Episode 2: What We Miss & What We’ve Learned to Carry

Episode 7: The Milestones They Should Have Been Here For

Episode 7: The Milestones They Should Have Been Here For Welcome back to Grief Girls Podcast. One of the most challenging parts of grief is navigating life’s milestone moments without the person you expected would always be by your side. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, and family celebrations can bring a complicated mix of joy, sadness, gratitude, and longing. In this episode, Tamara and Paula open with an honest and emotional conversation about Paula’s son’s wedding and the many major life events they have faced since losing their husbands. They share personal stories about the annual holidays, family celebrations, and meaningful milestones that now carry a different emotional weight. Throughout the episode, they reflect on how the gift of time has helped them prepare for some of these difficult moments while also learning to accept that grief doesn’t always follow a plan. Sometimes strength means showing up and celebrating. Other times it means stepping away for a moment, finding a quiet place to breathe, and allowing themselves to weep while honoring the love and loss they carry. Our hope is that this conversation reminds you that it is possible to experience both joy and sorrow at the same time. You are not alone if special occasions feel bittersweet, and there is no right or wrong way to move through them. In This Episode: • Navigating weddings, holidays, anniversaries, and family celebrations after loss • Paula’s experience attending her son’s wedding without her husband • The emotional impact of the “year of firsts” and significant milestones • Learning how to prepare for difficult events while honoring grief • Giving yourself permission to step away, breathe, and feel your emotions • Finding moments of joy while carrying the sadness of loss • How time can help build resilience while keeping loved ones close • The importance of grace, self-compassion, and realistic expectations Key Takeaway: Major life celebrations and milestone moments can be some of the most difficult experiences to navigate after loss. Grief often shows up when we least expect it, even during joyful occasions. Over time, we learn that we don’t have to choose between happiness and sadness—we can hold both at the same time. Giving ourselves permission to feel, to remember, to celebrate, and even to step away for a moment of quiet reflection is all part of honoring both our loved ones and our own healing journey. Credits & Special Thanks A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast. Maria’s feature on Grief Girls helped bring awareness to the reality of grief and the importance of connection, support, and hope for those navigating loss. Click for Maria Stephanos interview: https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100 [https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100] We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music continues to bring comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us. His song "Beat You There" reflects the heart of the Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we miss. Yet within that pain is a comforting reminder that love never ends. Our loved ones would want us to continue living, embracing meaningful moments, and finding joy again while carrying their memory with us. The song reminds us that although our paths may be temporarily separated, love remains our enduring connection. Website: http://www.willdempseymusic.comwww.willdempseymusic.com [http://www.willdempseymusic.com] Instagram: @willdempseymusic Follow & Connect With Us YouTube: @GriefGirls Instagram: @GriefGirls111 Facebook: Grief Girls Follow & Subscribe Join us as we share stories, healing, laughter, tears, and reminders that joy can exist alongside grief. Share With Someone Who Needs This If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may be facing a difficult milestone, holiday, or life celebration after loss. Together, we can remind one another that grief is not meant to be carried alone. #GriefGirlsPodcast #GriefSupport #WidowSupport #HealingAfterLoss #LifeAfterLoss #GriefJourney #YearOfFirsts #MilestonesAfterLoss #GriefAndCelebration #HopeAfterLoss #FindingJoyAgain #GriefCommunity #YouAreNotAlone

