Why is Losing a Spouse Hard?| Interview with Jan Gibson | Losing a Spouse | Grief Loss of a Spouse

Why is Losing a Spouse Hard?| Interview with Jan Gibson | Losing a Spouse | Grief Loss of a Spouse
In this video, Jan Gibson speaks about her experience of loss. After being married for 44 years, Jan found herself alone and unclear how to help herself in grief. Here she shares how she grieved effectively and continues making progress as she finds her future and gets back to living!
#grief #grieving #griefisaprocess #catherinemcnulty #griefsupport #grieving #loss #mentalhealth #bereavement #mourning #death #lovedone #copingwithloss
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Grief is a process. I help. I’m Catherine and my grief inspired me to lean into healing, learn from my grief, and teach others what I learned. It’s why I call my business Grief Inspired! When I lost my son in 2011, my world turned upside down. I lost all meaning in my life, and I couldn’t find the help I needed. Today, my mission is to help you move through the grief process and get back to living.

[@lynny5510]

My husband passed away 2 yrs and 4 months ago. I still struggle without him every single day. I woke up crying this morning. I have cried at some point every day for the last 2 yrs and 4 months. Not one day has passed that I haven't cried. There is no real process or formula for grief. Grief just is and some people bounce back quickly and others appear to grieve the rest of their lives. It is very personal and individual.

[@ry491]

I understand how you feel so well . My wife died about two and a half years ago after 56 years of marriage . I also cry every day . Sometimes have panic attacks . I miss her just as much as day one . I am no longer the same person . I feel as though I cannot go through the rest of my life without her . We were like one person . Everything is pointless now and has no real meaning . I wish you all the very best and hope you can eventually find some peace and contentment ... Thomas in UK .

[@janetgibson6531]

There is no getting around how tough this grief journey is. I will always miss Joe, but I’m slowly finding a safe place for him in my heart. Yes, there are days that I really miss him. Why wouldn’t I. He was the father of my boys, he was my emotional support and as I was for him. That can’t be erased, ever. Working with Catherine gave me the means to help myself through this journey and we continue working together through this journey. If anything think about joining Catherine’s FB group. A wonderful source of kindred spirits. Each and everyone supports each other in our grief. Three simple questions to answer and no pressure to join anything else. Just a wonderful group to share your story and know you are not alone in this.❤️

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

I have to say I disagree with you. There is a process and there ARE things you can do to move you forward. It is a lie that you have to be victim to your grief.

[@user-fj5lq4tw7v]

Totally relate. My husband passed away December 21, 2023. I have so much in common with Jan. I am just surviving day to day.

[@anniehunter5786]

Catherine your guest Jan was so relatable. I lost my husband of 43 years one year ago after an 18 month diagnosis of cancer. There are so many similar feelings she shared that I too have felt. Hearing her story is a validation that our grief journey is the other side of our deep love for our loved one. Your group and course seems like a good step forward for those of us grieving. Bless everyone listening and watching. 😊🙏❤️

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Thank you Annie! We’d love to support you in our next course!

[@janetgibson6531]

Annie, I’m glad this video was inspirational for you. I just told my story and was hoping others could realize that you are not alone in this journey. Truly the best thing I did was to reach out Catherine. That was a big step for me and I have not regretted it. Just joining the Facebook group is a big help. Reading what other members post and posting your own thoughts.

[@user-gt4ee1cm1c]

It is a hard journey to go through it’s so painful but with help and self care we can get through it one day at a time I m 13 months in to my grief journey and in still struggling I miss my fiancé every second of the day love him so much ❤😂xxxxx

[@janetgibson6531]

You are still so early in your grief,but you have the right idea of self care, doing one day at a time and getting help when you need it. Good for you on all the levels here. There is no rushing through grief. If you do, it will come back and bite you a bit harder. I love every word you wrote.

