The Widow's Tale

"The Widow's Tale" is an intimate journey through trauma, grief, and the life-changing power of resilience. Navigating the depths of soul-crushing heartbreak, Fitzloff confronts not only the trauma of her past—surviving childhood incest and later date rape—but also the overwhelming sense of loss and disorientation in his absence. As she steps into the role of caring for her aging parents, she grapples with the emotional weight of responsibility while striving to find a new sense of purpose and identity.

"The Widow's Tale" is an intimate journey through trauma, grief, and the life-changing power of resilience. Navigating the depths of soul-crushing heartbreak, Fitzloff confronts not only the trauma of her past—surviving childhood incest and later date rape—but also the overwhelming sense of loss and disorientation in his absence. As she steps into the role of caring for her aging parents, she grapples with the emotional weight of responsibility while striving to find a new sense of purpose and identity. What distinguishes "The Widow's Tale" is its universal resonance. While deeply personal, my experience mirrors the shared human experience of navigating loss and rebuilding in the face of adversity. I believe my story will offer solace and companionship to readers who have walked similar paths, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. "The Widow's Tale" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding light amid darkness.

Shelly Fitzloff is a daughter, mother, flight attendant and recent widow living in Arizona who has navigated life's highs and lows with resilience and grace. She began keeping a journal after her husband's traumatic death in 2020 which became the foundation for her memoir, The Widow's Tale. An only child born to hardworking, blue-collar parents, she grew up learning the values of diligence and dedication early on. She started her career in 1986 with the small hometown airline, America West Airlines. She married her first husband two years later and shortly thereafter had two amazing boys. The end of her first marriage in 1999 marked a turning point in her life but her spirit remained unbroken. That same year, she met Brad, the love of her life. Their epic romance brought joy and excitement, creating memories that spanned the globe. However, it's her role as a caregiver to her parents and spending time with her beloved grandson, Luke, that defines her now. As Shelly has adapted to her life without Brad, she's learned that there is life after loss, even if it looks very different.