Grief is Not a 4-Letter Word: Finding Hope and Purpose through the Pain of Loss

This week on the Gen X Juggler Podcast, host Deb introduces Michelle Bader Ebersole, a woman who transformed her profound grief into a mission of helping others. Ebersole shares her personal story of losing her husband, Luke, to cancer while raising young children. She details the journey of caregiving, grieving, and ultimately finding a new purpose. Ebersole talks about founding her nonprofit Widow Goals and her Christian podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, both dedicated to supporting widows. She emphasizes the importance of community, the church's role in supporting widows, and offers practical advice on what to say and do when someone you care about is grieving. Tune in for an insightful conversation on finding hope and purpose after a profound loss. 00:00 Guest Intro And Teaser 00:57 Meet Michelle And Gen X Chat 02:36 Love Story With Luke 03:21 Cancer Diagnosis And Amputation 05:12 Family Life After Treatment 06:19 Cancer Returns And Kids Told 07:56 Last Wishes And Hospice Care 10:22 Final Hours And Goodbye 13:41 Early Widowhood And COVID Grief 17:28 Healing Tools And New Purpose 21:22 Widow Goals Nonprofit And Retreats 23:04 Book Widow Goals And Chosen Vision 25:08 Chosen Launch Tribute 25:24 Workbook to Leaders Guide 26:02 Widows Programs in Churches 27:04 Finding Love Again 30:57 Supporting Widows Mission 31:31 Remembering Key Dates 37:15 How to Help Grievers 44:05 Grief Waves Not Stages 46:04 Retreat and Ripple Effect 49:06 Where to Find Her Links to Michelle Bader Ebersole widowgoals.org https://www.tiktok.com/@widowgoals?_r... https://www.instagram.com/widowgoals?... https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAsC2... Checkout Michelle's Podcast, Widowed 2 Soon, on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. For speaking and event enquiries, please contact Deb at: [email protected] **Want to be a guest on Gen X Juggler Podcast? Send Deb Foster a message      on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpr... Links to Gen X Juggler:    / @genxjuggler   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLEHV... https://www.instagram.com/gen_x_juggl... https://www.tiktok.com/@debfoster88?_... *THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE IN ANY FIELD INCLUDING LEGAL, MEDICAL, FINANCIAL OR MENTAL HEALTH. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY GUESTS ON THIS PODCAST ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HOST AND/OR PRODUCERS.*