My name is Katie O’Connor.
I pride myself on being a mother, wife, widow, writer, occasional comedian, licensed K-12 School Counselor, and sharer of my loss story so others don’t feel alone in theirs.
First off, I am deeply sorry for your loss and the tragedy that has brought you here. However, I am happy you are seeking healing, hope, and whatever you need in your heart as you navigate your loss.
I have been widowed for over eight years. I strongly believe that after my husband Andy’s death, I was meant to help others navigate their loss. I have felt a deep pull toward educating others and normalizing death and grief. Grief and loss touch every person on this earth, and we are meant to share, support, and champion each other through both the joys and the sorrows of life.
That’s why you are here, and that’s why the Widow Collaborative exists, too. We need each other.
My late husband Andy and I were married for 10 years and together for 16 years. College sweethearts, we had a beautiful life, a growing family with two young children, and a baby boy on the way. Little did I know that in one day, with one decision, my life would be completely devastated. Andy went out paddleboarding and taking photographs and never came home. He was missing for three weeks and four days before we learned he had tragically drowned in our local lake.
That accident completely changed the trajectory of my life.
A question that ran through my head was, “How do I go on?” How does one come back from complete devastation? I’m sure this is a question that has run through your mind and perhaps still does. I don’t have a perfect answer or solution. But I do know that I found a way and I keep finding ways and so can you. It takes work and time for healing to happen, but joy and happiness can and will return. Knowing that you are here, working and striving to find joy after loss, makes me smile.
So welcome! We are so glad you are here!
Warmly,
Katie
