The Traveling Widower

In Memory Of

Written by

Richb

in

, ,
A photograph of the author’s wife, sitting at a table on a boat deck in Maui, smiling at the camera with a serene ocean background and a clear blue sky.

April 27th, 2026

I try to pretty much stick to photography and travel related topics in this blog, but once in a while, the widower part of me needs to post something about my wife. This is one of those times.

Today is the second anniversary of her passing. This coming May 20th will be the third anniversary of the day her brain tumor made it’s presence known, the start of the 11 month nightmare of Glioblastoma. I can’t really say that I’m handling either of these days any better than the first time around.

Jan was my soul mate, my partner in everything, our lives were totally intertwined. Traveling is my escape from grieving her loss – the joy in my life is now limited to the amazing things I see through the lens of my cameras, and the pleasure I get of sharing my travel experiences through the strange stories I write in this blog.

Last year, I escaped to the coast to photograph hummingbirds, and had a martini or two that evening at a nice hotel. This year, I am alcohol free by my physician’s orders. so I’ll have a NA beer at home, but pour a lightly dirty vodka martini for Jan.

If you were a friend of Jan’s, think of her smile and her laugh, and give her a toast with your favorite drink. She’d appreciate that. I would too.

Peace be with you.

The author and his wife taking a selfie outdoors with a clear blue sky in the background.
A woman sitting at an outdoor table, holding a glass of white wine, smiling and resting her chin on her hand. In the background, there are wooden barrels and a rustic building.
A woman in a blue apron holds a large kitchen knife, smiling playfully in a cooking class setting with other participants in the background.
A woman sitting on a bench at a tennis court, holding a tennis racket and smiling. In the background, there are multiple tennis courts with green fences and palm trees.
A woman with short blonde hair smiling and resting her chin on her hands, seated in a cozy restaurant with framed artworks on the walls.

Comments

3 responses to “In Memory Of”

  1. LakeTabourie Avatar
    LakeTabourie

    Rich, 

    Long time reader, first time commenter :)Thank you for sharing this and always being so honest and vulnerable about your grief. I am thinking of you today and sending peace and strength to you today, something I wish for you every day. I have very much enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your pictures, reading your funny observations and seeing the sad ones, too. I have also loved learning more and hearing about your gorgeous Jan.

    I have marveled at the love you shared – to be loved and to love like that? Once in a lifetime my friend, what an immeasurable gift. And I know that makes the loss and grief and sadness that much more profound. Big hug for you.

    Take good care, be kind to yourself and cheers to Jan. xxJacquie

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  2. Ken Bloomfield Avatar
    Ken Bloomfield

    …my soul mate, my partner in everything, our lives were totally intertwined.

    Thank you for putting that into words and sharing joyful images of your soul mate. The further I get from losing my “partner in everything,” the smaller my circle gets, fewer and fewer people who really understand the weight of it, and how permanent it is. Most people move on, and you can’t blame them. But when I read what you wrote, I stopped and just sat with it for a while. That meant more than you know. -Ken

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  3. Richb Avatar
    Richb

    I’ve experienced the same decreasing circle, and after two years, I grow tired of people telling me how I should feel. You are correct – everyone has a different grief experience, depending on your personality and the depth of the relationship with your spouse. For those of us who had the joy of being married to their best friend and soul mate, it is almost impossible trying to explain how devastating that loss can be. My escape is travel and photography – it keeps my mind focused on the future, something to look forward to. It helps a lot.

    Rich

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