Author Meaghan Smith

As I wheeled my overly stuffed work bag out of my mom’s infusion room, I turned to the nurses station to my right to thank Gretchen, her nurse.

To my surprise on her left was a familiar face. I could never forget her bleached white, spiky, brush cut. Her gold earrings covered both of her lobes leaving zero flesh available for any other piercing. She was a beautiful, unforgettable, compassionate, ball-busting nurse who made Mikey laugh until his last days.

I informed her Mikey left us 6 years ago. She remembered him well, his burial work, his laugh and unending jokes. She asked how I was. I told her “I survived”.

I said “Please take care of the broad in room 12, she’s my mom, a stubborn nurse practitioner patient and the most special woman in the world.” She then became my mom’s nurse.

Reality set in on the way to my car. Mikey was with my mom today, he is her guardian angel and showed up right when I had to leave.

The same infusion center, the same nurse, the same as***le Lymphoma (just a different type). Yes, I know, how crazy the parallels!! As hard as reality is today, I have to believe in the angels above looking after mom. It’s almost impossible to not compare to a lost loved one who went through the same but, therapy throughout the years has helped me remind myself that when things hit you too close to home, everyone’s outcomes are different! Mikey’s lymphoma was rare and aggressive. Mom’s is different!!! Mom’s is not aggressive or rare!

If you know Marie, you know she is the strongest, most faith-filled, caring, selfless woman you have ever met. Please say some prayers for mom as she begins her journey fighting the good fight! She is one tough cookie and will beat this beast !!! I witnessed divine intervention today, Mikey gave us a sign and he tends to always show up when I least expect it but need him to. He is protecting mom now as she stood by him during his toughest years. This is nothing mom, You’ve got this!!!

Thank you for reading. XOXO Meg

William Wordsworth’s “theory of tranquility” runs through my veins like a raging flooded river after winter’s thaw. A calling to compose. Therefore, this is where I shall write my second book. What do you think this one is about ?! 😉

Today is National Puzzle Day, and honestly… healing after loss feels a lot like that. Piece by piece, moment by moment, you slowly start to rebuild a life that no longer looks the same but is still worthy, still beautiful, and still yours. 🧩

If you’re putting your pieces back together, too, you’re not alone. What’s one “piece” you’ve reclaimed recently?

Your messages mean more to me than you know. Every time someone reaches out after reading Widows Can Love Again, I’m reminded why I chose to share my story in the first place. Knowing my words are landing in the hands and hearts of people walking similar roads is the greatest gift. Keep telling me your stories, I truly love hearing from you! ❤️

Grief changes everything, but love stays close in every step we take. If you are grieving, know you are held and protected in ways you can’t always see.

Life and death. It can be so complex and beyond understanding. Yesterday, our minds were spinning with doubt, guilt, so much sadness and within an hour we compartmentalized to keep commitments, to see our kid’s smiles and to keep their peace. I’ll never forget the day I saw Cocoa, soaking wet in the rain walking alongside my softball team’s bus in SW Florida. He then took shelter in our dugout where our team dried him and gave him a hot dog. He came home on the bus with us back to Ft. Myers and after nobody claimed him at the shelter, he stayed forever. Erin was the best momma to him after I moved to Melrose with Mikey. Cocoa was always on her chest or in her arms. We know you found a few good men in heaven who loved you dearly too. Rest Easy Cocoa and remember to be kind, you never know what the coach just had to go through an hour before the game. ❤️🕊️🙏🏻

Before you open the first page, gather the essentials: something to sip, a place to get cozy, and tissues for the chapters that hit home. Happy reading! 🍷🕯️📕

As I step into this fresh chapter, I’m grateful for every person who has held space for Widows Can Love Again and the story behind it. This book was born from loss, love, and the belief that we can begin again even when life feels rewritten. If you’re turning the page into 2026 with hope in your heart, I’d love to hear from you. Comment one goal you’re holding close as we start this new year.

Mine is: embracing change, unfamiliar territory, and enjoying learning something new!

Here’s to healing, courage, and the stories that shape us. 💛📖