Journey through love, loss, and healing with the heartwarming children’s book Here With You. Join Kellie Kaminskas, the author, as she shares her journey as a widow and how she found solace in writing a book to help children understand grief. Her son, who lost his father at a tender age, played a crucial role in the creation of this book. Together, they’ve found healing through the process, and their journey is sure to resonate with you. Kellie talks about self-publishing challenges, the need for support, and the positive response from readers who relate to her work. Let Kellie’s words inspire you as she shares her moving story of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. Kellie’s book: Title: Here With You Publish Date: July 15 2024 Trade Paperback ISBN: 979-8-218-38222-3 Ebook ASIN: B0CW1JBSC2 Format: Trade Paperback and Digital Available for purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Apple Books, etc. I am sharing my experience of loving the same man for 32 years, a mother to two adult children, a retired military officer, a breast cancer survivor, and my connections with others. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to a suicide hotline or local emergency number in their country: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide — Watch the episode here   Listen to the podcast here   Here With You: Navigating Grief As A Family With Kellie Kaminskas Welcome To The Widowhood Our guest, Kellie, has written a book titled Here With You. It is about the journey of healing through grief. It helps children understand that although their loved one may be gone, they are still here with you. Kellie is a passionate storyteller hailing from the beautiful state of Connecticut. She has honed her skills in crafting captivating tales that transport readers to new and familiar worlds. As a loving mother to a wonderful son and their furry companions, she draws inspiration from the joys and challenges of parenthood. Her relatable story and heartfelt narrative resonate with readers of all ages. Kellie is an emerging author and speaker, available for virtual or in-person visits to schools, libraries, and events. Let’s get into this conversation. Kellie, welcome to the Widowhood. Thank you so much for having me. Thank you to the Widowhood. What comes to your mind when you hear, “Welcome to the Widowhood?” What was your first thought? It’s been a journey. I’m about almost eight years into being a widow. Sometimes, the word feels like a four-letter one, depending on the mood. I have heard this and I will repeat this. The club sucks, but the members are amazing. That concept of eight years, what does that look like eight years later for you? I want to preface it with the idea people go, “It’s been eight years. Haven’t you just?”     Yeah. I think I’ve really turned a corner, honestly, emotionally, for myself. I think I was angry for a very long time based on how he had passed away. I’ve been in the mode of self-care and a lot of forgiveness in the last year. That says a lot. Thank you for sharing that. I don’t want to get into the details, but for someone who is just going to read this and they have just lost their husband this year, can you remember what that looked like for you? Yeah. It was probably the worst time of my life. Honestly, at the same time, such a blur that you don’t really remember the first year. You’re surviving at that point. That’s important to know because I am going into my eighth year, and people often see where I’m now mentally. I try my best to say, “This is not what ground zero looks like.” Please do not think that this is what I looked like when he left this world. If you were to talk to younger Kellie, what would you tell her based on what you’ve learned over these years? To give myself so much more grace than I actually did. I think I just hit the ground running, and I was really hard on myself for a long time. Those are some of the misinformation, about staying busy, being strong for other people, “This’ll be okay,” “Just let time pass.” I want to say that I found none of those were adequate or accurate at all. Grief had a little suitcase and she was like, “You got to stay busy? Let me get on. Let me come with you. When you’re tired and exhausted, I will open up the picnic basket, and we can get together.” Let me put on a song for you that you don’t want to hear while you’re driving to go start your day. Being a widow, and you have children too? I do. I have a son. How old was your son when his father left this world? He had just turned one. That puts a different dynamic to this than most people imagine. When they think of a widow, one, they’re thinking of someone older, and then the idea of someone younger with children. Have you found a community of other people who have younger children? In the sense of raising him by myself? No. Just a community with other women who are widowed with young children? I don’t know anyone. I have several people I can connect you with if you are interested. This journey has connected me. I know a widow who was actually pregnant when her husband passed. I have another widow who has seven children. She and her husband had a ministry, serving seven, and unfortunately, she’s one of several others. What area are you located in? I’m in Connecticut. Here With You These people are virtual. I will reach out to them and connect you with them because I think community is very helpful. Your son was one. The basis of our conversation is really regarding this book. I knew talking about this book without talking about your journey wouldn’t serve anyone