A Fairytale Shattered

Maria Robertson-Justiniano was living what she described as a “fairytale” life with her husband Alex and their son in Chicago. Their future seemed secure and promising. But in 2018, tragedy struck—Alex died unexpectedly, shattering their world.

“It was a complete shock,” Maria recalls, describing how the loss upended everything. Staying in the U.S. no longer felt like an option. “I didn’t see it as a feasible option to stay there.”

Finding Healing in Valencia

Four years after Alex’s passing, Maria made the bold decision to relocate to Spain with her then 14-year-old son, Lucas. They settled in Valencia, a city deeply connected to her family history—her mother was born there.

“Valencia has helped us heal,” she says. Though Maria had spent time in Valencia before, even living there briefly in her 20s, she had never seriously considered it as her permanent home. Yet, she always carried a deep connection to the city.

Maria, originally from the UK and raised in Canada, moved to the U.S. in 1998 for college. She attended Princeton University, where she met Alex. After marrying in 2001, the couple built their life in Washington, D.C., and later in Chicago, where their careers flourished.

“Life in Chicago was everything,” Maria remembers. “We had a beautiful life. And then—it was like a bomb exploded. And you’re left standing there.”

Overwhelmed by Loss

The loss felt like a tsunami. “It’s calm and lovely, then suddenly, a massive wave takes you over,” she says.

In the aftermath, Maria was deeply moved by the support from the Evanston, Illinois, community. Parents from Lucas’s school organized a food train, ensuring she and her son had meals for three months.

“They left meals on my porch with letters, flowers, and notes. It was an incredible community,” she recalls.

Despite this, she struggled to move forward. “Alex was everywhere. I felt like I was trying to continue a life that was no longer possible.”

A Leap of Faith

Initially, Maria planned to stay in the U.S. until Lucas finished high school. However, during a visit to Spain in 2021, Lucas himself suggested they move.

Without hesitation, Maria acted. “I sold my house, my furniture, quit my job, and started the process of immigrating.”

The journey wasn’t easy. Buying a home in Valencia fell through, and she was ineligible for Spain’s golden visa program. Fortunately, she had already applied for Spanish citizenship while still in Chicago—a complex process made easier by her fluency in Spanish. Her citizenship was approved that same year.

When they finally arrived in Valencia, Maria describes it as an overwhelming relief. “It felt like reaching the promised land. Like finishing a marathon.”

A New Life, A New Perspective

Three years later, Maria and Lucas have embraced their new life in Spain. The change has brought peace and stability. “I feel like I’m a calmer person now,” she says. “I’ve done a lot of therapy and self-work.”

Back in the U.S., she had been training for an Ironman race when Alex died. “I was out of my mind, trying to distract myself from what happened.” In Valencia, she found the space to pause, reflect, and heal.

Lucas has also adapted well. “He embraced living here, and that made all the difference. It would have been difficult if he hadn’t wanted to move.”

Safety and Stability

Maria believes her son is safer in Spain. “I don’t worry about him going to school, which is a real concern for kids in the U.S. People don’t carry guns here, and that was a big incentive for us.”

Though Valencia is affordable compared to the U.S., Maria acknowledges the rising cost of living. “Housing prices have doubled. Young people struggle to afford living independently. It’s not easy for locals.”

Building a New Future

Over the years, Maria has noticed a significant increase in American expats in Valencia. “Twenty years ago, you rarely heard an American accent here. Now, there’s a huge community.”

She has no definitive plans but envisions staying in Valencia. “After losing Alex, I don’t make long-term plans anymore. But I do imagine my life here.”

She remains connected with her Chicago friends and often welcomes visitors. “Changing your environment opens new doors. I’ve met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Despite living in the U.S. and Canada for decades, Maria never truly felt at home. “It’s hard when you live in different places. But Valencia feels like home.”

Helping Others Find Their Path

Two years ago, Maria co-founded By the Sea Retreats, a wellness retreat company in Valencia and Sagunto. “I wanted to create something that helps people prioritize their mental health and wellness.”

She’s also launching Valencia Vibes Relocation, a company dedicated to helping others move to Spain seamlessly. “I wish someone had done that for me.”

