In She Diaries, women who have lost their husbands to suicide bravely share their stories of strength while navigating the unimaginable journey of widowhood. Through candid interviews, the podcast explores their lives before the tragedy, moments that changed everything, the web of grief, and the hard-earned lessons of overcoming deep loss. These powerful stories shed light on the strength and courage it takes to move forward.

Produced by Bright Sky House — bringing hidden stories to light.

Episode Summary

The standoff isn’t over — and Kathryn is still holding her breath.

In Part 2, we pick up in the middle of the police standoff that changed everything. Kathryn recounts the terrifying hours of waiting, the use of mace, and the moment she was told her husband had died by suicide. She shares what it was like to walk back into her home, face the trauma with her children, and uncover the financial secrets left behind.

This is also where her powerful phrase choose this day was born — a quiet promise to keep going, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

For anyone trying to rebuild while the world keeps moving… this conversation will stay with you.

Content Warning

This podcast includes real stories of suicide loss. Some episodes may reference the method of suicide and include emotionally intense or uncomfortable descriptions. We understand how sensitive this content is, and we carefully edit each episode to honor and respect both our guests and listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7 support. Please take care while listening—pause if you need to. You are not alone.

Takeaways

• Police consulted Kathryn during the standoff
• Ron died by suicide before surrendering
• EMT told her, “I’m here for you”
• She discovered 26 hidden credit cards
• Used metaphor to explain his death to her sons
• Her sons grieved in different ways
• Choose this day became her mantra

Mental Health Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
• Find a Therapist: Search for licensed therapists near you through directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or Mental Health Match.
• Join a Support Group: Connect with others through peer-led or professionally facilitated support groups via NAMI or GriefShare.

Stay Connected with She Diaries

Instagram: @BrightSkyHouse
Facebook: Bright Sky House
YouTube: Bright Sky House Official
LinkedIn: Bright Sky House

If you have questions or would like to follow-up with any of our guests, reach out to Hello@BrightSkyHouse.com.

She Diaries is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Send us a text

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part episode, author Kathryn Craft shares the real-life events that inspired her novel The Far End of Happy. From the outside, her marriage looked picture-perfect—a renovated farmhouse, two sons, and no arguments. But behind closed doors, Kathryn was navigating emotional isolation, hidden alcoholism, financial betrayal, and a slow unraveling that few could see.

As the story unfolds, we follow Kathryn through the early years of her relationship, the warning signs she tried to ignore, and the heartbreaking moment she discovered the truth about their finances—and her husband's hidden drinking. This episode builds to the night she made a life-changing decision to call the police, unaware that it would trigger a standoff that would shake her world forever.

Part 1 ends at the edge of the unthinkable. Part 2 will reveal what happened next.

Content Warning

This podcast includes real stories of suicide loss. Some episodes may reference the method of suicide and include emotionally intense or uncomfortable descriptions. We understand how sensitive this content is, and we carefully edit each episode to honor and respect both our guests and listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7 support. Please take care while listening—pause if you need to. You are not alone.

Takeaways

• Kathryn’s novel is loosely based on her real life.
• Her marriage looked perfect—but was quietly unraveling.
• She discovered $100K+ in hidden credit card debt.
• Her husband was a closet alcoholic.
• Journaling revealed the question: “Have I married the right man?”
• A suicide note led to a call to police.
• The episode ends just before the police standoff begins.

About She Diaries

In She Diaries, women who have lost their husbands to suicide bravely share their stories of strength while navigating the unimaginable journey of widowhood. Through candid interviews, the podcast explores their lives before the tragedy, moments that changed everything, the web of grief, and the hard-earned lessons of overcoming deep loss. These powerful stories shed light on the strength and courage it takes to move forward.

Produced by Bright Sky House — bringing hidden stori

Mental Health Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
• Find a Therapist: Search for licensed therapists near you through directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or Mental Health Match.
• Join a Support Group: Connect with others through peer-led or professionally facilitated support groups via NAMI or GriefShare.

Stay Connected with She Diaries

Instagram: @BrightSkyHouse
Facebook: Bright Sky House
YouTube: Bright Sky House Official
LinkedIn: Bright Sky House

If you have questions or would like to follow-up with any of our guests, reach out to Hello@BrightSkyHouse.com.

She Diaries is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt conversation, Kristy Steenhuis shares her journey of loss and resilience after the suicide of her husband, Matthew. She discusses the signs leading up to his death, the impact on her family, and the stigma surrounding suicide in her community. Kristy emphasizes the importance of creating support systems for those affected by suicide and her mission to advocate for mental health awareness. Through her experiences, she highlights the need for open conversations about grief and the significance of self-care in advocacy work. Kristy's story is one of transformation, as she turns her pain into purpose, helping others navigate their own grief and loss.

Content Warning

This podcast includes real stories of suicide loss. Some episodes may reference the method of suicide and include emotionally intense or uncomfortable descriptions. We understand how sensitive this content is, and we carefully edit each episode to honor and respect both our guests and listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, 24/7 support. Please take care while listening—pause if you need to. You are not alone.

Takeaways

• What grief looked like as a 28-year-old widow with two young children
• The moment she knew something was wrong—and how she found Matthew
• Why postvention is a form of prevention
• How she explained suicide to her children using a metaphor of racehorses with blinders
• The impact of stigma, blame, and silence in a small rural community
• What she built when no support existed—and how it grew nationwide
• Her role in shaping responsible suicide portrayals in film and media
• The lesson that helped her set boundaries: “If you save everyone, who’s left for others to save?”
• Why lived experience must be at the center of suicide prevention efforts

About She Diaries

In She Diaries, women who have lost their husbands to suicide bravely share their stories of strength while navigating the unimaginable journey of widowhood. Through candid interviews, the podcast explores their lives before the tragedy, moments that changed everything, the web of grief, and the hard-earned lessons of overcoming deep loss. These powerful stories shed light on the strength and courage it takes to move forward.

Produced by

Mental Health Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
• Find a Therapist: Search for licensed therapists near you through directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or Mental Health Match.
• Join a Support Group: Connect with others through peer-led or professionally facilitated support groups via NAMI or GriefShare.

Stay Connected with She Diaries

Instagram: @BrightSkyHouse
Facebook: Bright Sky House
YouTube: Bright Sky House Official
LinkedIn: Bright Sky House

If you have questions or would like to follow-up with any of our guests, reach out to Hello@BrightSkyHouse.com.

She Diaries is available wherever you listen to podcasts.