[@janetgibson6531]

Joining Catherine’s FB group is a good place to start healing. Sharing your story and engaging with others is so beneficial to the healing process. You can’t do it alone❤️

[@keciasmith1745]

Jan I just l love you! Thank you for your openness… you are such an inspiration ❤️❤️!

[@janetgibson6531]

Thanks Kecia! I just speak from my heart.

[@cherylkroush-doerr7356]

4-30-2021, my husband died suddenly. I'm still in isolation, feeling lost and empty. I can relate to Jan's story, and I'm so glad I found this web site this morning. Thank you Jan for giving me ideas to get back out there in the world!

[@janetgibson6531]

Keep in touch here. Catherine’s website is wonderful. Members are all about supporting each other in our grief journey. Please sign up. Just a place you can feel supported and not alone in this journey.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Here’s the group. Email me so we can talk about a plan to help you! facebook.com/groups/GriefINSPIRED/?ref=share_group_link

[@gephrygeph6480]

I lost my wife, Darla, on December 21, 2023 after an 8-month battle with gallbladder cancer. Prior to her illness, I (we) pretty much couldn't sit still - we were always busy. We both had hobbies of our own, but we also loved to socialize. On April 27, 2023, Darla was diagnosed and our whole world kind of stopped and all we did was "cancer". As the disease progressed, it was all about Darla and making sure she was comfortable, which I didn't mind. I loved her beyond words and would have done ANYTHING for her. Her last two weeks, it was me, my daughter and her daughter caring for her at home, 24/7. I an so proud of our daughters and the work they did to help me care for Darla. Now that Darla has passed, I just don't have the interest in anything. Like both of you said, there is a lot of time spent just staring off into the world and being introspective and thinking, "now what"? What does my future look like? Do I retired in 16 months like we had planned? It's a very scary place to be. I'm only 2.5 months into this new journey and some things are falling into place, but this is a long road and I still have a lot of work to do. It's nice to hear others talk about their struggles and to know I am not alone in the things I am feeling; the fear and anxiety of starting a chapter in my life. Thank you for sharing this conversation.

[@janetgibson6531]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is a challenge to find your new norm. I am gradually doing it. Catherine has definitely helped me to keep making steps forward in this journey. I have to remind myself to take care of myself and to give myself grace when I am feeling low. It is not all about keeping busy with doing things. It’s about finding your own path that is meaningful to you. I hope you consider joining Catherine’s Face Book group if you haven ‘t already. All we ask is for you to answer 3 simple questions. No strings attached. We just like to know your story briefly before you join. It is private and has many wonderful people that will support you in your journey. Take care of yourself.

[@janetgibson6531]

Thank you for watching. I did this interview because I was hoping people would watch it and find out they are not alone in this struggle. Sharing my story helps me and helps me honor my husband. I joined Catherine’s FaceBook group so I could chat with other widows and widowers and not feel so alone. It is hard to speak to family about it, but so much easier to speak to others who are also grieving.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

I’m here. I can help. I want to help. Email me at [e-mail]

[@alicewonders9291]

Thanks Jan and Catherine. I lost my partner/spouse at the end of 2022. I have listened to many people who lost their loved ones during the pandemic. Regardless of medical condition.....there is an extra element mixed into the grief process during this exceptional lonely time for many. It is very true that we may seek help at some juncture of the grief process. We do seem for the most to take the first steps into the deep space of grief by ourself. Jan, sounds like you have made many blessed connections as you reached out for direction and help. Thank you for sharing your journey.....you are a role model for me.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Yes! I think COVID made the grief process even more difficult for many reasons….maybe we should do a video with that topic ! It was definitely an even more isolating time!

