Hello, I’m Denise. Welcome to my stretch of the virtual highway.

I’m a writer, an artist, a workshop leader and a speaker.

My real world shattered when my husband died unexpectedly in May 2014. I could say that my life changed, that it is different, but that would be understating the obvious. Life as I knew it capsized.

“Widow” is an unexpected addition to who I am. But, I am more than a widow.

And, I guess that’s the short answer.

Truth is that who I am depends on who you’re talking to. I’m a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece and a cousin. I’m a sister, sister-in-law, an aunt and a friend. I’m a mother, a mother-in-law and a grandmother.

I’ve been a babysitter and a coffee “engineer.” I’ve worked with computers all my adult life, from the monstrosities that needed a huge sound-proof room to my PC, my very portable laptop, my iPad mini and pocket-sized phone. I’ve waitressed and home-helped. I’ve worked in hospital records and on a mink ranch. I’ve taught children all about maple syrup. And looked at numbers ‘til I was cross-eyed and all the numbers looked the same. I’m an award-winning published writer and a former executive director for a national organization.

And that’s just skimming the surface.

I’ve reflected a lot about life and realize that no one has it easy. Regardless of what it looks like from the outside, life is hard. Everyone suffers pain and loss and grief—it’s part of life. But, I’ve found that not everyone likes to talk about it. It’s difficult to find a place where you can honestly talk about this messy part of life. So, honesty is what you will find here. Honesty about pain and loss and grief. Grief doesn’t go away if you ignore it. I know. It’s better to face it, talk about it, yell at it, and cry when you want to.

Yes, some of these pages will be marked with tears, not just of grief, but also tears of laughter. And there will be watermarks of encouragement, hope and faith. As we share our stories we feel the affirmation of our experience. As we share the burden it begins to feel a little lighter. As we read we know the validity of our experience, our journey—the reality that we are not alone, that we’re not going crazy.

Thankfully I’ve had someone with experience help me on my journey. He’s been beside me, ahead of me, and carried me when necessary. His name is Jesus. He knows about pain and loss and grief. But, He also knows about laughter, friendship, fun and adventure.

The one constant in my life is Jesus. He is the Son of God. The One who loves me so much He died for me, so I could have a relationship with Him. Everything around me changes. From the Canadian weather, to government, to TV shows, society norms and cultural shifts. From the “best ever” diet, to fitness fads, and health crises. From relationships, to a growing family, and an empty nest. Everything changes. Except God. He never changes. God is faithful. And, for this, I am extremely and eternally grateful.

Let’s journey together…