The Story of
The Widow's Comeback

Your Life is Not Over

The day after Eric died, I was walking down the hall—I remember right where I was when a most terrifying thought crossed my mind. It stopped me in my tracks.

Is my life over?

It had been a good life—rich and full.

But then, as if on cue, a widow friend messaged me. She had been widowed years earlier and had since built a new life—a new home, a new city, a new marriage. She told me:

"Your life is not over."

Her words gave me hope. And now, I offer that same hope to you:

Your life is not over.

A widow’s journey is tough, and it takes time, but it’s possible. Together, we can take each step, stacking moments of resilience, grit, and even laughter, one at a time. Slowly, we rebuild.

Some days, it’s hard, and we rest. Other days, it’s hard, and we work. And one day, almost without realizing it, you’ll look around and see—you’re building your comeback.

I hope you’ll join me on this path. Let’s walk it together, supporting each other as we put the pieces back in place. We’ll laugh, cry, and cheer each other on.

Who I Am Today

I’m no longer just surviving—I’m rebuilding, and I want to help other widows do the same.

After two decades as a public relations executive, I was thrown into widowhood without warning. I’m not ashamed of my many "hot messes." Instead, I open up about the challenges of rebuilding life after loss—with grit, humor, and raw honesty, so that other widows know they don’t have to be perfect in the face of grief.

I’m the author of The Widow’s Comeback, a memoir about surviving the first two years of widowhood, and the accompanying grief calendar workbook and journal, launching in 2025. In my writing, I dive into money, abandonment, parenting teenagers, dating, self-forgiveness, and faith—offering companionship and hope.

When I’m not writing or mentoring widows, you’ll find me traveling the world, playing pickleball, or curled up in my cheetah-print recliner with a book. I share my life with my two incredible teenagers and three mischievous dogs, who keep life lively and unpredictable.

My Comeback Journey also includes 5Ks, learning to cook for one (mostly), and—on occasion—wading into the unpredictable world of dating.

My Story

I grew up soaking in the sunshine of Southern California, where life was all about roller skating, devouring Sweet Valley High romances, and Judy Blume novels. The summer before my freshman year at Lutheran High School, a boy named Eric Woolery entered my life. He was the kind of senior every girl dreamed about—he drove a Firebird and blasted The Cars.

Our love story kicked off with late-night drives, In-N-Out burgers, beach bonfires, and church youth group. Six days after I graduated from college, we were married—just as my parents had insisted: diploma first, wedding bells second.

With degrees from Concordia University in Irvine (liberal arts) and California State University at Fullerton (public relations), I built a career in communications, working as Public Information Officer for the City of Tustin and later as Vice President of Public Relations at Wells Fargo, managing its Southern California division.

But life had other plans.

Just shy of my 50th birthday, Eric and I picked up and moved our family to the middle—Kansas City, his hometown. We wanted a lifestyle change: four acres, a pond, and room to slow down and savor our family.

Eight months later, everything changed.

Eric died in his office, just down the hall from where I chopped broccoli for dinner. There was no warning. Despite my desperate attempts at CPR, he couldn't be revived.

Overnight, I became an only parent to our two tweens. Bank accounts were frozen, life insurance wasn’t immediate, and grief felt like an insurmountable weight. But, bit by bit, I took control. I poured into my new reality, focusing on my kids. Kansas City—filled with kind-hearted people and passionate Chiefs fans—became my place to rebuild.

I began praying and devising my Comeback Journey, raising my kids while figuring out what life would look like without Eric.

How Can I Help You?

 Are you a widow wondering what comes next? Let’s walk this road together. Subscribe to my newsletter, follow me on Facebook and Instagram (@TheWidowsComeback), where I muse, encourage and do live teachings on widow recovery.

Send me an email any time. I love talking with widows.

📩 Email me at lisa@thewidowscomeback.com

Tell me:

• How old were you when it happened?

• Were you expecting it?

• Are you surprised at how strong you are?

• Have you started to thrive again?

Let’s build our comeback stories together.

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Do you want to know how to do your comeback? Buy my book and grief calendar.

(link coming soon!) or visit my story.

📍 Follow my journey at thewidowscomeback.com
📷 Instagram & Facebook: @TheWidowsComeback​​

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