A Tale of Two Dads – In Honor of Father’s Day

Jun 15th, 2018 Death, Grief, Inspiration, Kids Grief, Life, Loss, Running, Solo Parenting Staci Maher Ball

For that reason, I believe that Gordie hand-picked Kevin and asked God to put Kevin in our path. Kevin has the qualities that Gordie would have wanted in a substitute Dad for his boys: kind, generous, a little wild, funny, a passion for sports, a guy who can fix things, and a bit of a rebellious side. When I am running, I often think about Gordie and Kevin. In another lifetime, I think they would have been good friends. Sometimes on those runs it makes me sad that they never actually met. But I know that they will meet one day…hopefully not for a good 50 years. I can tell you what will happen at that first meeting.

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Six Years Later…a Widow’s New Perspective

Mar 1st, 2018 Death, Grief, Inspiration, Life, Loss, Running, Solo Parenting Staci Maher Ball

One of the main reasons I write about my life and experience is to help others. I firmly believe that my husband would want me to do this. So, as I am about start my 7th year as a Widow, I will attempt to pass to you the perspective, outlook, and approach to life that I have gained in the last six years. My hope is that it will make you stop, think, and perhaps change without having to pay the price that I did.

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Thankful Boycott

Nov 30th, 2017 Death, Grief, Kids Grief, Life, Loss, Running Staci Maher Ball

I had been dreading Thanksgiving and had been thinking about it on some of my runs in the last few weeks. I still felt like I had been screwed by God and the Universe. I felt that my sons were robbed of a Father who loved them more than any Father I’ve known. On some days I felt that my life was one big struggle. I did not feel like being thankful this year.

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Blind Rage

Aug 16th, 2017 Death, Grief, Kids Grief, Life, Loss, Running, Solo Parenting, Uncategorized Staci Maher Ball

The first graders then took the stage. I proudly watched Nathan as they all took their places. He looked so cute. They started their song. At first I was not really paying attention to the words. I was just so intent on watching my sweet little boy. But then the words penetrated and I nearly vomited. The song the first graders were singing was about Dads. It was about how great their Dads are, all the things their Dads do with them, and how much they love their Dads. In addition to almost vomiting, I felt a fire explode in my gut. #blindrage #seeingred #fbombs #ChrisRock #protectiveparent

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Just Get Up

Jul 17th, 2017 Death, Grief, Kids Grief, Loss, Running, Solo Parenting Staci Maher Ball

So for those of you who are suffering from a tremendous loss and also have kids, my number one piece of advice is: Just Get Up. Get out of bed. Run if you can. Walk if you can. Shower. Get Dressed. Be present for your kids. I know it’s not easy. I know you just want to shut the world out. Five years later, there are still days that I have to tell myself to just get up. But five years later I am just so damned proud of myself that I just got up. #grief #stayinbed #keeprunning #runningthroughgrief #widowwithkids #justgetup

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A Widow’s Lesson: Three Types of People

Jul 11th, 2017 Death, Grief, Kids Grief, Loss, Running Staci Maher Ball

Ultimately, here is the lesson that I have learned from being a young Widow. There are three types of people in life but there is just one simple math equation that matters. If the sum of Group One and Group Two is greater than the amount in Group Three….you are blessed. #running #grief #friends #kidsgrief #moveon #widowiwithkids

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Clone Me

Jun 26th, 2017 Death, Grief, Kids Grief, Running, Solo Parenting, Uncategorized Staci Maher Ball

Sometimes running helps turn my mood around. It allows me to shed my anger on the road like a snake sheds its skin. After those runs I can let go of whatever is bothering me, my body relaxes, and I feel literally lighter. But not today. I was even angrier after I got off that treadmill. Sometimes running through grief just does not work. Those days are some of my toughest days. #solomom #soloparenting #widowwithkids #competitive soccer #angrygrief #baseball #parenting

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The Art of Solo Parenting

May 14th, 2017 Death, Grief, Running, Solo Parenting Staci Maher Ball

Solo parenting is not what most would choose. I was terrified about solo parenting when I was widowed five years ago and I was right to be terrified. It’s exhausting, it’s frustrating, it’s frazzling, and it’s scary. Surviving solo parenting takes extreme energy, discipline, perseverance; balance and careful arrangement on a daily basis. #soloparenting, #running, #grief, #parenting, #widowswithkids

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