and she discusses how she has found purpose in serving others. She also offers practical advice for those who are grieving, and she encourages them to seek support from others. If you are interested in learning more about grief and how to cope with loss, then this is an episode you won't want to miss.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide.

In a society that does not know how to properly deal with people who are getting through the loss of a loved one, one must learn how to give themselves permission to grieve in their own way. Suzanne Jabour, a certified grief educator and transformational coach, is changing the paradigm around grief through her very own three-pronged approach. She explains how individuals can navigate through grief according to their own terms, as well as what it takes to create grief-resilient workplaces. Suzanne also celebrates his son Ben who died at 22 and shares how she cherishes his memory by sharing stories about him.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. 

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide.

Join Emily Curtis, as she shares her journey as a widow and how she transformed her challenges into hope and purpose through grief coaching. Emily shares her raw journey of loss, revealing the unique bond forged among those who have lost their partners. They explore the realities of widowhood, the challenges of discussing loss, and the community’s role in navigating grief. Discover how Emily’s grief coaching business, Awaken & Renew Grief Coaching, empowers others to find their way through loss, honor their loved ones, and embrace new beginnings. This episode is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of shared experiences in overcoming loss.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. 

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org

As adults, we hold the power to make a world of difference in the lives of grieving children. Deborah Brown, Director of Grief Information for Teachers and Services, shares her journey and invaluable insights into supporting young people through difficult times in this enlightening conversation. She discusses the importance of understanding children’s grief reactions, providing emotional support, and using practical tools like journals and workshops. Deborah’s passion for helping others shines through as she discusses her mission to bridge the gaps in current support systems and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to navigate grief effectively.

I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://widowhood-realtalkwithtina.org