Your first love is special and precious, and when you get to marry that person, your life feels like a dream. But, what do you do when that dream turns into a nightmare and you’ve lost your one true love forever? Our guest, Rebecca Grignon Reker, joins us today to share her story of loss as a newlywed, and the life she’s experienced since then. Rebecca shares the tragic story of losing her husband, the scary thoughts that overcame her in the days following his death, and what ultimately helped her find happiness again. This is an important story for anyone supporting a loved one dealing with a recent loss. 

Episode Highlights:

[3:07] “I died that day, as well.” Rebecca shares her heartbreaking story of loss. 

[6:23] “She heard a shot, opened the door, and Peter was laying in the street.” Rebecca accounts the tragic incident when her husband was stolen from her forever. 

[8:04] The days following Peter’s death were a blur for Rebecca, but another tragic event not long after his death helped Rebecca to not only feel supported but give support as well. 

[15:30] “It’s good to stalk people.” Hear the sweet version of stalking that Rebecca engages in. 

[18:12] “I never thought I would marry again… this is my family.” Peter’s legacy surprised Rebecca and helped connect her with a network of people.  

[22:04] Moving on from grief can be challenging, heartbreaking, and all-consuming. Rebecca shares the surprising turn of events that helped her. 

[25:13] 16 years after his death, Rebecca reflects on what the grief and love for Peter looks like in her family today. “I think that will be for the rest of my life.”  

[32:58] “That sounds so bad…” This unconventional method of support really helped Rebecca in her darkest moments.  

[38:25] “I was screaming.” Diana asks Rebecca an extremely personal question, and Rebecca opens up with us about her struggles. 

Episode Resources:

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