• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Web and Graphics Designer
Branding and Marketing Expert
Top Leader, Sales Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author
CopsWives, Wonderful Widowed Women
Co-Founder Gratitude Girls
Top Network Marketing Leader

  • Home
  • About
    • Accomplishments
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Coaching
    • Tools
    • Courses
  • Speaking
  • Videos
  • Books
    • Books I Recommend
  • Media
  • Cards
  • Join
  • Interior Design
  • Loves & Links

Widow

The Evolving Heart: Healing and Hope After Loss

Welcome. I understand the profound loss you’ve experienced. My heart goes out to you as you navigate the journey of grief following the loss of your life partner. Please know, you are not alone. This community is here to support you in finding hope and building a meaningful future.

Twelve years ago, in February 2013, I lost my beloved Bryan. Now, in March 2025, I stand before you, a widow who has remarried and rebuilt her life. This journey has been undeniably challenging, yet it has also been a period of profound personal growth.

In the early days of grief, it’s natural to feel as though your world has ended, that your best days are behind you, and that peace and contentment are unattainable. You may feel vulnerable and unsafe. I understand these feelings intimately. At 45, I believed I was too old to find happiness again, that creating a meaningful life was beyond my reach.

Bryan’s absence left a vast void. However, over time, I discovered that life can evolve and transform in unexpected ways. The narrative we create about our loss changes as we move through grief. I share my story not as a benchmark, but as a testament to what is possible. Your journey is unique, and your timeline is your own.

Grief is a deeply personal experience. There is no right or wrong way to navigate it. My aim is to offer hope, to show you that the stories you tell yourself now are not permanent. Change is inevitable, and while it can be daunting, embracing it can be empowering.

In the initial stages, grief can feel overwhelming. It dominates your thoughts and actions. But as you progress, you will reclaim your power and steer your own course. Accepting your reality and allowing natural evolution are key to this process.

Initially, your lost loved one is present in every thought, every moment. Over time, while they remain in your heart, their presence shifts. They become a cherished memory, not a constant, consuming thought. This transition can feel unsettling, even guilt-inducing, but it is a natural part of healing.

I still experience moments of sadness, particularly on significant days. However, the way I miss Bryan has transformed. It is no longer a raw, visceral pain, but a gentle, manageable presence. There are also days when I feel at peace, when I am fully present in my new life.

This new life includes my marriage to Kevin, and while I cherish this relationship, I believe love is infinite. Loving again does not diminish the love I have for Bryan. We have the capacity to love deeply and expansively.

My life has evolved significantly. I have discovered new passions and a deeper understanding of myself. Through self-reflection and personal growth, I have found confidence and contentment. While I am not perfect, I am self-aware and committed to ongoing evolution.

The question of where Bryan would fit in my current life is complex. It reflects the profound changes that occur after loss. However, I have made peace with this. I know he would want my kids and me to be happy.

My greatest challenge is witnessing my kids navigate life without their father. Their loss is a source of deep sorrow. I strive to support them, but I cannot fill the void he left. We are a strong team, but his absence is deeply felt.

The world has changed dramatically since Bryan’s passing. These changes have created a sense of distance, a feeling that our past life is a separate chapter. I have learned to embrace this evolution, focusing on the present and future.

Grief has become a companion, a part of my journey. I have learned to sit with discomfort, to understand and navigate my emotions. While there are still difficult days, I have found strength and resilience.

I am grateful for the lessons I have learned through grief. It has deepened my understanding of myself and life. If you are in the early stages of grief, know that these insights may feel distant, but they are possible.

Your loved one lives on in you, shaping your values and beliefs. You are capable of transforming pain into love and remembrance. This journey requires work, but it leads to healing and strength.

You have the power to choose how you respond to your loss. Do not settle for a life defined by pain. Seek out what brings you joy and fulfillment. Dream big, face your fears, and cherish the moments with loved ones.

Stay present, focus on the now, and find moments of joy. Invest in yourself, seek support, and step outside your comfort zone. You will discover new strengths and possibilities.

Choose life, choose growth, and open your heart to new opportunities. Your love is eternal, and you can create a beautiful, meaningful life. Remember, you are not alone, and you are capable of extraordinary resilience and joy.

Please share this message with others who may benefit. Your support and engagement help us reach those who need it most. If you are a widow and would like some support, join my free group at Wonderful Widowed Women – if you’d like some personal 1 on 1 coaching, reach out to me about my special discounts for widows 💜

Is it true you have to get over it?

“It isn’t true that you *have* to *get over it*. It isn’t even true that you have to want to. No one else can understand what you have lost. No one else can bear the burden of your tribute to a love, to a life, to an identity now gone. What a privilege it is to feel deeply.” — Anne Lamott

When I speak on stages all over the world talking about #WeAllHaveChoices, steps in life, grief, being a widow, losing a loved one, etc….

I say this all the time….you NEVER get over it (and if you are reading this, please do not ever say this to any person….ever) ….yes if you are still breathing, there is a purpose, and you need to move forward, you need to grieve, cry, get mad, etc all those things, and you may have *triggers* the rest of your life…..It will be 7 years in two weeks or the most tragic loss of my life I never expected….then several more major losses pretty b2b after that for a few years….and I have shed many tears, and still there are *triggers* that happen that will bring back up re-living moments and tears all over again….

that is OKAY…..

Don’t ever let anyone tell you it is not! But the thing is to not *stay there*….cry, get mad, get angry, get sad, whatever the case may be….then move forward w whatever you need to do in life, business, ministry…..BREATHE, as you are breathing for a reason….find a way to help someone else, lift each other up…..life your life, find things to be grateful for, be grateful for the moments that you did have w that person, instead of focusing on the moments you will no longer get to have. 

