From loss to leadership - Annabelle Wilson

What happens when the story you’ve lived becomes part of the work you go on to do? In this thoughtful and deeply reflective episode, Annabelle Wilson shares her experience of losing her husband Josh, and navigating widowhood and new motherhood while connected to the unique realities of military family life. In the years that followed, Annabelle found herself not only rebuilding her own life but stepping into a role that would allow her to advocate for others walking a similar path. Today, as Australia’s Veteran Family Commissioner, she brings lived experience and professional insight into national conversations about how we support the families behind the uniform. This is an episode about grief and identity, but also about systems, advocacy, and what it means to turn personal loss into meaningful change, while still carrying the love and legacy of the person you’ve lost. Together, Caroline and Annabelle chat about: • Life with Josh and the realities of military family life • Navigating illness, anticipatory grief, and early loss • Becoming a widow and a mother at the same time • The gaps in support for military families after loss • Stepping into leadership as Veteran Family Commissioner • Finding purpose, continuing bonds, and hope for the future Quote that resonates with Annabelle “What if it all works out?” About The Widow Diaries A podcast that holds space for the often-unspoken stories of grief, love, and life after loss - especially for those widowed young. Hosted by journalist and widow Caroline Winter and brought to you by First Light Widowed Support.  This is The Widow Diaries: Where no story is the same – and every story matters. Links • Learn more about First Light Widowed Support (https://firstlight.org.au) • Follow First Light on Instagram (  / firstlightwidowedsupport  ) • Like First Light on Facebook (  / firstlightwidowedsupport  ) • Connect with First Light on LinkedIn (  / first-light-widowed-support  ) • Connect with Caroline Winter on LinkedIn (  / caroline-winter-5a19369b  )