When I found myself suddenly widowed at 38 I was lost, grieving deeply, and desperately seeking meaning and understanding. I found that understanding in Michele Neff Hernandez. In my desperate search for those who might understand and help me make sense of my world, I found Soaring Spirits and was able to reach out to ask questions about Camp Widow. The person who responded to those inquiries was Michele who compassionately (and very patiently) answered all of my questions and even helped me get the resources I needed to attend my first camp. Her down to earth nature and her kind encouragement helped me feel confident enough to attend camp on the other side of the country all by myself. That camp, and her speech and presence during that camp and still today have greatly changed my life for the better. I am now a Soaring Spirits regional group leader for the Eastern Shore of Maryland and will be leading a camp workshop myself! Michele changes lives and inspires us to move forward through grief to become our very best selves. I can think of no better representative for the widowed community.