Live your life, love hard, cherish moments, celebrate memories, when that argument comes up, think about it, is it REALLY worth it? If yes, stand your ground, if not, let it go, let them be right, who cares…..treat people as if this will be the last time you will get to see them, because you never know, one of these days…..it will be <3

Widows go to Orlando

#Meetings for 3 days straight, 9am-9pm but filled with so much content, real #information, no #fluff, #tips, #tricks n #ideas to get you from where you are to push you to where you want to be, where you need to be, for you, for your #family, for those you have #influence over.

I have literally filled up my first notebook w all my notes already n only halfway thru the send day.

#WonderfulWidowedWoman

#WhatsYourStory?

#WeAllHaveChoices – we all have stuff that happens, and new n different shoes we have to walk in, but it’s our choice what we do, with those steps God gives us

Wearing #Yummie leggings and #Venus top, with a #Pashmina scarf

Many people said it will get better in time

Many people said “it will get better in time”….
In my opinion, it doesn’t get better, you just learn to walk in your new shoes…

I am wearing a pair of shoes.
They are ugly shoes.
Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes.
Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair.
Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step.
… Yet, I continue to wear them.
I get funny looks wearing these shoes.
They are looks of sympathy.
I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs.
They never talk about my shoes.
To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable.
To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them.
But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes.
There are many pairs in this world.
Some women are like me and ache daily as they try and walk in them.
Some have learned how to walk in them so they don’t hurt quite as much.
Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
No woman deserves to wear these shoes.
Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman
These shoes have given me the strength to face anything.
They have made me who I am.
I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost her husband

At dinner on the last night of our cruise from our girl’s trip on Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas

At dinner on our last night for our girl’s trip! Our cool waiter jumped in w us a few times! Lol

This night I chose to wear a pretty royal blue top from #WhiteHouseBlackMarket my black #Stiletto #NineWest heels and a pretty fitted black skirt.

Our food was amazing every night! This night I chose the seafood crabcake, and the chicken (had a little ham and cheese inside it) w rice and squash, chocolate cookie w ice cream, and a no sugar strawberry parfait.

#BeachLife #LifeIsBetterByTheWater #BeachGirl #TravelGirl#CruisePrincess #BayBabe #HotPinkPrincess  #RoyalCaribbean #BrillianceOfTheSeas

 

Dinner at Senor Frogs in Cozumel, my birthday ring and bracelet and dinner w widow friends

Back from Cozumel on the way to dinner, another one of my favorite dresses from VENUS. And no way doing heels after all that walking today so in my #michaelkohrs flats

Happy birthday to me this is a mercury sapphire, opal, and diamond ring 😁

 

 

#BeachLife #LifeIsBetterByTheWater #BeachGirl #TravelGirl#CruisePrincess #BayBabe #HotPinkPrincess #venus

 

Pirates are coming! lol

 

We got balloon hats while we waited for our nachos 😊 At Senor Frogs
I got a MIAMI vice without alcohol n she got her margarita that she made lol

 

Haha! Our waiter is hilarious – check out the sign he put behind me lol

Dinner  w my widow friends that came on the cruise with me to help me celebrate my birthday! 🙂

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Sign up to receive a FREE assessment on your business! Plus email ideas, motivation and updates to hear what's going on with me, what I am doing, and things to help you in your business and personal life! Plus a FREE digital copy of my best selling book Keep those Clients



First Name:
Last Name:
E-Mail:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone:

Answer For Above:

I am at the 5k friend limit on FB, and 15k limit on LI, Click below to follow me and make sure to fill out my form to hear from me about ideas on building your business , life and ministry! My passion is to help you on your journey to achieving your goals and living your BEST life possible. Click the buttons below and please say hello!

29432
fb-share-icon
24960
Follow Me
Tweet
20017
24954
Snapchat
Soundcloud
32917
Share
SOCIALICON
SOCIALICON
SOCIALICON
SOCIALICON

Amazon Best-Selling Author

Keep Those Clients

We All Have Choices

Download our FREE APP to keep in touch better with customers and clients
Click Here For Send Out Cards

Categories

  • Build Your Business
  • Business
  • Coaching
  • Fashion
  • Gratitude
  • Greeting Cards
  • Health
  • Hotel Reviews
  • Humor
  • Keeping In Touch
  • Laurie's Lessons
  • Laurie's Loves
  • Lifestyle
  • Lose weight
  • Motivation
  • Network Marketing
  • Networking
  • One On Ones
  • Personal Development
  • Recipes
  • Relationship Marketing
  • renovation
  • Restaurant Reviews
  • Success
  • Super Patch
  • Trim Healthy Mama
  • Uncategorized
  • Voxx
  • Widow

Recent Posts

  • The Power of the Follow-Up 💥📲
  • Feeling stuck?
  • The Art of Simplicity: Applying the KISS Principle (Keep It Super Simple)
  • Making it Memorable: Developing Engaging Introductions and Conclusions
  • How to Find New Customers & Where to Meet People

Tags

anniversary birthday brilliance business christmas client clients customer customers dinner dress friends God grateful gratitude greeting card greeting cards grief happy health healthy holiday husband keep in touch life love marketing marriage networking network marketing referral referrals relationship restaurant review reviews royal caribbean sales ship success thankful thank you Venus widow wife
© 1999-2024 Laurie Delk Radecki - BMD Enterprises