Blue Widow Chronicles

From loss to living. This is my story.


Odin Update Vol. I – May 2023

Odin Update- Settling In

Well what can I say, I wanted to give an Odin update because he’s settling in. Our new home and routine seems to suit him. We’ve been in Chicago for seven months now. Our first Illinois winter together is finally over. (Although this was not my first winter in Illinois, Odin definitely needed some adjusting.) Basically after figuring out what worked between coats, sweaters, and tees, we were good to go. Finding what works best on an active dog of his size was challenging. But we made it through, and so now we face the warming temperatures of Spring/Summer.

Off to the Vet- Health Update

Firstly, Odin experienced some tummy and digestive issues about a month ago. Overall it was quite scary. He became severely dehydrated and had to go to the doggie ER. The best part was finding a good vet hospital just around the corner. They were so loving and kind. Luckily, with a bland diet of rice, rice water, and some serious meds, Odin was able to make a speedy recovery.

Surprisingly, bloodwork showed low cortisol levels so he’ll be returning to the vet to keep an eye on this condition. The whole episode lasted about a week and a half. Besides the tummy stuff, we also discovered some skin issues on his paws. Whatever is going on, it’s causing him to lick them. I’m not quite sure what the cause is yet. He’s been on medication since seeing the doctors at the ER. The meds seem to help for now.

Traveling Again

An Odin update on the travel side, he visited North Beach in downtown. Odin just loves digging in the sand. Still, he hasn’t figured out cars though. For a super intelligent canine, cars just have him baffled. I guess he will always truly be a country dog.

When we go on long car rides, his bed fits just behind my driver’s seat. He sleeps the whole way. In April, Odin travelled to Kentucky for a few days. He hung out with his sisters Malice and Sissy and played with the babies for a few minutes. He just loved that. The littlest one, that is scared of dogs actually pet him and squealed at the joy. Odin loved it just as much.

Usually Odin spends his days just lounging on the bed or the couch waiting for a walk. I wonder what dogs dream about. He makes the cutest noises while he’s sleeping. Sometimes he even snores. He loves Kos’s Park across the street. Now that it’s warmer the park is full of people and children. Odin often finds snacks on the ground. It’s an ever vigilant watch to make sure he doesn’t eat something he’s not supposed to.

Well that’s it for now. Stay tuned. I promise I’ll be better at giving you more about Odin. Thanks for reading and enjoy the photos! -xxooC

Tell Me Something Good

About Me and My Grief Journey

My grief journey began in the Summer of 2020. I became a widow overnight. Without warning, my entire life was turned upside down, broken into pieces I didn’t know how to put back together. Writing became my anchor—my way to breathe, process, and heal, even in small, fractured moments.

After losing Eric, I was diagnosed with PTSD, complicated grief, and an anxiety disorder. For a long time, I was paralyzed by my own emotions. I traveled across the U.S. for over two years, mostly alone, learning how to carry myself through the aftermath of sudden loss.

Along the way, I found love again. Greg became an important part of my life, bringing companionship, laughter, and even new challenges. Losing him to suicide has been another unimaginable heartbreak that shapes much of what I write here. Through it all, my emotional support animals —Odin (dog) and Freija (cat)— keep me grounded and remind me there is still love, life, and care to give.

I moved and now reside in Chicago, Illinois. This city, this home, is my space to rebuild, to grieve, and to explore who I am beyond loss.

What you will find here

This blog started as a place to house my writing. Over time, it’s become much more. Here, I reflect on grief, healing, and the messy, beautiful, often difficult journey of life after sudden loss. I write about my day-to-day experiences, the struggles and triumphs with my diagnoses, and anything else that captures my heart and attention.

My journey on podcasts

Many of my articles are available in podcast form on Spotify and Amazon Music. I welcome your comments—I love feedback. Let’s share this journey together, and maybe find adventure along the way.

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