A Journey of Resilience: Overcoming Grief and Rebuilding Life After Loss
I lost my beloved husband after 35 years, then my sister and my father. Here’s how I rebuilt my old happy self

Image: The Guardian
After losing her husband Graham, sister Loren, and father Anthony, Lisa shares her journey of grief and recovery. Embracing a 'Positivity Project' during her husband's illness, she later navigated profound loss, ultimately reclaiming her identity and finding joy through running and new experiences.
- 01Lisa and Graham created a 'Positivity Book' to document gratitude and hope during his cancer battle.
- 02Following Graham's death, Lisa faced additional losses, including her father and sister, which led her to reevaluate her life.
- 03She adopted a 'compass of excitement' approach to guide her decisions and relationships post-loss.
- 04Lisa completed the Brighton Marathon in 2025 in Graham's honor, aiming for 100 half marathons in the next decade.
- 05Through her journey, Lisa learned to embrace grief while expanding her life around it.
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Lisa's life changed drastically after the death of her husband Graham, who she had shared 35 years with. After his diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer in 2017, they focused on positivity, creating a 'Positivity Book' to document gratitude and hope. Following Graham's death in September 2021, Lisa faced further heartache with the loss of her father to cancer and her sister in a tragic accident. Struggling with her identity, she realized she needed to reclaim her life. Guided by a 'compass of excitement,' she began making choices that resonated with her true self, leading to new friendships and experiences. Lisa returned to her passions, including running, and completed the Brighton Marathon in 2025 in memory of Graham. Her journey illustrates that while grief remains a part of her life, it coexists with new growth and joy.
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