288. Premonitions, 3 Promises, and The Gift Of Permission: Interview With Stephanie Edens

In this episode of Widow 180, listeners are invited into the deeply personal journey of Stephanie Edens as she recounts the day her world changed forever with the sudden loss of her husband, Peter. The conversation focused on the intense shock of unexpected tragedy, the struggle to process loss, and the profound impact on her and her young children. A key theme that emerged was the remarkable timing of a critical conversation Stephanie and Peter had the night before his death—one in which Peter made her promise to remarry, sell the family’s fishing boat, and move away for a fresh start. The discussion explored how this candid exchange ultimately became a guiding light for Stephanie as she navigated solo parenting, grief, and community judgments regarding her choices. Several points were raised, including the importance of setting personal boundaries, the role of family counseling in healing, and creative approaches to milestone days—like transforming the anniversary of Peter’s death into a celebration of his “birthday in heaven.” The episode delves into honoring a loved one through new traditions, starting a scholarship, and ultimately, finding the courage to date and remarry, with honesty about the unique challenges widows face. Stephanie also shares the process and meaning behind her memoir, “*Don’t Worry, I Have a Plan*,” offering wisdom for others feeling stuck in grief. She encourages widows to embrace living forward, seek guidance within, and remember that life after loss, while forever changed, can be lived with hope and purpose. **FREE Postcards** for you: https://widow180.kit.com/postcards Be sure to join our **Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927 Also **follow us on Insta**: https://www.instagram.com/widow\_180/ Check us out on **YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel:** https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK\_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ For more blog posts and **resources** go to www.widow180.com Questions? **Email me** at jen@widow180.com