Episode Details

How do you deal with losing a life partner? Why do people get stuck in grief? And why should widowhood be celebrated? Meet Grief Coach Tina Fornwald, the Creator and Host of Widowhood Real Talk with Tina, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating a safe space for candid discussions about the grief journey. After high school, Tina enlisted in the United States Army and during that time, she met her late husband, Mark W. Fornwald. Tina and Mark were married for 32 years and had two children, Catherine and Alexander, who were the heartbeats of their family. In 2015, Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer and overcame several operations and treatments with the loving support of Mark, her children, family, friends, and her faith.

But tragically, in 2017, while Tina and Mark were enjoying a weekend in Delaware, Mark suffered a massive heart attack. This profound loss turned Tina’s life upside down. She found that connecting with other widows and widowers became instrumental in her healing journey, and over the years she became a trusted source of support and advice for others navigating grief. Tune in to hear why Tina states that widowhood should be celebrated, why people get stuck in grief, and so much more, for this inspiring, healing, and uplifting interview!

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:

• How Tina found strength through operations and treatments for breast cancer.
• Tina heard God’s voice instructing her to be with Mark on the last day of his life. 
• The heavenly guidance that helped Tina accept her profound loss. 
• Tina’s process of connecting with other widows and widowers that became instrumental to her healing journey.
• The primary reasons a person can become stuck in grief.
• How new love in her life has influenced Tina’s perspective on love and life.

SOME QUESTIONS IRENE ASKS TINA:

• After Mark's passing, how did you navigate your grief and begin to rebuild your life?
• Why do you say that widowhood should be celebrated?
• What is the important role of our communities in our grief journeys?
• In what ways is the most horrific experience of your life now inspiring others? 
• How do you join with those on their grief journey to help them develop a fantastic life they love, not just exist?
• What is your message to the world about the importance of healing from the trauma of losing a partner?

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfX_I79Pxds&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh&index=10

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