Advice for Those Considering a Move

Maria urges prospective expats to prepare thoroughly. “Not all of Spain is sunny. If you’re looking for warm weather, avoid the northern regions.”

She warns that moving abroad is a significant life change. “It’s a huge decision. You’re leaving behind a life and starting over. Prepare yourself emotionally and financially.”

Despite the challenges, Maria has no regrets. “It wasn’t a smooth road, but it was the best decision I ever made.”

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Losing a pet is a deeply emotional experience, often underestimated by those who haven’t been through it. Even months later, grief can hit unexpectedly—whether it’s the silence of an empty home or finding a leash that once sparked excitement.

For many, pets are more than just animals; they are companions, family members, and sources of unconditional love. But grieving pet owners often feel isolated, especially when those around them don’t know how to offer support.

So, how can pet owners and their friends better cope with pet loss? Experts offer these insights:

1. Understand That Deep Grief is Normal

For some, losing a pet can feel even more painful than losing a human loved one. That doesn’t mean they care less about people—it simply reflects the profound human-animal bond.

“For many, a pet is the most important relationship in their life,” says E.B. Bartels, author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter.
“They see them every day, cuddle with them, and share their lives with them. Losing that can be devastating.”

This is especially true for those who find comfort in animals more than people. The loss can leave a huge emotional void, making it important for friends and loved ones to acknowledge their grief.

2. Be a Good Listener – Avoid Clichés

Even well-meaning words like “They had a good life” or “You can get another pet” can feel dismissive. Instead of trying to fix the pain, just listen.

“Some people feel like they can’t talk about their grief because others don’t empathize,” says Annalisa de Carteret, who manages a pet-loss support helpline at the UK-based animal charity Blue Cross.

Offering a sympathetic ear—without judgment or advice—can be one of the most comforting things you can do.

3. Grief Isn’t Based on the Pet’s Size or Species

Grief over a pet isn’t tied to how big, cute, or common the animal was. A pet lizard, bird, or fish can mean just as much to its owner as a dog or cat.

“My friend’s dad was devastated when a raccoon killed his koi fish,” Bartels recalls.
“To some, they were just fish. But to him, they were beloved companions.”

Friends should respect the depth of the owner’s feelings, no matter what type of pet they lost.

4. Guilt is a Major Part of Pet Loss

Many grieving pet owners struggle with guilt, questioning whether they could have done something to prevent their pet’s death.

“They wonder if they should have noticed signs of illness sooner, made different medical decisions, or kept their pet inside,” de Carteret explains.

Some even feel guilty for grieving a pet more deeply than a human loss, which can be confusing and isolating. Reassure them that their emotions are valid.

5. Practical Support Can Make a Difference

Losing a pet can disrupt daily routines—especially for dog owners who are suddenly without their morning walks or dog park community.

A grieving pet owner might appreciate:
Going on a walk together – even if there’s no dog this time.
Helping with pet-related items – offering to donate supplies can ease the pain of seeing them.
Checking in regularly – simple messages like “Thinking of you today” can mean a lot.

“People often lose more than just a pet,” Bartels explains.
“They lose their routines, social interactions, and sense of purpose.”

6. Should They Get a New Pet?

While getting a new pet may help some, it’s not an instant fix. Every animal has a unique personality, and a new one won’t replace the lost bond.

For those considering another pet, it’s important to:
Wait until they feel emotionally ready
Recognize that a new pet is a new relationship, not a replacement
Understand that adjusting to a new animal takes time

7. Grief Lasts – Find Personal Ways to Cope

Pet loss isn’t something people simply “get over.” The sadness can return on anniversaries, special moments, or even random days.

Bartels lost her dog, Seymour, last June.
“I know I’ll struggle again when the anniversary comes around.”

De Carteret keeps her late dog’s ashes by the fireplace, his favorite spot.

“Some people might think it’s odd, but that’s how I cope,” she says.
“Everyone needs to grieve in their own way.”

Whether it’s keeping ashes, displaying photos, or planting a memorial tree, the most important thing is to honor the bond in a way that feels right.

