Meet Megan and Ona, two young widows sharing their journey navigating dating, blending families, ex wives, and everything in between! 



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keywordswidow, grief, healing, podcast, community, memoir, parenting, resilience, support, life after losssummaryIn this episode, Ona returns to the podcast after a break, sharing her experiences as a widow navigating life and grief. She discusses the challenges of raising children without their father, the emotional rollercoaster of grief, and the process of writing her memoir, &#39;Between the Stitches.&#39; Ona emphasizes the importance of moving forward while honoring her late husband, Geoff, and expresses her excitement to reconnect with the widow community and her listeners.takeaways<ul><li>The journey of grief is ever-changing and unpredictable.</li><li>It&#39;s important to find ways to move forward for oneself and one&#39;s children.</li><li>Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and reflection.</li><li>Community support is vital for those navigating loss.</li><li>Sharing personal stories can inspire others to find hope.</li><li>Life can feel overwhelming, but small choices lead to significant changes.</li><li>It&#39;s okay to take breaks and return when ready.</li><li>The process of writing a memoir can be cathartic and enlightening.</li><li>Encouragement can come from knowing others have faced similar struggles.</li><li>Connection with others who understand your journey is invaluable.</li></ul>Sound Bites<ul><li>&#34;Life is wild.&#34;</li><li>&#34;It&#39;s a feel good story.&#34;</li><li>&#34;Check out the book.&#34;</li></ul>Chapters00:00Reconnecting After a Break02:39Navigating Grief and Daily Life05:17The Journey of Writing a Book

Returning to the Podcast: Updates and Insights

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keywords widow, dating, grief, cancer, parenting, relationships, love, family, emotional challenges, supportsummaryIn this episode of &#39;Widows Dating Divorce Dads&#39;, host Ona engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer, a widow who shares her journey through grief, parenting, and finding love again after the loss of her husband to cancer. The discussion covers the emotional challenges of navigating new relationships while dealing with past trauma, the importance of family dynamics, and the resilience required to move forward in life. Jennifer&#39;s story serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations, highlighting the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness.takeaways<ul><li>It&#39;s important to establish rules when blending families.</li><li>Grief can manifest in unexpected ways during new relationships.</li><li>Communication with children about loss is crucial.</li><li>Dating apps can be a helpful tool for finding love again.</li><li>Survival mode often kicks in during times of crisis.</li><li>Maintaining normalcy for children is a priority during grief.</li><li>Emotional baggage from past relationships can complicate new ones.</li><li>It&#39;s okay to seek happiness after loss.</li><li>Every widow&#39;s journey is unique and should not be judged.</li><li>Moving forward does not mean moving on from the past.</li></ul>titles<ul><li>Navigating Love After Loss</li><li>The Journey of a Widow</li></ul>Sound Bites<ul><li>&#34;I wanted him home with me.&#34;</li><li>&#34;You go into survival mode.&#34;</li><li>&#34;It&#39;s always moving.&#34;</li></ul>

Special Guest: Cancer Widow dips into the dating scene; Finds Love.

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In this episode, hosts Ona and Megan welcome Sandy Scheschuk, a medium, to discuss her journey into mediumship, the training involved, and the intersection of spirituality and religion. She also answers your most asked questions - from reaching pet spirits to cost! Sandy finishes with a short reading for Megan to share messages from her late husband - including how he feels about her Divorced Dad! Sandy emphasizes the continued presence and influence of loved ones in spirit, while also exploring the spiritual connections that can guide us in life. Her work is truly comforting and a gift! Connect with Sandy on IG : sandy_the_intuitive or visit her website : www.sandyscheschuk.com

Special Guest : Medium Sandy Scheschuk

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Ona and Megan delve into the complexities of grief, funeral arrangements, and the emotional and financial challenges faced by widows. They share personal stories about navigating the aftermath of loss, discussing everything from clothing choices for memorial services to the importance of having difficult conversations about life insurance and financial planning. This is the real and RAW experience of a widow and an episode you&#39;ll want to share with your NON widowed friends!

Where Do I Put The Ashes (& other topics you should talk about!)

