The "January Blues" hit a little differently when you’re navigating life after the loss of a spouse. In this episode, we’re keeping it real about why the start of a new year can feel so heavy for widows and how to manage those tough emotional hurdles.

But it’s not all heavy talk—we’re also looking ahead! We’re diving into our upcoming Valentine’s Day events designed to bring us together. We talk about why having something fun on the calendar is so vital for healing, and how leanining into a community that "just gets it" can make all the difference. Come hang out with us as we chat about connection, shared stories, and finding a way forward together.

Link to Tickets!

https://every-widow-thing-valentines.eventbrite.com

Connect with us!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/everywidowthing/

FB INSIDERS GROUP:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hYvAAdEK/

Takeaways

• It's hard to transition into a new year after loss.
• January can be particularly challenging for those grieving.
• Community events can provide support and connection.
• Planning events can help in coping with grief.
• Having something to look forward to is essential.
• The hosts are organizing Valentine's Day events for widows.
• Connection with others who understand is vital.
• The importance of humor and light-heartedness in healing.
• Raffles and community engagement can foster connection.
• It's okay to reach out for support during tough times.

#griefsupport #lifeafterloss #widow #Valentinesday #AustinTexasEvent #grief #widowhood #new year #community #support #events #healing #loss #friendship

Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do the demands of parenting. Today, we’re opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of being the "only" parent during the most wonderful (and sometimes hardest) time of the year. We explore how to create new joy when the old traditions feel heavy, the power of community, and the beauty of prioritizing experiences over things. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:18 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions

04:25 Traveling During the Holidays

08:42 Experiences Over Material Gifts

12:00 Navigating Grief and Parenting Challenges

43:33 The Weight of Single Parenting

52:55 Creating New Traditions and Moving Forward

Meet Danny Leslie, a widower who turned his grief into a powerful message of hope and resilience. After losing his wife, Raffi, to cancer in December 2024, Danny compiled their journey into a remarkable book titled Thank You, Cancer.

In this episode, Danny shares intimate details about their life together, the challenges they faced during Raffi's five-year battle with vulva cancer, and the profound way God showed up for them along the way. Discover how Raffi's adventurous spirit and unwavering faith shaped their experiences, and how they found moments of joy amidst the pain.

Purchase Danny's book, Thank You, Cancer: https://bluehatpublishing.com/products/thank-you-cancer-by-raffaella-dobles-and-danny-lesslie?variant=46742469771500

Follow Danny here: momentumwithdanny

Follow us here: everywidowthing

Like and subscribe to the podcast!

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing
Introduction to the podcast and its mission.

00:00:25 - Danny Leslie's Story
Overview of Danny's journey as a widower after losing his wife, Rafi, to cancer.

00:01:29 - Rafi's Spirit and Impact
Danny shares insights about Rafi's vibrant personality and their relationship.

00:02:59 - Living Life Unplanned
Discussion on their adventurous lifestyle, including selling everything to live in an RV.

00:04:41 - The Cancer Diagnosis
The moment Rafi receives her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their family.

00:07:51 - Navigating the Unknown
Danny describes the uncertainty and fear following Rafi's surgery.

00:13:34 - The Weight of Information
Danny recounts the difficult conversation of informing Rafi about her cancer diagnosis.

00:14:46 - Life with Cancer
Exploration of the daily challenges and logistics of caring for Rafi during her illness.

00:19:22 - The Role of Children in Grief
Discussion on how their children help Danny cope with the loss of Rafi.

00:22:09 - Chronic Pain and Care
Insight into the physical struggles Rafi faced and the emotional toll on the family.

00:30:12 - God Moments in Grief
Danny reflects on the spiritual experiences and signs of God's presence during their journey.

00:36:31 - Radical Generosity
Stories of community support and unexpected financial help during Rafi's treatment.

00:40:34 - Thank You, Cancer
Understanding the title of the book and the lessons learned through adversity.

00:43:06 - Reconciliation with Loss
Danny discusses how he reconciles his faith with the loss of Rafi and the absence of anger towards God.