Life After Loss: New Adventures, New Memories, and Looking Ahead

Hi guys,

I just wanted to send out an update on what’s been going on in my world this year. Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2026? Time really does fly when you’re having fun.

A few exciting things have been happening.

First, I finally reached my goal weight… again.

Back in 1998, I became a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers. By 2000, however, I was no longer at my goal weight.

After Mike died, I was prescribed antidepressants. They helped me function during a very difficult time, but they also added about 20 pounds to my already bigger frame. No matter what diet or exercise plan I tried, nothing seemed to work. It was frustrating and discouraging.

Thankfully, modern science and a weekly coaching program helped me get back on track. Today, I’m 40 pounds lighter and feeling great.

I also snuck out of retirement this year to become a travel advisor.

With all the traveling I was doing on my own and with friends, it felt like a natural fit.

Before teaching, I actually worked in the travel industry. After college, I worked for American Airlines at JFK Airport and later spent several years in hotel management. The best part now is that I finally have the time to travel myself.

When my son Matt traveled to Prague in January for a conference, I tagged along. What a beautiful city! We also explored some of the stunning natural parks throughout the Czech Republic.

In March, Pete and I joined our neighbors on a pickleball cruise in the Caribbean. Many of the larger ships now have pickleball courts onboard, and our group even reserved space in a renovated former Macy’s store in Puerto Rico for additional play time.

As always, it was a super fun week complete with light-up shoes, themed outfits, and plenty of laughs.

In April, I traveled to Tuscany with my kids, Matt, Buddy, and Charlotte. We rented cars and drove through the beautiful countryside, exploring hill towns and enjoying incredible food along the way.

Making new memories with my children is one of my greatest joys.

The following week, I headed off on a solo adventure to meet a group of women in Southern Italy. Our common thread was that many of us are widows working to create new memories and build meaningful lives after loss.

We bonded instantly and spent our days touring, tasting amazing food and wine, and laughing our way through the charming towns of the Apulia region.

One of the things that helped me most after Mike died was making new memories.

It wasn’t easy in the beginning. Getting out there felt hard. But I always tell people the same thing: start with baby steps. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start.

In between my own travels, I’ve been collecting certifications from travel suppliers. Every cruise line, hotel company, and tour operator seems to offer its own training program.

Pete and Harry look at me funny as I sit at my desk taking multiple-choice quizzes about cruise ships, resorts, and destinations.

I happen to think it’s fun.

That’s really my message today.

Find something you enjoy. Find something that gives you something to look forward to.

It makes all the difference.

So where am I traveling next?

I’m so glad you asked.

This summer, I’ll be heading to Minnesota with friends and then spending some time in Maine.

In September, Pete and I will be taking a Baltic cruise with stops in several Scandinavian capital cities. What started as a trip for just the two of us has now grown into a group of 18 travelers.

See why becoming a travel advisor made sense?

Our girls’ trip in November is all set for a three-night sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas. I’m also planning a four-night cruise out of Tampa next February for friends who enjoy Mahjong, cards, and plenty of fun.

In March, I’ll be joining neighbors aboard the Celebrity Xcel and hopefully discovering a new venue for pickleball along the way.

The biggest bucket-list adventure on my calendar is May 2027: the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu.

I’m incredibly excited about this trip.

We’ll be sailing aboard the Celebrity Flora, with two excursions each day to experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. Think giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and incredible landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

After that, we’ll head to Peru to visit Machu Picchu with comfortable transportation and accommodations. No sleeping in tents or strenuous hiking required.

I’m also planning my first Croatia group trip for September 2027. The itinerary includes a small cruise ship with just 19 cabins, followed by time on land visiting places like Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Mike and I traveled there in 2014, and it remains one of my favorite destinations. I can’t wait to share it with friends.

Finally, we’ve reserved space on a Danube River cruise beginning in Budapest aboard the new Celebrity Seeker in May 2028. The new ships are expected to be top of the line, and the 2027 sailings sold out almost immediately.

Of course, I shouldn’t say “finally” because I’m always looking for the next adventure.

Having something to look forward to is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.

My son Matt seems to be following in my footsteps when it comes to travel. Last year, he left his job and began living abroad. Since then, he’s spent time in Japan, Malaysia, and now Europe.

He flies home on Wednesday, and I’m looking forward to seeing him.

The only question is…

How long will he stay this time?

What about you?

Is there somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit? A trip you’ve been putting off? A place that holds special memories, or maybe one where you can create entirely new ones?

You don’t have to book a month-long adventure across the world. Sometimes healing starts with a weekend getaway, a road trip with friends, or simply saying yes to something new.

I’d love to hear what destination is on your bucket list. Leave a comment and tell me where you’re dreaming of going next.