Episode 6: The Signs from Heaven

EPISODE 6: THE SIGNS FROM HEAVEN WELCOME BACK TO GRIEF GIRLS PODCAST. Grief changes the way we experience the world around us. Sometimes, in the midst of loss, we begin to notice moments that feel too meaningful to be coincidence—signs, messages, and connections that remind us our loved ones are still with us in spirit. In this episode, Tamara and Paula share personal stories about how they have learned not only to recognize signs from their husbands but also to intentionally ask for them. They explore the many ways signs can appear—often when least expected—and discuss how staying open to these moments has brought comfort, hope, connection, and reassurance throughout their grief journeys. They also discuss the powerful teachings of Laura Lynne Jackson's book The Light Between Us, which explores the idea that love transcends death and that we all have the ability to remain connected to those we have lost. Through her work, readers are encouraged to open their hearts and minds to the signs, messages, and continuing bonds that exist between Heaven and Earth. Our hope is that this conversation inspires you to become more aware of the signs that may already be surrounding you and to trust the moments that bring comfort, peace, and connection. IN THIS EPISODE: * Personal stories of signs received from our husbands after their passing * Learning to recognize signs through all of our senses * How grief can open us to deeper spiritual awareness * The comfort and healing that signs can bring * Lessons from Laura Lynne Jackson's The Light Between Us * Continuing relationships with our loved ones beyond physical loss * How to remain open to receiving signs and messages from those we miss * Finding hope, connection, and reassurance through unexpected signs from Heaven KEY TAKEAWAY: Love does not end when a life ends. While grief changes our relationship with those we have lost, it does not erase the bond we share with them. Signs often arrive in ways we least expect—through nature, music, memories, feelings, or meaningful coincidences. By remaining open and attentive, we may discover that our loved ones are still finding ways to remind us that they are near, that love continues, and that we are never truly alone. CREDITS & SPECIAL THANKS A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast. Click for Maria Stephanos interview: https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100 [https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100] We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music brings comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us. His song "Beat You There" reflects the hope of Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we miss. Yet within that pain is a comforting message: our loved ones would want us to hold onto our memories, continue living fully, and accept and cherish the joys of life again. The song reminds us that love does not end with death, and that while our loved ones may have gone ahead of us, we are all ultimately on the same journey and will be reunited someday. Website: http://www.willdempseymusic.comwww.willdempseymusic.com [http://www.willdempseymusic.com] Instagram: @willdempseymusic FOLLOW & CONNECT WITH US: YouTube: @GriefGirls Instagram: @GriefGirls111 Facebook: Grief Girls FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE: Join us as we share stories, healing, laughter, tears, and reminders that joy can exist alongside grief. SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO NEEDS THIS: If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may be searching for comfort, connection, or reassurance that love continues beyond loss. #GriefGirlsPodcast #GriefSupport #SignsFromHeaven #AfterlifeSigns #TheLightBetweenUs #WidowSupport #HealingAfterLoss #LoveNeverEnds #HopeAfterLoss #GriefJourney #SpiritualConnection #GriefCommunity

Episode 5: The Routines and Tools That Help Get Us Out of Bed

Episode 5: The Routines and Tools That Help Get Us Out of Bed Welcome back to Grief Girls Podcast. Grief can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. Some days, getting out of bed feels like the biggest accomplishment of all. In this episode, Tamara and Paula share the routines, resources, strategies, and tools that continue to help them navigate life after the loss of their husbands. From daily habits and self-care practices to meaningful connections and sources of inspiration, they discuss what helps them move through the pain, face each day, and continue forward on their grief journeys. Our hope is that by sharing what has helped us, you may discover new ideas, perspectives, or practices that offer comfort and support as you navigate your own grief. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to moving through your grief, but we hope that an idea in this podcast will help you; one small tool, one meaningful connection, or one simple routine. In This Episode: The routines that help us get out of bed and face the day Practical tools and strategies for moving through grief Resources that have provided comfort, hope, and support The power of small daily actions Finding strength through connection and community Giving ourselves grace during difficult seasons Gratitude for those who help bring awareness and support to the grief community Key Takeaway: There is no right way to grieve, and there is no timeline or pace in moving through grief. Sometimes the path forward begins with one small step, one supportive conversation, or one simple routine that helps us keep going. Getting stronger doesn't mean leaving our loved ones behind—it means learning how to carry their love with us as we continue to live. Credits & Special Thanks A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast. [Click for Maria Stephanos interview](https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100) We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music brings comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us. His song *"Beat You There"* reflects the hope of Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we miss. Yet within that pain is a comforting message: our loved ones would want us to hold onto our memories, continue living fully, and accept and cherish the joys of life again. The song reminds us that love does not end with death, and that while our loved ones may have gone ahead of us, we are all ultimately on the same journey and will be reunited someday. Website: www.willdempseymusic.com Instagram: @willdempseymusic Follow & Connect With Us YouTube: @GriefGirls Instagram: @GriefGirls111 Facebook: Grief Girls Follow & Subscribe: Join us as we share stories, healing, laughter, tears, and reminders that joy can exist alongside grief. Share With Someone Who Needs This: If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need support, encouragement, or hope today. \#GriefGirlsPodcast \#GriefSupport \#WidowSupport \#HealingAfterLoss \#LifeAfterLoss \#GriefJourney \#HopeAfterLoss \#FindingJoyAgain \#GriefCommunity \#MovingForward

