Michele Neff Hernandez on Camp Widow and Other Soaring Spirits Programs for Widowed People
I had such a great discussion with Michele Neff Hernandez for this episode. Michele is the founder and executive director of Soaring Spirits International, which runs Camp Widow in multiple locations each year, as well as many other programs for widowed people. Soaring Spirits uses the broadest possible definition of “widowed” to include anyone who has lost their life partner. They have a very active blog, a widowed pen pal program, and the terrific new Soaring Spirits Resilience Center that is doing really exciting research. Some topics Michele and I discuss include: Her own journey to becoming widowed when her kids were young; Not knowing any other young widowed people until someone finally connected her with another widow who would become a lifelong friend; How Camp Widow came about on the back of a napkin on a long drive; What to expect if you attend Camp Widow; The opportunity to access Camp Widow Virtual workshops until April 30, 2020; The Resilience Scale available free on the Soaring Spirits Resilience Center web site; What they’ve learned from studying resilience in widowed people; Their widowed pen pal program and the Widow’s Voice blog; Their free packets for newly widowed people; and What Michele’s analogy about earthquakes says about how losing a spouse differs from losing a parent. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Michele Neff Hernandez.
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.