The Wicked Widow
Katie Stifter

Pathway to Paradise

Articles

Here is where my story begins…

Or I should  rephrase that, this is where my life stopped- On Paradise Lane of all places.   This is where the pathway or road map of how my life would be came crashing to a halt.  This “Paradise” lane is where I would no longer live out my future dreams that had been in works since I was a young girl.  Now there would be a new life, one that I did not choose, one that I did not want, one that brought tremendous pain that one human should not have to  bear.

For some this is where life would stop.  The pain is raw and heartrending.  The intensity of the heartache is real but it is not where I am choosing to “stop.”  It is true  the life I had will never be, it has “stopped”  but that doesn’t mean that my life ends at Paradise Lane.  In fact, it is the beginning of a new life and pathway.  Yet on this new journey I will be bringing a wealth of history, knowledge, appreciation, humor, and love.

It will be tough, there will be tears (a lot of tears) but there will also be laughter, joy, and some hella good- wicked humor along the way.  So buckle up.  The ride is definitely going to be bumpy- You might cry too!  I mean the blog title is “The Wicked Widow” so I am hoping you now are realizing part of my story doesn’t end well( sorry- that is not going to be my last dark joke).   Hopefully through my tragedy you will see life is still worth living, even after loss.  My desire is that through my posts that you will have a deeper understanding about grief, not feel alone in your journey, and of course laughter.   Soooo that means there is more to come.  Join me,  grief is a journey not a destination let’s heal together!  Enjoy the ride…

PS- Eeeek this is my first post in my first Blog!!!!!- It had to be said!

                                DMB “Life is Short but Sweet for Certain”

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45 thoughts on “Pathway to Paradise”

  3. Katie what a great post, I feel you are a gifted writer. I hope a lot of people will get inspiration from your blog.

  5. Hi, our family used to live in Watertown and we share some mutual friends, though I don’t think we ever met. I remember reading about your husband and praying for all of you. I look forward to reading your posts, what a blessing you are to others who may be going through something similar!

  8. So proud of you, Katie! What an amazing way to help others – people who are in your similar shoes and those of us who care about someone in those shoes. I’m following for sure! You are a fantastic writer!

  11. I am touched by your share already! Wishing you peace and comfort as you continue to open the door to your readers! God Bless you!

  12. Katie, I’m not much of a blog type guy but I know how strong you are. You will always be part of the 79th family:-) and I know Andy is proud of you. May God continue to bless you on your new journey.

  13. Katie, I LOVE what you’re doing. Still working to help others even throughout your own difficult journey. You are truly amazing!!💞

  14. Blessing to you and your precious kids in this “ride”….I’m buckling up and look forward to seeing & hearing how you are using the your story to help others!!!! Truly amazing…….

  15. I will be following! I think of you daily, I truly do. You and your kiddos, My friend Emily as well, who lost her husband before Christmas last year. She has 2 girls. I pray thru this you find healing and also strength, And I know you will help others, too. You are SO brave, strong, and smart. Xoxox

  18. Hi Katie! Not sure you remember me, but I lived in the same neighborhood as you.. we moved to Chanhassen about 5 years ago. My heart broke for you and your family when I heard about Andy missing.
    I have subscribed to your blog and I am looking forward to receiving it! I lost my mom 10 months ago (she was very sick and passed away 10 days after her diagnosis) & I can so relate to your words… choosing to live, trying to find happiness again without feeling guilty.. it’s tough and I am looking forward to your knowledge/insight.. I know it will be very helpful to me❤️ Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for opening up and sharing.. it is nice to know I’m not alone.

  20. This is great…besides the whole crying part every time I read a post 🙂 Love you! Can’t wait to read more!

  22. Thank you for sharing your story with such honestly and reminding us all to stop and enjoy life’s precious moments.

  24. From a fellow ‘still laughing, and crying, laughing, and sobbing, laughing, and blubbering’ ‘wicked widow’ of five years; oh yea, it doesn’t stop, thank GOD ( AND, as your comments state…..we DON’T want it to ) …..GOD’S Blessings to you and your family…..always!!!!! Thank you SO MUCH for this blog!!!!!

    1. Vickie,
      Isn’t it so true! Widowhood is like you are crying one minute and hysterically laughing in another while saying under your breath- “is this my life.” So tuned we can kick widowhood’s butt and laugh and sob together!

  25. What an amazing woman you are Katie. I miss that man’s sense of poor humor 🙂 for sure. Nov 26th 2016 will never be forgotten. I still remember exactly how I felt at that very moment. I admire you for sharing with everyone how you go about dealing with your loss of Andy. We’re all laughing and crying without a doubt. By you not hiding behind grief and talking about him everytime you are with friends and family certainly makes everyone a little more comfortable to share their memories of Andy. Now I’m laughing remembering at how goofy and hilarious he was that night. I’m honored to have witnessed it. Although I don’t remember exactly the last time I saw him I will always remember who Andy was. You keep staying strong Katie. Love you!

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