Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
When you become a widow, the heartache can be overwhelming. You feel lost. You feel broken. You feel alone. And you find yourself trying to pick up the pieces of your life and function. But I believe that every widow has the capacity to endure, that every widow has the power to overcome and the determination to create a new life filled with meaning and purpose. The Widow 180 Podcast is about turning tragedy, loss and fear into strength and creativity and a new passion for life. It's about self-reflection and realizing that we only have this one precious life to live and that a new life and a new you is achievable.Each week I will be interviewing widows, incredible survivors of loss. These women have taken the lessons they've learned and the insights they've gained and used them to grow and transform themselves. Some have started businesses, went back to school, run marathons, lost 100 pounds, and moved across the world! They made a choice not to be held down.How did they do it? How did they get through their grief? What's their secret? What lessons can we learn from them that will transform our own lives? How can we write our own story because our story isn't over yet? How can we begin our Chapter 2? I hope that you are as inspired by these women as I am. And maybe hearing even just one story will be life-changing for you.
Widow 180 The Podcast with Jen Zwinck
248. The Messy Middle Of Grief And Widowhood! - Interview With Sandi Waters
What to do when you're in the messy middle of grief? Sandi Waters' story highlights the complex challenges—and unexpected sources of strength—faced by widows.
In this episode, she candidly describes the overwhelming experience of watching her partner’s abilities slip away, caring for him, and the support she received from Rodney’s family and their adult daughter, who moved in to help.
Sandi and I talk about:
- Faith as Anchor: how faith became her main source of strength, especially in the darkest moments. She speaks openly about wrestling with anger, asking “why,” and ultimately trusting that something bigger was at work.
- The Messy Middle of Grief: the ongoing challenges of widowhood—the fear of being alone, learning to manage a household independently, and the uncertain “middle” phase of grief where the future feels unclear.
- Finding Community & Healing: Support from children, friends, church family, and fellow widows proved essential. Sandi also found solace and inspiration in the Widow 180 Podcast and started her own YouTube channel to document Rodney’s journey and help others facing dementia and loss.
- Giving Back & Looking Forward: She stepped out of her comfort zone with solo travels and is now leading a GriefShare group, discovering purpose in helping others. She emphasizes that healing comes from connection and support, not rushing the process.
Key Takeaways:
- Everyone’s grief journey is unique—there is no timeline for healing.
- Sharing stories and hearing from others who “get it” is crucial for widows feeling isolated.
- Allowing yourself to feel, to cry, and not judge your progress is important in the messy middle of grief.
- Faith, community, and giving back can become lifelines through the darkness.
- Practical steps—getting affairs in order, accepting help, and finding new routines—make the path a bit easier.
- Supporting others through grief (like leading support groups) can offer light, purpose, and even hope for the future.
Tune in to this episode for honest wisdom, real encouragement, and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, hope and healing are possible.
Connect with Sandi:
Follow her journey and support others facing Alzheimer’s and widowhood on her YouTube channel: @thewaters9111
Join The Widow 180 Holiday Club here: https://www.widow180.com/holidayclub
Be sure to join our Facebook group, Widow 180 The Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312036956454927
Also follow us on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/widow_180/
Check us out on YouTube at Widow 180: The Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-DK_dl31qMilJ5cE6t9MVQ
For more blog posts and resources go to www.widow180.com
Questions? Email me at jen@widow180.com