[@janetgibson6531]

Yes, I’ve been blessed with making new friends from taking Catherine’s grief course. You really do develop a bond with them. We were all sharing our story and being very vulnerable with each other. It was beautiful to see everyone do some growing by the end of the course. Now we have new tools to use through this journey plus new friendships that still continue for me.❤

[@alicewonders9291]

@@janetgibson6531 Thanks again for sharing your experience. 🩵

[@jayneweathers]

Jan and Catherine, thank you for making this video. Jan that was very brave of you to open up to us, and share your heart. I hope it helped you as much as it helped all of us. Just knowing we are not alone and that there is help out there is a blessing. The world doesn't get us, but in the Facebook group, its so wonderful to talk with others who understand. ❤

[@janetgibson6531]

Thanks, Jayne. That means a lot to me having this from you.💕

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Thank you Jayne for all your contributions to the group as well !❤

[@jennifershort3104]

Jan and Catherine, you both did a great job on the interview! ❤

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Thanks so much! You are next!

[@janetgibson6531]

Thanks, Jennifer! Get ready annnd go! Your turn 😉

[@JayP-kd5rc]

Good video Catherine and Jan. Jan you were very brave to be so open with us. I know many can relate, as I do, to much of what you said and are feeling. The Facebook group came up on my feed, so I clicked on it earlier, and met you there. We spoke back and forth a bit, and you were very relatable. I liked you right away, and now I click on Catherine's video, and there you are. All in the same day. Very nice to meet you, and can now put a face to the name. Maybe will go back to the Facebook group and get to know the others. Thank you. Don't believe there are any coincidences, so maybe that is where I am supposed to be. Thanks again, both of you.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

I love everything about your comment. I’d love to speak with you…

[@user-do3qz7kt2m]

Struggling 😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

We got you! Email me for support!

[@vedrakuca]

I am struggling also,I lost my husband 1year ago

[@cathygrant-fi7qp]

I lost my husband after 48 years together. He was the love of my life. I cry every day for the loss of him. How do you do life without the one person you thought you would spend the rest of your life with?

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

That’s a great question for Jan! Are you in the Grief Inspired Facebook group? I’m sure she’d be happy to talk with you.

[@analinedutoit8163]

I lost my husband 2 months ago😭💔 He was not ill, very fit and his passing was totally unexpected. He died of a massive heart attack. My son (14yr) found him while I was busy in the house. I feel numb and can not get over it. I don’t know if I’m in denial? He was only 52. Our daughter is getting married in 2 months. It’s suppose to be a happy time but it’s just such a sad time for us💔💔 My mom immediately started cpr on him and feels like she didn’t do enough 😥

[@janetgibson6531]

So sorry for your loss. A sudden loss is so traumatic. Please reach out to Catherine for some guidance.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

I’m so sorry this happened. I’d love to talk if you’d like. You are likely numb still because of the shock of it all .

[@misstbikini]

I lost my husband last month suddenly, i wish i could retire, but i cannot. I hurt so much. I buried him yesterday. I miss the feeling of feeling safe. I just hurt. I have to go back to work tomorrow. This is completely hard, i love him so much

[@janetgibson6531]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your boss gives you some grace when you return to work. That is one thing I was so thankful I could do and that was retire. I am in awe of people who are grieving and they have know choice, but to go back to work. If you need people to relate to I would strongly suggest joining Catherine’s FaceBook group. Just answer 3 simple questions and you will be approved. It is a private group and if people don’t respond to the questions we are leery of letting them join. We protect our members privacy while enjoying the friends you can make in the group. It helps to share your story and this is a safe group to do it in.

[@janetgibson6531]

I can’t even imagine being able to return to work so soon after your husband’s funeral. I hope your boss is kind and gives you some grace. It will be difficult because people just don’t know how to act towards someone who has just lost a loved one. They will try their best to be kind, but realize they may say something that may make you feel terrible. Give them some grace for at least trying to be helpful. This is a tough journey and we need support. 💕

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

So sorry. Just take it one day at a time. Give yourself space to heal, you won’t be operating at 100%.

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

Join the Grief Inspired Favebook group here! facebook.com/groups/GriefINSPIRED/?ref=share_group_link

[@GriefInspiredCatherineMcNulty]

I’d love to help you. Let’s find a time to talk! Email me❤