Talking with Carole Brody Fleet
When my hour-long
interview with “Widows Wear Stilettos” author Carole
Brody Fleet ended, I was excited to transcribe all of the juicy
details I’d gotten from our discussion. Unfortunately, due to a
technological glitch, all I could hear was the sound of my own voice
asking questions, intermittently laughing or saying, “uh-huh,”
“wow,” “that’s amazing!”
My stomach sank. I would have to ask Carole to do the interview all over again. After listening to my voice on the tape, I managed to recreate the structure of our conversation on paper. I emailed it to Carole with a humble plea: “Please, could you respond to nearly a dozen personal questions … all over again?”
A few days later, she sent me back the questions, complete with the same thoughtful remarks she had offered initially. I felt instantly relieved; the piece would still run on time. In her reply e-mail, Carole assured me she was happy to help.
All I lost was a sound bite. I can only imagine what it would be like to lose a friend, loved one or husband. But if I were to lose my life partner, I would certainly find solace in Carole’s spirit and the project she has created to share her experience and offer help. Her upbeat and accommodating response helped me understand why so many women rely on “Widows Wear Stilettos” as a source of support and encouragement.
Carole generously communicated the essence of her message to me, as I’m sure she does to everyone she encounters—widows especially. Her intention is simple: to keep women who have faced loss from feeling hopeless and purposeless. Not only is she there as a source of support for grieving women, but she’s also created an entire community to encourage women to stay inspired and excited about life, even in the face of tragedy.
Carole Brody Fleet made me promise to keep in touch. I have no doubt that if I showed up at her doorstep, in need of a good meal and a gossip fest, she’d offer me a chicken turnover and some great tips on how to embrace life more fully.
Isabel Cowles
Writer
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