TW: discussion of sudden death and grief. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Katie Sullivan to talk about the sudden loss of her husband, Hudson, and what life has looked like since while parenting through grief. Katie opens up about the identity crisis that comes with losing a spouse, the strange duality of feeling joy and grief at the same time, and the outpouring of support she received right after her loss (plus, the reality once everyone goes back to their own lives). She shares what has helped her through it all and what she'd want anyone supporting a grieving friend, or grieving themselves, to know.

Key Takeaway / Points:

• How Katie met her husband and the life they built together

• What happened the day of the accident

• The different phases of grief

• What to do for support of someone grieving instead of "let me know what you need"

• The identity crisis that comes with losing a spouse

• Learning to hold joy and grief in the same moment

• Giving yourself grace as a solo parent grieving in real time

• What she wants anyone who has lost a partner to know

  
  

10 Ways To Support Someone Who Has Lost A Spouse:

1. In the early days, focus on essentials.

2. Make specific offers, not open-ended ones.

3. Send the text.

4. When in doubt, ask.

5. Fill the quiet hours.

6. If you want to help long term, find a job to “own”.

7. Make concrete plans.

8. Remember the kids on big days.

9. Anticipate hard days that often go unnoticed.

10. Keep showing up.

    
    

Follow me:

Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers

Substack: Fill Your Cup

Website: cameronoaksrogers.com

TikTok: @cameronoaksrogers

YouTube: Cameron Rogers