Apr 27, 2022
**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources.
In this episode, I sit down with Frank Vaughan who had what he describes as ‘a wonderful life’ before his wife, Anne’s, diagnosis of Metastatic breast cancer in July 2012.
He shares the story of how his life changed after Anne’s battle with cancer and the deep loss(es) he experienced after her passing.
Frank’s story moved me on multiple levels given the depth of losses he experienced, his profound hopelessness and how he reclaimed his life and fully embraced the joy of living again. While Frank’s story is filled with unimaginable loss, his story will offer the grieving both hope and inspiration.
Listen in as we talk about:
- [2:00] About Frank’s wife Anne, and their life together pre-diagnosis.
- [6:10] Anne’s devastating breast cancer diagnosis.
- [9:00] Going into remission and getting diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
- [13:40] Losing his wife, putting down their dog, blowing out his knee, feeling abandoned by his church, and losing his job all around the same time.
- [23:00] Being introduced to grief at a young age through the passing of his parents.
- [34:55] How Frank chose to turn his grief into hope and getting a new dog and job.
- [39:30] How Frank gave himself grace and the space to move through his grief.
- [43:55] Getting remarried and living the second act of his life.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Grief Hotline:
Connect with Frank here:
Connect with Susan