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summaryIn this episode, Ona and Megan discuss their experiences navigating life as widows, focusing on the judgments and assumptions they face from others. They share personal stories about their weekends, the challenges of dating after loss, and the expectations placed on them in new relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and kindness towards those who are grieving, as well as the complexities of financial planning and support in their new lives.takeaways<ul><li>Grief is a personal journey that others may not understand.</li><li>Judgments about how one should grieve can be hurtful.</li><li>Dating after loss can bring its own set of judgments.</li><li>It&#39;s important to communicate openly about expectations in new relationships.</li><li>Financial stability is a crucial topic for widows and divorced dads.</li><li>Support from friends can make a significant difference in the grieving process.</li><li>Assumptions about moving on can lead to misunderstandings.</li><li>It&#39;s okay to prioritize your own needs and feelings after loss.</li><li>People often project their own fears and judgments onto others.</li><li>Kindness and understanding are essential when supporting someone who is grieving.</li></ul> Chapters00:00Introduction and Weekend Recap11:33Navigating Grief and Judgment26:39Dating After Loss36:28Assumptions About New Relationships50:10Financial Judgments and Planning for the Future

Judgements and Assumptions from Others

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Going through such a profound loss as a widow brings up all sorts of emotions, some which trigger arguments with our Divorced Dads. Hear what we&#39;ve been struggling with and how we get through all the feelings!

Why We Start Fights With Our Divorced Dads

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keywordswidowhood, dating, grief, love, hope, relationships, identity, family, healing, personal growthsummaryIn this heartfelt conversation, Ona and Kelsy share their experiences as widows navigating the complexities of dating, love, and personal growth after loss. They discuss the importance of hope, identity, and the journey of finding love again while honoring their late husbands. Kelsy shares her story of resilience, the challenges of online dating, and the joy of building a new relationship with Joseph. The conversation emphasizes the significance of living life fully, creating joyful memories for their children, and the power of connection and communication in relationships.takeaways<ul><li>Kelsy describes her late husband as a &#39;Husband on Loan from Heaven.&#39;</li><li>The journey of widowhood can lead to profound personal growth.</li><li>Finding hope and identity after loss is a gradual process.</li><li>Dating again can be both exciting and challenging for widows.</li><li>Online dating experiences can be humorous and enlightening.</li><li>Love is an essential part of life, even after loss.</li><li>Manifestation can play a role in finding love again.</li><li>Building a relationship with a new partner requires open communication.</li><li>Integrating a new partner into family life can be a positive experience.</li><li>Traveling and creating memories with children is vital for healing.</li></ul>titles<ul><li>Dating Again: A Widow&#39;s Perspective</li><li>Living Fully After Loss: A Widow&#39;s Tale</li></ul>Sound Bites<ul><li>&#34;I have those feelings again.&#34;</li><li>&#34;I want to live life.&#34;</li><li>&#34;I felt like I was walking outside of my body.&#34;</li></ul>Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:58Kelsy&#39;s Journey as a Widow04:23Finding Hope and Identity After Loss08:19The Leap into Dating Again12:23Dating Experiences and Lessons Learned17:14Navigating Relationships with Children22:21Building a New Life and Future28:18The Importance of Travel and Adventure49:28Conclusion and Reflections on Love and Life

Guest: Kelsy McHenry's Story Widow Life and Dating

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Megan &amp; Ona dive into how it feels to move on from your late husband and be intimate with someone else. The tears, the guilt, the OMG moments - we cover them all!

Let's Talk About SEX!

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Megan &amp; Ona jumped right into traveling with their Divorced Dads + kids but it hasn&#39;t always been laughter and fun! Hear who does the planning, who pays, and how they navigate the ups and downs. They also talk about taking trips with just their own kids and the Divorced Dads and how that has felt to the other half of the blended family.

Vacationing Together - from the logistics to the chaos!

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Solo parenting is tough, but adding in a Divorced Dad and more kids isn&#39;t always easy. Hear our tips on what&#39;s worked, what hasn&#39;t, and the one thing that we do that keeps our relationship strong!

