By Monica Lucia – Widow’sDen
Loss doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. It’s not just the death of a loved one or the finality of a funeral. Sometimes, loss shows up as the quiet ending of a relationship, the unexpected layoff from a job you loved, or the aching feeling that the life you were building no longer feels like your own.
I know this terrain well—because I’ve walked it.
When I became a widow, I quickly realized that grief is so much more than sadness. It’s confusion, exhaustion, fear, anger, and even guilt. It’s the silence after the phone stops ringing. It’s the pressure to “move on” when your heart hasn’t caught up. And it’s the overwhelming task of figuring out what to do next—when nothing makes sense anymore.
That experience changed me. It deepened my compassion, sharpened my awareness, and lit a fire in me to help others who are navigating their own versions of loss.
Today, I am a certified grief and bereavement counselor, a life transition coach, and the founder of The Widow’s Den. I also write regularly for LKN Connect, sharing stories from the heart through columns like The Widow’s Den and One Paddle Short. I use humor when it helps, honesty when it’s needed, and hope as often as possible.
My work focuses on all forms of loss—death, divorce, job changes, identity shifts, and the “in-between” spaces we rarely talk about. I believe that healing doesn’t have a timeline, and that grief isn’t always loud. Sometimes it whispers through your daily routine. Sometimes it hides behind a smile.
Whether you’re just beginning to process your grief or you’ve been carrying it quietly for years, I’m here to remind you that you’re not alone. I offer one-on-one sessions, small group support, and a self-paced course called A Little Bit Every Day, which was born from my own journey toward healing.
A Little Bit Every Day
Build a Path
Together, we can make sense of what feels like chaos. Together, we can build a path forward—one that honors what you’ve lost while helping you rediscover what’s still possible.
If you’re holding it all together for everyone else but slowly falling apart on the inside, please know: there is no shame in asking for help. There is strength in being seen. And there is healing in being heard.
A Little Bit Every Day: Your Next Step
I’m now offering in-person counseling sessions at Raymer Kepner Life Tribute Center. If you’re ready—or even just curious—I’d be honored to meet you where you are.
Because life after loss is still life, and you deserve one that feels like your own.
Monica Lucia is the Author of The Final Chapter and a passionate advocate for those navigating grief and loss. She is the Founder of Widow’s Den and Sisterhood of LKN, dedicated to supporting families In addition to her writing and community-building work, Monica is the Grief and Bereavement Counselor at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville and Denver. [email protected] 941-286-2223
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