Losing my husband was one of the hardest experiences my kids and I have ever faced. As a widow and a mother, I felt the overwhelming pressure to support my children through their grief, all while trying to process my own. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and we had to discover our own ways to cope together. Here are 10 things that helped us find moments of connection and healing along the way:
- Read Books About Loss and Grief Together
Books became our safe place. We read stories that helped explain grief in a way the kids could understand. Some of our favorites were Angel Catcher Journals, The Invisible String, and The Grief Monster by Brooke Kekos. We’d read together, watch related content on YouTube, and even bring home books from the library. These moments helped open the conversation about what we were feeling. - Write Letters and Send Them to Heaven
One of the most therapeutic things we did was arts and crafts. The kids would write letters or draw pictures expressing emotions or things they didn’t get to say to their dad. We’d then have a fire in the backyard and burn the letters, watching the messages rise to heaven. This became a beautiful ritual for releasing emotions. - Make Special Stuffies Together
We took a trip to Build-A-Bear, where each of the kids picked out a special stuffed animal. They made wishes and placed them inside, and they still have those stuffies to this day. Whenever they hold them, they remember that day and the meaning behind it—that no matter what happens in life, they are loved. - Take a Road Trip
I wanted to leave an imprint of good memories just as large as the memory of our trauma and loss. So, we took a cross-country road trip, traveling slowly and allowing ourselves the time to explore and bond. For me, it was a chance to process grief without the pressure of daily life, and for the kids, it was a way to see the world and heal in a new environment. - Be Extra on the Holidays
That first year of holidays, I just wanted to hide. But thanks to my family, friends, and our tribe, we celebrated birthdays and holidays with extra love and care. It didn’t take away the pain, but it reminded us that life still has moments worth celebrating. Those celebrations, while bittersweet, helped us focus on what mattered most—each other. - Spend Quality Time Together and With Family
It truly does take a village, and I leaned into mine. Family time became crucial in our healing journey. Whether we were with extended family or just the kids and me, it was the time spent together that made all the difference. If you don’t have a village, build one—you can’t go through this alone. - Spend Time in Nature
Nature became our therapy. The sun, the fresh air, the plants, the water—it all had a way of calming our minds. We’d go hiking, biking, swimming, and simply spend time outside. Nature gave us the space to breathe, heal, and process our emotions without walls closing in around us. - Return to Routines and Family Activities
Getting back into our normal family routines gave us a sense of stability. It wasn’t easy, but having something consistent, something to hold onto, helped us move forward. The kids needed that feeling of normalcy, and so did I. It gave us something to look forward to, even if it was small. - Start Therapy
Grief doesn’t come with a roadmap, so we sought help. From individual therapy to family and grief support, we made sure each of us had what we needed. Counseling became a vital part of our journey because we each had to learn how to process and navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. - Do New Things Together
We found healing by creating new memories—memories that weren’t tied to our past or our loss. Trying new things together brought us closer and allowed us to bond in ways that sparked joy again. It even created new brain connections, helping us move forward as a family.
Healing is a messy, complicated process, but we’ve learned that we don’t have to go through it alone. These steps helped us build a new foundation of love, connection, and healing. If you’re navigating a similar journey, I hope these ideas provide some comfort or inspiration for your own family’s healing.
How have you helped your children heal after a difficult experience? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s worked for you and your family. Let’s continue to support each other on this journey. 💜
About Krystal Casey
Krystal's journey began with the healing power of yoga, which led her to open her own studio. However, her life took a challenging turn when her husband was charged with sexual abuse against a minor and subsequently passed away. Despite the immense grief, Krystal found the strength to persevere for the sake of her five children. Through months of self-care, self-intimacy, and self-empowerment, she discovered a new level of resilience and inner strength.
Now, as a motivational speaker and international best-selling author, Krystal is on a mission to help other moms and widows find hope and healing. She is dedicated to speaking out against generational trauma, abuse, and adversity, offering a voice of empowerment and change.
If you are a widow or mom struggling to find hope and strength, Krystal Casey is here to support you. Connect with her through krystalcasey.com for resources, inspiration, and guidance on your journey to healing and empowerment. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.