In 2007, I was 33 and my husband was diagnosed with adrenal cancer. Eight weeks later he died, and my life was forever changed. I was the primary care giver for my husband, and although I am a licensed master's level social worker, nothing prepared me for this loss.
About 3 1/2 years ago, I decided to write a book for widows of all ages. There are plenty of books about grief and loss but I noticed there wasn't one that shared the experiences of dozens and dozens of widows (from all different backgrounds). I wanted to learn what resilient did to cope. My co-author, psychologist James Windell, and I interviewed widows from a wide range of backgrounds about their experienced. We also did extensive research about grief/ loss, and interviewed experts to provide the best advice for widows. Our book "A Widow's Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First Five Years" will be released in November 2015.
The book is also dedicated to my late father James VandeVusse. Before age 30 he received a misdiagnosis, and a few years later he died from cancer. I was nearly five when he died. This experience helped shape the way that I approach well being. I strongly believe in getting second opinions and believe that patients should have access to their medical data.
Further, I am committed to running half marathons for The Weightless Project (free to join) and Jiyo- both projects are supported by Dr. Deepak Chopra and The Chopra Foundation.
As a resident of Metro Detroit, I hear and see the Detroit news on a daily basis. At times it is difficult to listen to the heartbreaking stories of crime and public health issues. However, ...
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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
— Lao-tzu, "The Way of Lao-tzu."
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March 30, 2016 - 6:30am
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A couple of days ago, a woman wrote to me in the "ASK Michelle" section and told me her heartfelt, honest, and I think heart-wrenching story about her ill husband, who has multiple sclerosis, and ...
KristinMeekhof commented on Michelle King Robson's post Living with and possibly leaving a sick spouse - a heartfelt story from a reader looking for advice