In September 2023, seven widows—brought together through a Facebook support group—took a brave step and met in person for the very first time. They traveled from Puerto Rico, Florida, South Carolina, and West Virginia to gather in Orlando for a weekend that was about far more than just fun. It became a time of healing, bonding, and shared strength.In September 2023, seven widows—brought together through a Facebook support group—took a brave step and met in person for the very first time. They traveled from Puerto Rico, Florida, South Carolina, and West Virginia to gather in Orlando for a weekend that was about far more than just fun. It became a time of healing, bonding, and shared strength.In September 2023, seven widows—brought together through a Facebook support group—took a brave step and met in person for the very first time. They traveled from Puerto Rico, Florida, South Carolina, and West Virginia to gather in Orlando for a weekend that was about far more than just fun. It became a time of healing, bonding, and shared strength.

The weekend began with glasses of bubbly and heartfelt introductions. Almost instantly, the women found connection. Though their journeys through grief were unique, the similarities in their stories brought them together in an unspoken sisterhood.

Each woman was welcomed with a thoughtful gift waiting on her bed: a branded satin bathrobe, a journal, a book, a T-shirt, and other small tokens of care. It was a reminder that they were not only seen, but celebrated. The house itself was the perfect retreat—spacious, with a private bedroom and bathroom for each guest, and a pool that quickly became a favorite place to gather and unwind.

Saturday opened with breakfast before everyone headed off for a relaxing spa day. Each woman was pampered, cared for, and given the chance to simply exhale. The rest of the day flowed at a gentle pace—lounging by the pool, enjoying the BBQ, and soaking in the Florida sunshine.
That evening was filled with laughter as the group gathered in the games room—surrounded by walls covered with celebrity photos—to play board games and cards. It was a reminder that joy and grief can exist side by side.

One widow shared, “It was nice being around people who got you as we shared the same things.” Another said, “I had a really good time. I didn’t know what to expect, so I got out of my comfort zone.”

On Sunday morning, the group gathered at a local winery for brunch. They were joined by Camp Lejeune advocate Mike Partain, who shared his own story and how he became involved in the fight for justice. His presence added a layer of inspiration and solidarity to the weekend.
Later that evening, the women sealed the experience with a celebratory dinner at Gloria Estefan’s restaurant—marking the close of an unforgettable retreat.

One attendee summed it up beautifully: “I’ll definitely go again.”

The weekend concluded on Monday with a special opportunity: an interview with Orlando reporter Tara Evans of WKMG Channel 6. She gave the widows space to share their experiences and shine a light on the realities of life after loss.

✨ What began as a group of strangers meeting online grew into a circle of support, laughter, and healing. For these seven women, Orlando became a place where grief was honored, but so too were friendship, renewal, and hope.