74| Ashleigh- Triplet Mum & Widow, Founder of Yellow Falcon Practical Grief Support.
TW: Death, grief, widowhood, NICU.
In 2020, Ashleigh was just 29 years old, living what felt like a fairytale life with her husband, Matt. Then they received the most incredible news: they had naturally conceived triplets!
But at just 17 weeks pregnant, Ashleigh's world came crashing down. Matt went out for his usual morning jog, was involved in an accident and tragically passed away.
There is no way to prepare for the shock, grief and devastation of losing your partner, especially so young, while carrying three babies. Honestly, we wouldn't wish Ashleigh's circumstances on anyone.
And then there's the stuff nobody really talks about: the death admin. The endless phone calls, changing registrations, cancelling accounts, and trying to unsubscribe from services that insist on speaking to the "owner" of an account. All while navigating the emotional and mental exhaustion of losing someone you love.
Ashleigh very bravely sat down with Chloe and Clare to share her story, and this episode is raw. There are tears (from all of us!), so tissues are definitely recommended.
We talk about:
- The shock and reality of becoming a widow at just 29.
- Navigating an extremely high-risk triplet pregnancy while grieving the loss of her husband.
- Learning to say, "I'm not OK, I need help", and finding the right therapist.
- Carrying her babies to 33 weeks (a little miracle from Matt).
- The unexpected fears and challenges of NICU, all while navigating COVID lockdowns.
- Finding comfort in the strict routines of NICU and postpartum life with multiples, where tracking and measuring everything for her babies gave her a sense of structure.
- The financial stress and realities of becoming a young widow.
- Returning to work after loss and how employers can better support grieving employees.
Despite everything she has been through, Ashleigh has channelled her lived experience into something incredibly meaningful.
Through her business, Yellow Falcon – Practical Grief Support, Ashleigh has created practical, step-by-step guides including What To Do When Someone Dies and What Grieving People Actually Need.
Because flowers are lovely, but they don't feed the family, take care of the paperwork or lighten the load.
These guides offer practical ways to show up for someone who is grieving and make one of life's most challenging experiences just a little easier. Ashleigh has also developed resources for businesses and employees to help make the return-to-work process after bereavement less daunting.
And all that hard work is being recognised! Ashleigh is heading to New York after receiving FOUR nominations for the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Yep, FOUR! Winners are announced soon, and we couldn't be more excited for her.
We also talk about the reality of widowhood and the fact that you never really "go back to normal". Ashleigh shares why one of the most meaningful things people can do is simply keep talking about Matt. Say his name. Share memories. Don't be afraid to bring him up. Those conversations mean more than people realise.
We also get into the importance of having a Will, why it's really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning for the unexpected, and the practical steps we can take now to make life easier for the people we love.
Ashleigh's beautiful triplets are now five, and this year they attended an event run by Feel the Magic, a charity supporting bereaved children, teenagers and families through camps and events. It's a place where connection is built through shared lived experience, reminding families that they aren't alone.
This episode covers the hard stuff. The conversations people avoid. The topics nobody wants to think about, let alone experience.
But here at Love Patty, we believe in not shying away from the difficult conversations. We want to educate, create understanding and, most importantly, help people know how to better support someone navigating grief.
Because sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply show up.
Love, Patty xoxo
Yellow Falcon: https://www.yellowfalcon.com.au/a/2148316824/2UVLN2XF
Code: PATTY for $20.00 Ashleigh's guides.
Donate Feel the magic: https://www.feelthemagic.org.au/
