In the latest episode of the Widow Wisdom and Wealth podcast, Donna Jean Kendrick takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing her story of thriving in both career and parenthood after the tragic loss of her husband. This episode marks the introduction of interviews to the podcast, and fittingly, Donna begins by interviewing herself to set the stage for what’s to come.
From Loss to Leadership: Donna’s Story
Donna’s life took a monumental turn in 2013 when she lost her husband, Gregory, to suicide. At the time, Donna was 40 years old and raising three children—ages eight, eleven, and twelve. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Donna has spent the past 12 years transforming her life and supporting other families through transitions like widowhood, divorce, and blending families. Her mission is to help others find financial stability and emotional resilience, turning life’s lemons into lemonade.
The Foundation of Financial Security
Donna attributes much of her initial stability after Gregory’s passing to the foresight of their financial advisor, who encouraged them to invest wisely and secure life insurance. This financial planning provided Donna with the cushion she needed to support her family during the tumultuous early years of widowhood.
Choosing a new financial advisor post-loss, Donna found a professional who could offer the guidance and support she desperately needed—someone who understood her unique circumstances and would sit with her, allowing her to process decisions at her own pace.
Reinventing a Career
With time, Donna decided to pivot her career, driven by the desire to extend the kindness and expertise her financial advisor showed her to others in similar situations. She pursued the education and certifications necessary to become a Certified Financial Planner, dedicating herself to helping others navigate the financial aftermath of loss.
Balancing her new career with the responsibilities of raising three children alone was no easy feat. Throughout the episode, Donna emphasizes the importance of letting others into her life—family, friends, and her community—realizing that embracing support was essential for her and her children’s well-being.
The Power of Grace and Patience
A major theme in Donna’s narrative is grace. She stresses the importance of giving oneself grace to slow down and figure out the best next steps, both personally and professionally. By allowing her career path to develop naturally and setting realistic financial goals, she was able to maintain stability and eventually thrive.
She advises those in similar situations to be selective about what they share and with whom, allowing them the space to process and decide which paths to take without feeling overwhelmed by external pressures.
Wisdom for Widows and Sole Parents
Donna’s episode ends with three critical questions she will pose to all her future guests:
- What was your biggest challenge?
- Where did you give yourself grace?
- What wisdom would you like to share with other widows and sole parents?
Her personal reflections on these questions reveal the struggles of overcoming self-doubt and the importance of resilience.
Donna Jean Kendrick’s story is a testament to the strength and determination required to rebuild after loss. By openly sharing her experiences, she sets the tone for future episodes, where other widows and widowers will share their unique journeys.
“You are doing the best you can with the tools you have,” says Donna. Her message is clear: Find your strength, share your story when you’re ready, and know that you’re not alone.
Tune in to the Widow Wisdom and Wealth podcast for more stories of resilience, financial planning, and personal growth.
Listen to the Full Episode
For more on Donna’s journey and insights into thriving as a parent and professional after a significant loss, listen to the full episode of Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ above.
0 Comments