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When Home Isn’t a Place Anymore
This morning, I walked through my daughter’s house and caught glimpses of my late husband Eric in photos. Pictures of him, frozen in time. It’s strange how someone who was once my entire world can now feel so far away, like he belongs to another version of me I can barely access. Another lifetime. Another Continue reading
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Sedona Was Waiting
I woke up with an unusual heaviness this morning, not really understanding why. Then I looked at the calendar and remembered — this week was supposed to be our vacation. We were just about to ask for time off when he left. On his phone, I found searches for “day trips in and around Sedona.” Continue reading
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On Starting Over Again.
Journal Entry 10/28/2025 I find it so profound and cruelly ironic that I’ve moved to Illinois not once, not twice, but three times with someone. Each time, it was with the same hope: to start fresh, to build a life of love and purpose, to make a home where we could both belong. The first Continue reading
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Unfriending on Social Media: The New Self Care
I’m a huge advocate of self care. If I have learned anything on this crazy journey over the last four years, it’s to do what brings me joy. Every single day I have left. I protect my mental health a lot more than I ever have before in my life. Lately, I’ve been increasingly finding Continue reading
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Finding Home Again: Change, Challenges, and New Beginnings
A Year in a Day Hi there, it’s me. Wow, where did the year go? I keep asking myself that question frequently these past few weeks. So much has happened in the past few months alone, and knowing where to begin is tough. This is an update and this is my story of finding home Continue reading
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The Last Goodbye: A Journey Towards Healing and Closure
The author experiences ups and downs in their grief journey, feeling melancholy as anniversaries approach. A pivotal moment comes when they realize they had already said goodbye to their husband. Remembering the significance of goodbyes brings them peace and a sense of closure, highlighting the importance of parting words. Continue reading
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Fear of Writing: From Trauma to Triumph
The writer shares experiences of betrayal, loss, and fear related to writing and creativity. Exploring the impact of childhood boundary violation, she emphasizes the healing potential of writing and offers tips for reconnecting with creativity, practicing self-care, and seeking support. Overcoming fear is depicted as a journey of healing and empowerment. Continue reading
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My Detroit Boots from Current Mood
These boots were purchased in the fall of 2017 to go to festivals. They’ve been to: -2017 Escape Halloween (San Bernardino, CA) -2018 EDC (Las Vegas, NV) -2018 Escape Halloween (San Bernardino, CA) -2019 EDC (Las Vegas, NV) -2019 Freaky Deaky (Baytown, TX) -2021 Hard Summer (San Bernardino, CA) -2022 Escape Halloween (San Bernardino, CA) Continue reading
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Beat the Blues During The Holiday Season:
5 Simple Self-Care Practices for The Holiday Season The holiday season can be a challenging time for many people. I have never been a big fan of Christmas. Due to the pressure of buying gifts, the stress of traveling, attending family gatherings, and the expectation to feel happy and joyful. The shorter days, colder weather, Continue reading
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder: How much anxiety is normal?
Some Anxiety is Normal Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time however, when it becomes excessive and persistent, anxiety can interfere with daily life and lead to a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or “GAD” after my husband died in 2020. I’ve Continue reading
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Goodbye, Malice: Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Dog
A Pet is a Companion Coping with the loss of a dog or beloved pet is never easy. Losing Malice was a very painful experience. One that many pet owners have had to face. The bond we share with our furry friends is truly unique, and losing them leaves an immense void in our hearts. Continue reading
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More Success and Defining
The Early Years When I was ridiculously young, I equated material things to more success. No matter what I had, I always wanted better and more. Once in my twenties, I hung out with a group that all owned their own businesses. To me that was highly successful. I learned a lot from them in Continue reading
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.