Kirsten and Jason found each other by navigating through a deep grief journey: both lost their late spouses due to cancer.
After both losing their late spouses to cancer and grappling with deep depression, Jason and Kirsten found healing through love, support, and giving back
In 2018, Jason’s world was turned upside down when his wife, Valerie, was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer.
“I was filled with fear for myself and our small family of four. The news was devastating and completely shattered our lives. The doctor at the hospital looked at me and said, ‘Jason, cancer has a way of transforming your life,'” Jason recalled.
Despite their relentless efforts, Valerie passed away in 2019, almost at the same time as Kirsten’s husband, Cody, who lost his battle to Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
“This kind and loving man, my lifelong companion, took his last breath while I held his hand, whispered words of love, and promised to find solace in our eventual reunion,” Kirsten shared on her Facebook account after the loss.
Both Kirsten and Jason went through a profoundly difficult journey of grief.
“Life became increasingly challenging after my wife’s passing. I found myself sinking deeper into depression, isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and struggling to sleep. The overwhelming nature of life and the fear of facing it alone were terrifying,” Jason revealed.
“As a clinical therapist, I was unprepared for the emotions and experiences I was going through. While I could help others facing difficult times, I felt unable to help myself,” he added.
The couple keeps memories alive by celebrating their late spouses’ birthdays, hanging up old photos, and visiting their graves as a family
Life took an unexpected turn for both when they found each other on Facebook in a special group for young widows in their area.
Jason and Kirsten got married, blended their families, and welcomed a daughter
“When I came across his profile, I immediately recognized him, making me feel comfortable to reach out to him. Our first conversation, and each day since, has been nothing short of magical,” Kirsten recounted.
Kirsten and Jason got married in 2022 and unexpectedly welcomed a daughter a few months later. They acknowledge their past losses and support each other through difficult anniversaries and moments of grief. Despite Jason’s experience as a professional therapist, grief was not easier for him, as Kirsten explained.
