Yulanda R. Braxton

Five years ago today, on July 2, 2021, Rogers and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at The Rouxpour. Today, I returned to that same restaurant, sat in the very same booth where we once laughed, talked, and celebrated our love, and raised a toast in his honor.

As I sat there, memories came rushing back. There were tears, smiles, and a heart full of gratitude for the love we shared. I even had the waitress take a few pictures of me sitting where we once sat together. It was emotional, but it also reminded me of something important...

I have grown.

Grief has changed me, but it has not defeated me. What once felt impossible has become a testimony of God's grace. I still miss Rogers every single day, but I have learned that love doesn't end when someone leaves this earth. Love lives on in our hearts, our memories, and in the life we continue to live.

To end this special day, Job and I took a walk on the trails near our home. As we walked, a beautiful red cardinal flew across our path. Some may see it as just another bird, but in that moment, it felt like a gentle reminder from God that love never truly leaves us.

I believe Rogers is still watching over me—not in the physical sense, but from his heavenly home. Every now and then, God allows something so simple yet so meaningful to remind me that His presence surrounds me and that the love Rogers and I shared will always be a part of who I am.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Happy Anniversary, my love. Thank you for loving me so well. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the life we built together. Until we meet again, I will continue to honor your legacy by living with faith, purpose, and the same love you so freely gave me.

Forever your wife. ❤️
Chubrey Babe

Good morning.
Know that God will never leave you.

From Grief to Grace 💜

What began as pain, tears, questions, and silent prayers became a journey of healing, strength, and God’s unfailing grace.

I’m honored to present my 60-Day Devotional: From Grief to Grace — created for anyone navigating loss, heartbreak, transition, or seasons where life feels heavy.

This devotional was written from real places of grief… but also from real encounters with God’s mercy. Every page is filled with scripture, prayer, encouragement, and reminders that healing is possible even after deep loss.

Grief may change your story, but it does not cancel your purpose.

My prayer is that these 60 days help others:
✨ Heal emotionally
✨ Grow spiritually
✨ Find peace again
✨ Rediscover hope
✨ Experience God’s grace daily

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” Psalm 34:18

Thank you to everyone who continues to support my journey and assignment. This is more than a devotional — it’s ministry through healing.

Things You Need to Know When You Become a Widow

Immediate First Steps

Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate
Most companies require originals.
Get at least 10–15 copies.
Notify Social Security
Stop future payments if needed.
Ask about survivor benefits.
Contact the funeral home for assistance with reporting the death
Many funeral homes notify Social Security for you.
Locate important documents
Will
Trust documents
Life insurance policies
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates
Military records
Bank information
Mortgage documents
Vehicle titles
Tax returns

⸻

Financial Protection Steps

Freeze Your Spouse’s Credit Report

This helps prevent identity theft after death.

Contact all three credit bureaus:

Experian
Equifax
TransUnion

Request:

A deceased alert
Credit freeze
Copy of credit report

You may need:

Death certificate
Your ID
Proof of relationship

⸻

Notify Banks and Financial Institutions

Checking accounts
Savings accounts
Credit unions
Investment accounts
Retirement accounts

Ask:

Was the account joint?
Are beneficiaries listed?
Are there automatic withdrawals?

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Close or Update Credit Cards

Remove spouse’s name if needed
Stop automatic charges
Avoid identity theft

Do not continue using cards solely in your spouse’s name unless instructed legally.

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Review Life Insurance Policies

Contact:

Employer policies
Private policies
Veterans benefits
Union policies

Ask:

Who is the beneficiary?
What documents are needed?
Timeline for payout

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Understand Debts

You are not automatically responsible for every debt.

Important:

Some debts belong to the estate
Some joint debts transfer responsibility
Laws vary by state

Avoid paying large debts immediately before understanding your rights.

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Home & Property

Review the Mortgage

Find out:

Whose name is on the loan?
Is there mortgage insurance?
Are payments current?

Ask the lender about survivor options.

⸻

Update Property Titles & Deeds

House
Vehicles
Land
Boats/RVs

You may need probate depending on ownership structure.

⸻

Check Beneficiaries Everywhere

Update:

Bank accounts
Retirement plans
Insurance
Pension accounts
Workplace benefits

Many widows forget this step.

⸻

Employment & Benefits

Contact Employer HR Department

Ask about:

Final paycheck
Life insurance
Pension
401(k)
Unused vacation payout
Survivor benefits

⸻

Veterans Benefits (If Applicable)

Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding:

Burial assistance
Survivor compensation
Healthcare benefits

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Emotional & Mental Health

Do Not Make Major Decisions Immediately

Avoid within the first year if possible:

Selling your home
Large purchases
Drastic moves
Giving away belongings too quickly

Grief affects judgment.

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Seek Support

Therapy
Grief counseling
Widow support groups
Trusted friends
Church/community

Healing requires connection.

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Practical Things Widows Often Don’t Think About

Learn Passwords & Digital Access

Gain access to:

Phones
Email accounts
Banking apps
Social media
Cloud storage
Utility accounts

⸻

Cancel or Transfer Services

Cell phone plans
Streaming services
Utilities
Memberships
Subscriptions

⸻

Create a New Budget

Income often changes dramatically after loss.

Review:

Monthly bills
Insurance
Income sources
Emergency savings

⸻

File Final Taxes

You may need:

CPA
Tax preparer
Estate assistance
Yulanda Braxton