Milt and Ellie describe grief as a deep, ongoing process that doesn’t end quickly—Milt mentions that his grief began years before his wife passed away due to her long illness, and Ellie shares that she cried almost every day for a year after losing her husband. They talk about the emptiness and the “hole” left behind, and how it takes time and support from family, friends, and activities to begin to fill that void. Both emphasize that grief is different for everyone, and while it’s painful and life-changing, it’s possible to eventually find hope and happiness again.

Milt and Ellie encourage people not to compare a new relationship to the past, to allow themselves to heal at their own pace, and to stay open to new possibilities and connections. They emphasize the importance of taking life one day at a time while looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past.