Hi J.

So sorry to hear about your loss. Its so difficult to deal with grief and a job loss at the same time and with kids to provide for. There are cascading losses (emotional and financial) when it comes to the loss of a spouse — especially when there are kids involved. I know its extremely hard to deal with but I can tell you it does get better with time. I’m glad you were able to have those special moments with her, to take care of her, and to attend to her needs.

I know the love you have for her will inspire you to go on and to leave a legacy for the kids. That love will motivate you to live in honor of her memory. Those 25 years spent with her are precious!

Just remember this: YOU WILL BE OK. THE KIDS WILL TURN OUT JUST FINE.

Small things like these saved me and given me hope: The love for my family, the time spent with loved ones that are treasure chests of memories and time spent away to rejuvenate and renew myself.

Sabbaticals are extremely helpful when they are well planned in advance. It takes alot of planning and budgeting in order to prepare to take that time away. Planning will also enable you to see how much time you can afford to take while juggling the demands of parenting and a job.

My book that expands on this article and discusses these life lessons, including sabbaticals will be released in November 2019 (it will be available for pre-order at the end of July). Additional details will be released soon.

Please feel free to reach out to me at: info@keishablair.com (www.keishablair.com)

Sincerely,

Keisha