Final Thoughts: Supporting a Grieving Pet Owner

Losing a pet can be as painful as losing a family member, and the best way to help is through understanding, patience, and kindness.

Acknowledge their loss
Avoid dismissive comments
Listen without judgment
Offer practical support

Grief has no timeline. What matters most is letting pet owners remember, mourn, and heal—at their own pace.

The post Why Losing a Pet Hurts More Than You Think – And How to Help appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A Glimpse of Hope Amid the Ashes

For thousands of Los Angeles residents, the fires that swept through the region left devastation in their wake. Over five days, at least ten people lost their lives, and countless homes were reduced to ash. Yet, as the flames subsided and the embers cooled, some survivors returned to sift through the rubble—searching for fragments of their lives before the disaster.

Among the ruins, small treasures emerged: trinkets, mementos, and reminders of the lives they had built. These discoveries, though modest, brought moments of solace to those navigating unimaginable loss.

A Toy Lawn Mower: Henry Giles

When six-year-old Henry Giles returned to his Altadena home with his parents, he knew where to search.

Though their house was destroyed, the family found a small victory: a toy lawn mower hidden in the bushes.

“Mommy, look! They survived! We hid them in the bushes because we knew there would be a fire!” Henry exclaimed with excitement.

The front gate and wall were miraculously untouched, with intact mail still in the letterbox. But the rest of the property bore the scars of the fire—burned-out cars in the driveway, a destroyed swing set, and charred plants.

Henry’s mother, Deisy, recalled her son’s heartbreak over losing a new 3D printer.
“He asked why I didn’t grab it, and I told him we could only take what was most important,” she said. “He replied, ‘Well, it was important to me.’”

A Page from a Book: Deisy Suarez

For Deisy Suarez, sifting through the ashes of her dream home unearthed an unexpected treasure: a single page from a book on self-growth and empowerment.

“This must have been on my nightstand,” she said, holding the charred page. “I believe it’s a divine message for me to keep going.”

The home, where she and her husband Keith had lived for three years, was still smoldering. As Keith sorted through the wreckage of their kitchen, the couple faced a difficult decision: sending their children, Henry and Lucas, to Florida to stay with family.

“It’s hard to be apart,” Deisy admitted. “But it’s what’s best for now. They need to see there’s nothing left here so they understand.”

One Bowl, One Plate: Larry Villescas

For Larry Villescas, 52, the ruins of his home offered little comfort. But as he rummaged through the debris with his wife and children, he discovered a poignant reminder of their history: a bowl and plate from a wedding gift set given by his great-aunt.

“It’s lasted 24 years,” he said. “We’ve been together for 29 years, and this set was with us from the start. It’s just a dish and a bowl, but it means so much now.”

Amid the widespread destruction, Larry’s family also salvaged a Christmas ornament and a Dr. Seuss book—small but cherished relics of their life before the fire.

A Shattered Vase: Daron Anderson

Daron Anderson carefully navigated the charred remains of his home, searching for keepsakes amid the wreckage.

In what used to be his patio, he found fragments of his mother’s ceramic pottery. Most pieces disintegrated in his hands, but one white-and-blue flowered vase remained intact.

“Oh man, little stuff like this… I know my mom will love it,” Daron said. “It’s small, but it’s something.”

A Saw and Two Pearls: Peter Mitchell and Tavia Weinmann

Peter Mitchell, a woodworker by passion, lost the tools he used to craft furniture and cabinets when the fire consumed his home.

As he sifted through the remnants of his workshop, he found a power saw and antique hand tools—items he treasured not for their value but for the joy they brought him.

“I can replace these,” Peter said. “As much as I loved this saw, it’s now in Valhalla.”

Meanwhile, his neighbor Tavia Weinmann combed through charred coins and ash to recover two pearls from her mother’s necklace—a sentimental find that brought her solace.

Finding Strength in Small Things

For the survivors of the Los Angeles fires, the physical devastation is overwhelming. Yet, in their searches through the ruins, they’ve uncovered fragments of hope and resilience.

From a child’s toy to a cherished wedding gift, these small discoveries remind them of what truly matters—and offer a glimmer of light as they begin to rebuild their lives.

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