BW 107: Grief and Relief: When Your Late Spouse was Abusive - with Jess
Jul 23, 2024[Transcript below]
Jess is a widow who has been navigating life after her abusive spouse passed away eight years ago.
Jess opens up about her complex journey, from meeting and marrying her husband to enduring years of emotional and verbal abuse, and finally coping with his sudden death from a work accident.
The episode addresses the nuanced challenges of grieving for someone who was both a significant part of one's life and a source of harm. By sharing her story, Jess aims to offer validation and support to other widows experiencing similar complex and disenfranchised grief.
The episode concludes with Jess offering advice for those in difficult relationships and navigating life after loss.
00:05 Back to School Bash for Widows
00:52 Stages of Widowhood
01:58 Live Event Details
02:20 Introducing Jess and Her Story
04:07 Jess's Background and Family
05:54 Meeting Her Spouse
08:40 Early Relationship Challenges
10:59 Marriage and Early Struggles
15:05 Miscarriage and Emotional Abuse
17:19 Years of Manipulation and Gaslighting
18:36 Husband's Death and Immediate Aftermath
28:25 Family Dynamics Post-Death
30:59 Navigating Grief and Relief
37:12 Jess's Advice and Encouragement
40:02 Conclusion and Community Invitation
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/519SYxceWZ4
Jessica who is from Pennsylvania, is in her 8th year of widowhood, in fact today June 6th is the death anniversary of her husband, Chuck. Jess and Chuck were married 13yrs, together almost 15. Jessica’s journey into widowhood was tragic and sudden. The biggest difference between her journey and most other widow/widowers is that her husband was also narcissistic and emotionally abusive to her. For almost the entire length of their marriage she endured verbal lashings and controlling behavior from the man who was supposed to be her best friend, lover and protector. She wants to spread awareness and bring light to the harsh reality of the RELIEF and the GRIEF when losing a spouse who was abusive.