Parenting with a Divorced Dad

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In this conversation, Ona and guest speaker Christie discuss their experiences as widows dating divorced dads. They share stories about their weekends and the challenges they face in navigating their new relationships. They also discuss the difficulties of milestones and transitions, as well as the complex emotions that come with grief and loss. Christie shares her personal story of losing her husband in a plane crash and the impact it had on her and her children. They also touch on the importance of life insurance and the support they received from their communities. After experiencing the loss of their spouses, Christie and Ona both found love again and began dating. They discuss the challenges and joys of navigating new relationships while grieving. They emphasize the importance of being patient with oneself and allowing time to process emotions. Both Christie and Ona have found happiness with their new partners and are grateful for the opportunity to love again. In this conversation, Christie and Ona discuss their experiences with blending families and finding love after loss. They talk about the challenges of finding a new home that accommodates their large families and the importance of considering the needs of all family members. They also share the funny and heartwarming comments their children have made about their new relationships. Christie opens up about going through the annulment process and her plans for a future wedding. They discuss the importance of finding a partner who understands and supports their grief journey, as well as the ongoing challenges of parenting as a widow. They also touch on the changes in perspective and the dark humor that come with grief. Overall, the conversation highlights the resilience and joy that can be found in finding love and creating a new family dynamic after loss.keywordswidow, dating, divorced dads, grief, loss, milestones, transitions, emotions, plane crash, life insurance, support, dating, grief, love, relationships, emotions, blending families, finding love after loss, challenges, new home, large families, children&#39;s comments, annulment process, future wedding, grief journey, parenting as a widow, changes in perspective, dark humor, resilience, joytakeaways<ul><li>Navigating relationships as a widow dating a divorced dad can be challenging</li><li>Milestones and transitions can be difficult for widows and their families</li><li>Grief and loss can bring up complex emotions</li><li>Having life insurance can provide financial security in the event of a spouse&#39;s death</li><li>Support from friends and community is crucial during times of grief Grief is a lifelong journey, but it is possible to find joy and love again.</li><li>Being open and honest about emotions is crucial in navigating new relationships while grieving.</li><li>Therapy can be helpful in processing emotions and navigating the complexities of blended families.</li><li>It&#39;s important to give oneself time and space to heal before entering into a new relationship.</li><li>Finding a partner who understands and supports your grief journey is essential. Blending families after loss can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new home that accommodates everyone&#39;s needs.</li><li>Children&#39;s comments about new relationships can be funny and heartwarming, showing their excitement and acceptance.</li><li>Going through the annulment process can be heavy and emotional, but finding a partner who understands and supports the journey is important.</li><li>Creating a new family dynamic after loss requires resilience and a willingness to navigate the challenges that come with parenting as a widow.</li><li>Grief can bring about changes in perspective and a dark sense of humor, which can help in finding joy and moving forward.</li></ul>

Grief, Loss, Dating with Special Guest Christie

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In this episode, Ona and Megan discuss their coping mechanisms in grief. They share their experiences in the early days and weeks after their husbands&#39; deaths, including feelings of sadness, anxiety, and disbelief. Ona found comfort in having people around her and not being alone, while Megan found solace in sleeping and going through the motions of daily life. They also talk about the judgments they faced from others who didn&#39;t understand their coping methods. Overall, they emphasize the importance of finding what works for you and not comparing your grief journey to others. In this part of the conversation, Megan and Ona discuss their experiences of being alone after the death of their partners. They talk about sleeping arrangements and how they rearranged their living spaces. They also share their thoughts on seeing their partners&#39; bodies after they passed away. The conversation then shifts to therapy and grief support. Megan expresses guilt for not seeking therapy for herself and her children, while Ona shares her experiences with grief groups and therapy. They discuss healthy coping mechanisms, such as reaching out to friends, going for walks, and journaling. In this conversation, Megan and Ona discuss both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms they have adopted after the loss of their partners. They talk about healthy coping mechanisms such as reading, physical touch, and leaning on loved ones for support. They also discuss unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive shopping and drinking. They share their experiences of using trips and vacations as a way to escape and find joy. Overall, they emphasize the importance of giving oneself grace and understanding that coping mechanisms are a part of the grief journey.Keywordscoping mechanisms, grief, sadness, anxiety, disbelief, support, judgment, being alone, sleeping arrangements, living spaces, seeing the body, therapy, grief support, coping mechanisms, coping mechanisms, healthy coping, unhealthy coping, reading, physical touch, support, shopping, drinking, trips, vacations, escape, joy, grace, grief journeyTakeaways<ul><li>Coping mechanisms in grief vary from person to person and there is no right or wrong way to cope.</li><li>Having people around can provide comfort and support during the early days of grief.</li><li>Sleeping and going through the motions of daily life can be a way to cope and maintain a sense of normalcy.</li><li>Judgments from others about coping methods are unhelpful and should be disregarded.</li><li>Each person&#39;s grief journey is unique and should not be compared to others. After the death of a partner, the experience of being alone can be overwhelming and scary.</li><li>Rearranging living spaces and sleeping arrangements can provide a sense of comfort and safety.</li><li>Deciding whether or not to see the body of a deceased loved one is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong decision.</li><li>Therapy and grief support can be beneficial in helping individuals and families navigate the grieving process.</li><li>Healthy coping mechanisms for grief include reaching out to friends, going for walks, and journaling. Healthy coping mechanisms include reading, physical touch, and leaning on loved ones for support.</li><li>Unhealthy coping mechanisms can include excessive shopping and drinking.</li><li>Trips and vacations can be a way to escape and find joy.</li><li>It&#39;s important to give oneself grace and understand that coping mechanisms are a part of the grief journey.</li></ul>

