When Charlene said I do, she never imagined that her happily ever after would leave her a young widow with small children. Although she was familiar with death through personal and professional experiences, healing from the pain of grief took on a whole new meaning when cancer took her spouse. For Charlene, finding happiness after losing the love of her life was a journey filled with intimate moments of innocence, sorrow, beauty, and strength. To Dave, With Love holds a powerful reminder to bounce back from pain and see the beauty that can come out of it. May her story encourage and empower you to trust in God’s will and find the strength to heal from the pain of grief when death do us part comes too soon.

After losing her husband seven months following his cancer diagnosis, Charlene was left to figure out life without Dave: how she would raise two young boys, continue her career, and run her family farm. She realized it was not the size or nature of the obstacle, but the grit she found when she faced and overcame these challenges. Grit separates those who stay stuck in their loss from those who find something within themselves to move forward - For themselves, their families, their future.

Her zest and appreciation for life are full of anticipation for Alaskan cruises and hugs from grand babies, of being an example to others of moving through life with grief while remembering how to fix a hay baler. To that, we will thank you, Dave, with love and honor because she’s never forgotten.