Whole New Life
PODCAST: Having survived cancer in my 40s and the loss of my husband in my 50s, I deeply empathize with the challenges you may be facing. I share my coping strategies and the determination it takes to remain resilient. By following my journey, you'll discover practical techniques to manage grief, build emotional strength, and find hope even in the darkest times.
Throughout 30 episodes, I candidly share every moment of my falls and the strength I found to rise again each time. I chronicle my journey of learning and growth and include a surprising twist I never thought possible: falling in love again.
Widowhood has been far from easy, the effort I invested in five years following my husband's passing has, and will always remain, entirely worthwhile.
BOOK SERIES: In 2024 I wrote and self-published a 3-book series about my life, love, and loss. You may purchase on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Book One:
46 Days: Just the beginning of my healing journey…
Approximately two months after my husband passed away from cancer, I needed to get away for a while. In 2020 I was not only his wife, but also his caregiver for the last year of his life. Watching my husband slowly die in front of my eyes took everything out of me.
Book Two:
140.6 sMILES: It was more than just crossing the finish line…
Both the physical and mental strength it took to train for, as well as complete, actually provided me with the physical and mental strength I needed when I found out I had cancer in 2013, as well as learning my husband’s cancer was terminal in 2020.
Book Three:
3 Words: Powerful words that changed my life forever…
The most gut-wrenching words I have ever heard were spoken to me in 2013 and then again to my husband in 2019: “You Have Cancer.”
WEBSITE: https://stacyryanauthor.com/
DISCLAIMER: My story should not be interpreted in any way as expert, health, or medical advice. I chose to share my story, in my voice, to assure people they are not alone and perhaps provide a bit of inspiration or a glimpse of hope, if needed.
Whole New Life
Life After Loss: Navigating Memories
Grief transforms over time, especially in how we relate to photographs and memories of those we've lost. Four years after losing my husband John to cancer, I've discovered that reminiscing about our life together has evolved from unbearably painful to genuinely joyful.
During that first year, I couldn't look beyond the heartbreaking final months of John's illness. Every photograph felt like a knife to the heart, yet I compulsively revisited those painful memories. When well-meaning friends assured me "it gets better with time," I couldn't even comprehend what that might mean. Time stood still in my grief.
The second and third years marked a deliberate shift as I worked with my counselor to focus on the 29 wonderful years we shared rather than the painful ending. Though tears still came when sharing stories or viewing photographs, I began experiencing moments of genuine warmth and even laughter alongside the sadness. I was still firmly anchored in my past, holding tightly to those memories as precious treasures.
Now in year four, a remarkable transformation has occurred. I share stories about John with pride and gratitude, introducing new friends to the wonderful man I had the privilege of loving. Photographs that once devastated me now fill my heart with joy. This episode also features conversations with six fellow widows who share their unique approaches to handling memories – from those who find comfort in constant reminiscing to others who still need to look away from certain images even years later.
Whether you're navigating grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this raw exploration offers hope and validation that there's no single "right way" to process memories of those we've lost.
StacyRyanAuthor.com
