Author Kristin Meekhof Reflects on Losing Her Dad at Age 5

I had such a great discussion with Kristin Meekhof for this episode. Kristin is an author, and I invited her on the show because she is both widowed herself and is someone who lost a parent at a young age. Plus, this week we have a giveaway, where one lucky winner will get signed copies of both Kristin’s book, A Widow’s Guide to Healing, and my own book, Future Widow. If you’re listening around the time this episode is released, you can enter now through June 11, 2022, at jennylisk.com/giveaway. Some topics Kristin and I discuss include: Being born in Korea and adopted by an American family as an infant; Growing up with her dad having cancer; Her dad dying when she was almost 5 years old; That first time her class was making Father’s Day cards; Her mom getting remarried when she was seven, and being adopted by her step-dad; Having her last name change to her step-dad’s name, which was her third last name as a young child; How disorienting and damaging it was for her as a child that her mother refused to talk her father’s death; Getting to know her father through her uncle and grandmother; Being afraid as a child that her mother would die, too; Her own husband dying of cancer when she was 33, and how isolating this experience was; Why she decided to interview over 100 widowed people and write a book for newly widowed people; and Why sharing our stories is so important to our healing. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Kristin Meekhof. -=-=-=-=- Thank you sponsors & partners: Grief Coach - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://grief.coach/jennylisk/ BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent Support the show - Buy Me a Coffee -=-=-=-=-

Om Podcasten

Experiencing the profound loss of a spouse while navigating the intricate realm of "only-parenting" is a challenge unlike any other. Remember, though, you’re not journeying alone. Jenny Lisk, who stepped into solo parenting following the devastating loss of her husband to brain cancer, established the Widowed Parent Institute to shine a light, extend a hand, and share vital resources. The Widowed Parent Podcast embodies that commitment, providing a mix of hope, practical wisdom, and shared experiences. On The Widowed Parent Podcast, listeners will find: - Expert perspectives from the vanguard of grief and loss research, tailored distinctly for widowed parents. - Heartfelt stories from those who walked through childhood after the death of a parent, granting unique perspective and hope. - Candid conversations with widowed parents, unveiling both the strengths they've discovered and the hurdles they've faced. Whether you're trying to connect with a young child's emotions, navigate the maze of teenage years, or simply seeking a community that truly understands, this podcast speaks directly to widowed parents of children at every stage, from infancy through college. Plug in during a peaceful walk, your daily commute, or in quiet reflection, and discover inspiration, empowerment, and a community that hears and understands. Proudly presented by the Widowed Parent Institute, a beacon of practical guidance, invaluable resources, and steadfast support for mothers and fathers raising grieving children and teens.