Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do the demands of parenting. Today, we’re opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of being the "only" parent during the most wonderful (and sometimes hardest) time of the year. We explore how to create new joy when the old traditions feel heavy, the power of community, and the beauty of prioritizing experiences over things. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:18 Holiday Reflections and Family Traditions

04:25 Traveling During the Holidays

08:42 Experiences Over Material Gifts

12:00 Navigating Grief and Parenting Challenges

43:33 The Weight of Single Parenting

52:55 Creating New Traditions and Moving Forward

Meet Danny Leslie, a widower who turned his grief into a powerful message of hope and resilience. After losing his wife, Raffi, to cancer in December 2024, Danny compiled their journey into a remarkable book titled Thank You, Cancer.

In this episode, Danny shares intimate details about their life together, the challenges they faced during Raffi's five-year battle with vulva cancer, and the profound way God showed up for them along the way. Discover how Raffi's adventurous spirit and unwavering faith shaped their experiences, and how they found moments of joy amidst the pain.

Purchase Danny's book, Thank You, Cancer: https://bluehatpublishing.com/products/thank-you-cancer-by-raffaella-dobles-and-danny-lesslie?variant=46742469771500

Follow Danny here: momentumwithdanny

Follow us here: everywidowthing

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Time Stamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to Every Widow Thing
Introduction to the podcast and its mission.

00:00:25 - Danny Leslie's Story
Overview of Danny's journey as a widower after losing his wife, Rafi, to cancer.

00:01:29 - Rafi's Spirit and Impact
Danny shares insights about Rafi's vibrant personality and their relationship.

00:02:59 - Living Life Unplanned
Discussion on their adventurous lifestyle, including selling everything to live in an RV.

00:04:41 - The Cancer Diagnosis
The moment Rafi receives her cancer diagnosis and the impact it has on their family.

00:07:51 - Navigating the Unknown
Danny describes the uncertainty and fear following Rafi's surgery.

00:13:34 - The Weight of Information
Danny recounts the difficult conversation of informing Rafi about her cancer diagnosis.

00:14:46 - Life with Cancer
Exploration of the daily challenges and logistics of caring for Rafi during her illness.

00:19:22 - The Role of Children in Grief
Discussion on how their children help Danny cope with the loss of Rafi.

00:22:09 - Chronic Pain and Care
Insight into the physical struggles Rafi faced and the emotional toll on the family.

00:30:12 - God Moments in Grief
Danny reflects on the spiritual experiences and signs of God's presence during their journey.

00:36:31 - Radical Generosity
Stories of community support and unexpected financial help during Rafi's treatment.

00:40:34 - Thank You, Cancer
Understanding the title of the book and the lessons learned through adversity.

00:43:06 - Reconciliation with Loss
Danny discusses how he reconciles his faith with the loss of Rafi and the absence of anger towards God.

In this special episode of Every Widow Thing, our friend, Stephanie, joins us to share her experience of profound loss and grief after her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi, died in a horrific home accident. Stephanie honors Kobi's life as an artist and photographer, recounts the tragic accident, and reflects on moments of spiritual connection that followed. Join us for a testament to resilience, enduring love, and finding light through signs, faith, and the healing power of family and nature.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie's Story
On today's episode, the host introduces Stephanie, a mother sharing her journey of grief after losing her 15-year-old daughter, Kobi.

00:01:30 - Kobi's Life and Personality
Stephanie reflects on Kobi's vibrant personality, her talents, and the love she had for her family and community.

00:03:00 - Foreshadowing Before the Tragedy
Stephanie shares significant events leading up to Kobi's death, highlighting moments that seemed to foreshadow the tragedy.

00:05:30 - The Day of the Accident
A detailed account of the day Kobi passed away, including her symptoms and the family's interactions before the incident.

00:09:00 - The Moment of Impact
Stephanie describes the moment Kobi was injured and the spiritual connection she felt during that time.

00:12:00 - Emergency Response
The family's frantic efforts to get help and the chaos that ensued as they awaited emergency responders.

00:14:30 - Arrival at the Hospital
The family's experience at the hospital, including the difficult discussions about Kobi's condition and organ donation.

00:18:00 - Creating Lasting Memories
Stephanie recounts the emotional process of making handprints with Kobi and the significance of those memories.

00:20:30 - Signs and Spiritual Connections
The discussion of signs from Kobi and how Stephanie and her family have felt her presence since her passing.

00:25:00 - Healing and Grief
Stephanie reflects on the healing journey for her family, the different ways they cope with grief, and the importance of self-care.

00:30:00 - Advice for Other Grieving Parents
Stephanie shares insights and advice for parents who have lost children, emphasizing the importance of hope and openness to signs.

00:35:00 - The Role of Faith in Grief
The conversation shifts to the role of faith in navigating grief and the importance of being open to spiritual experiences.

00:40:00 - Conclusion and Reflection
The episode wraps up with reflections on the lasting impact of Kobi's life and the ongoing journey of healing for Stephanie and her family.