BW 010: The Illusion of Control and Anticipatory Grief - with Renee Clark
As humans we like to think we have control, even with the timing of a terminal diagnosis.
Renee openly shares her journey of anticipatory grief, control, invalidation, dark humor as an outlet, and so much more.
Renee talks about:
- Challenges of being a caregiver while maintaining a home and family
- Frustrations and challenges with treatment of a rare cancer
- Balancing thought patterns between daily life vs. existential reality of what’s to come
- Dark humor in grief
- Invalidation of grief - when everyone tells you to think positive in spite of reality
- We have no control
- Losing a husband suddenly when you’ve been grieving four years
- No longer having your person’s input to help guide you
- Having a purpose of the day
Show quotes:
“Miracles are of God and cancer treatments are of reality.”
“People wanna feel like they have control over their lifestyle and what they can prevent. But I think through all of this, through the four years of caregiving and through this, watching him die, and I realize that… there's no control.”
“You don't realize how much easier it is to walk that tightrope with the safety net of your person underneath you.”
The Brave Widow Community is a place where you can connect with other widows, find hope and healing, and begin to dream again for the future. Learn more at bravewidow.com.
Hey guys, I’m Emily Jones. I was widowed at age 37, one month shy of our 20 year wedding anniversary. Nathan and I have four beautiful children together. My world was turned completely upside down when I lost him. With faith, community, and wisdom from others, I’ve been able to find hope, joy, and dream again for the future. I want to help others do the same, too!
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