Widow We Do Now?

Ep. 284 | Five Stars, Would Grieve Again: Aaron Simmons

Anita and Mel are joined by widower Aaron Simmons, who shares the story of losing his wife just six days after what was supposed to be a routine abdominoplasty, when she suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism.Aaron describes the surreal experience of grief, saying it felt like his entire life had been turned inside out "like a sock." He talks about learning to hold gratitude alongside grief, and how that journey led to an extraordinary project: Widow, Widower, Widowest. Created from his wife's journals, artwork, and creative voice, Aaron says he wrote the book with her after she died, weaving together her words with his own experience of becoming a widower.It's a conversation about devastating loss, enduring love, and the unexpected ways our people can continue to shape our lives after they're gone. Aaron's perspective is thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving—including his unforgettable review of grief: "Five stars. Would grieve again."Check out Aaron's book, Widow, Widower, Widowest: A Grief Mosaic at: https://www.widowest.comSponsored by:BetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdn Support the show

Ep. 283 | Annnnnd They're Back!!

Well, it hasn't quite been a relaxing summer, but Anita and Mel are back after life smacked both of them upside the head a few times (or knocked one of them right into the hospital). Check out this episode to get the scoop on what has happened - good, bad, and scammy! And speaking of scams, be sure to check out this episode for a quick update on current things to watch out for!Sponsored by:BetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdnSupport the show Support the show

Ep. 282 | Summer News

Anita and Mel have had some crazy things happen in the last little while, so new episodes will be back up in July! Sponsored by:BetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdn Support the show

Ep. 281 | After John Jumped: Eileen Bellew

Eileen Bellew joins Anita and Mel to talk about the sudden death of her husband, John, on January 23, 2005 also known as "Black Sunday," one of the deadliest days in FDNY history. Her husband, FDNY firefighter John Bellew, was one of six firefighters trapped in a Bronx apartment fire. The day became known as "Black Sunday" because three FDNY firefighters died in two separate fires that day.In the years that followed, Eileen found herself navigating not only grief but also civil and criminal court proceedings, raising four children, and trying to make sense of a tragedy that became front page news of the New York Times. She later wrote the memoir After John Jumped, chronicling the experience and everything that came after.Eileen speaks candidly about the debilitating anxiety that followed John's death and the feeling that if she could just stay vigilant enough, maybe she could prevent another disaster. As a parent, she struggled with the fear of being caught off guard again, always scanning the horizon for the next terrible thing.She also shares an observation that many widowed parents will recognize immediately: when her children lost their father, they lost parts of their mother, too. Grief changed her capacity, her energy, and her ability to show up in the ways she once had, adding another layer of loss for the entire family.For more info about Eileen, her book, and the future film based on John, visit: https://eileenbellew.com/ Support the show

Ep. 280 | Choosing to Live: Jess Anderson

Anita found Jess Anderson completely by accident through a comment on Threads, and what followed was one of those instant connections that feels like it was meant to happen.Jess shares the story of loving her husband through cystic fibrosis, a double lung transplant, and the years of hope, fear, and resilience that came with chronic illness. After his death, life dealt another heartbreaking blow when her brother — also her best friend — died in a plane crash. Soon after, Jess found out she was pregnant.As heavy as that sounds, this episode is also full of warmth, humor, love, and the unexpected ways joy keeps showing up alongside grief. Jess talks about motherhood after loss, the people who carried her through impossible moments, and the conscious choice she makes to keep choosing life.Sponsored by:Bott Monument: http://www.bottmonument.comBetterHelp.com. Save 10% off the first month of online therapy done securely, online with our unique link: https://trybetterhelp.com/wwdnMint Mobile: Mobile phone plans with great service and coverage starting at $15/month https://trymintmobile.com/wwdnJoin our Patreon for ad-free episodes and more!http://www.patreon.com/wwdnNeed some Snarky Grief merch?http://shop.widowwedonow.comWanna buy us tacos?http://www.buymeacoffee.com/widowwedonowFollow our YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@widowwedonow Support the show