Exploring Coping Mechanisms in Grief

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We took a hiatus as Megan &#34;celebrated&#34; the 4 year anniversary of her late husband Matt&#39;s death and then proceeded to have a disaster of a holiday week with Pony &amp; kids, while Ona has gone 18 days without seeing B3. In this episode, we talk all things FRIENDSHIP in grief. Hear how friends have shown up for us and how, while other close friendships were sadly lost. Follow us on Instagram @widowsdatingdivorceddads for more!

Friendships After Death

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In this conversation, Ona and Megan discuss how they navigate special days and anniversaries related to their late husbands. They share their experiences and feelings about celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and the day of their husbands&#39; passing. They talk about including their new partners in these celebrations and the pressure they sometimes feel to do something special. Ona and Megan also discuss the challenges of carrying their own grief and not being able to take on the grief of others. Overall, they emphasize the importance of finding what feels right for them and their families. In this conversation, Ona and Megan discuss the pressure and expectations surrounding special dates and celebrations after the loss of a loved one. They share their experiences with the buildup of emotions leading up to these dates and the challenges of keeping memories alive. They also talk about the importance of acknowledging and supporting each other during these difficult times.

Navigating Grief with Celebrations/Anniversaries

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In this episode, Megan and Ona discuss the baggage that they bring as widows and the baggage that divorced dads bring. They talk about the challenges and insecurities that arise from their respective baggage and how it affects their current relationships. They also touch on the importance of communication and vulnerability in navigating these challenges. In this part of the conversation, Megan and Ona discuss the challenges they face in their relationships due to their baggage from previous marriages and the loss of their partners. They talk about the difficulty of effectively communicating their emotions and needs, especially during times of grief. They also touch on the frustration of not being the top priority in their partners&#39; lives and the reminder that their partners have another parent for their children. The conversation highlights the complexity of blending families and the struggle to navigate different parenting styles. Overall, they acknowledge that finding love again in their 40s is not easy and that their relationships require constant effort and understanding.

Baggage. Who Brings It?

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Do Megan &amp; Ona see MARRIAGE their Divorced Dads in the future?! Hear their thoughts, the challenges, and if the kids are ready for such a big change. But first, they share about feeling bitter on Father&#39;s Day!

Marriage?!

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In this episode, Megan and Ona discuss their experiences with their partners&#39; exes. Hear how the first meeting went, whether they did a &#34;deep dive&#34; to find out more about the ex, and how there relationship currently is.

The EX : Baby Mama Drama?

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Ona and Megan discuss their weekend activities and their experiences with sleepovers with their new partners. They share how they gradually transitioned from separate sleeping arrangements to sharing a bed with their partners. Both Ona and Megan emphasize the importance of open communication with their children and ensuring their comfort and safety. In this part of the conversation, Ona and Megan discuss their experiences with vacations and sleeping arrangements as blended families. They talk about their first vacations together, the challenges of finding suitable sleeping arrangements, and the importance of having another adult to help with the kids. They also touch on the topic of introducing new partners to the children and the potential difficulties that may arise. Overall, they reflect on their experiences and express gratitude for the support and companionship they have found in their relationships.

Sleeping Arrangements

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In this episode, Megan and Ona delve into the topic of early dating as widows - from flirting to sneaking in after the kids are in bed! They share their experiences and challenges of dating after the loss of their spouses, including the baggage that comes with dating divorced dads. 
 
But first, weekend updates filled with another much needed date for Ona &amp; B3 and Megan&#39;s late husband&#39;s family comes into town for a birthday party.

Early Dating : The Good & The Baggage

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Ona and Megan discuss the first nerve-racking meeting with their Divorced Dads and all the kids! Hear how it went, how they were feeling, and what they&#39;d do differently.
 
But first, weekend updates! Megan had a somewhat stressful boat trip with her Divorced Dad and all 5 of their kids together, while Ona got a hot and spicy date night!

Introducing To The Kids - How It Went

Subscribers get exclusive episode each week where we do a listener Q&A and get personal.  Plus, you support us as widows!  