Episode 4: The Blessing of Family

"Family as a Pillar of Strength" In this episode of Grief Girls Podcast, Tamara and Paula reflect on the powerful role of family, one of the main pillars of strength, in the midst of grief. When loss brings fear, trauma, and overwhelming sadness, it is often the people around us who help carry us through. In this heartfelt conversation, they share personal stories of how their extended families showed up in unexpected and deeply meaningful ways. Through these experiences, relationships were strengthened, bonds were deepened, and love became a steady foundation during the most difficult times. This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection can be a source of healing, and sometimes, the greatest blessings come from the people who stand beside us. In This Episode: The role of family in grief Stories of unexpected support and presence How loss can transform and deepen relationships The comfort of not having to carry grief alone Finding strength through connection and love The lasting impact of showing up for one another A Reminder: In times of loss, love often shows up through the people who surround us. Credits & Special Thanks A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast. [Click for Maria Stephanos interview](https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100) We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music brings comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us. His song *"Beat You There"* reflects the hope of Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we miss. Yet within that pain is a comforting message: our loved ones would want us to hold onto our memories, continue living fully, and accept and cherish the joys of life again. The song reminds us that love does not end with death, and that while our loved ones may have gone ahead of us, we are all ultimately on the same journey and will be reunited someday. Website: www.willdempseymusic.com Follow & Connect With Us: YouTube: @GriefGirls Instagram: @GriefGirls111 Facebook: Grief Girls Follow & Subscribe: Join us each week for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and a community rooted in connection. Share With Someone Who Needs This: If this episode touches your heart, share it with someone who may need a reminder of the support around them. #GriefGirlsPodcast #WidowSupport #GriefJourney #FamilySupport #HealingThroughConnection #LifeAfterLoss

Episode 3: The First Year of Grief

In this episode of Grief Girls Podcast, Tamara and Paula reflect on the first year after the loss of their husbands, a time marked by raw emotion, deep pain, and profound transformation. Through honest and vulnerable storytelling, they share what it truly felt like to move through those early days of grief. The shock, the sadness, the moments that felt impossible, and the small steps that helped them keep going. This conversation leans into the reality that sometimes, the only way through grief is to feel it fully. To cry, to sit in it, and to honor the love that still remains. There is something powerful in hearing others’ stories. In knowing you are not alone. In recognizing that this depth of pain exists because of a depth of love that never disappears. If you are in that first year, or remember it all too well, this episode will meet you right where you are. In This Episode: What the first year of grief really feels like The waves of raw emotion and how they show up Allowing yourself to fully feel the pain Why sometimes you just need to cry How shared stories can bring comfort and strength The connection between deep grief and deep love A Reminder: Your grief is a reflection of your love, and there is no right way to move through it. Credits & Special Thanks A special thank you to Maria Stephanos of WCVB Channel 5 News for her kindness, encouragement, and interest in helping shine a light on the Grief & Inspiration community and the Grief Girls Podcast. [Click for Maria Stephanos interview](https://www.wcvb.com/article/the-grief-girls-south-shore/71280100) We are also deeply grateful to singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for his generosity and support of our mission. His music brings comfort and connection to those navigating loss, and his willingness to help raise awareness means so much to us. His song *"Beat You There"* reflects the hope of Grief Girls Podcast—the understanding that grief brings profound sadness, unanswered questions, and a deep longing for those we miss. Yet within that pain is a comforting message: our loved ones would want us to hold onto our memories, continue living fully, and accept and cherish the joys of life again. The song reminds us that love does not end with death, and that while our loved ones may have gone ahead of us, we are all ultimately on the same journey and will be reunited someday. Website: www.willdempseymusic.com Instagram: @willdempseymusic Follow & Connect With Us: YouTube: @GriefGirls Instagram: @GriefGirls111 Facebook: Grief Girls Follow & Subscribe: Join us each week for real conversations, shared experiences, and a community that understands. Share With Someone Who Needs This: If this episode resonates, share it with someone who may need to feel less alone today. #GriefGirlsPodcast #WidowSupport #GriefJourney #FirstYearGrief #Healing