Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe to podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Youtube Music | RSS
Today I am speaking with Greg Peck, who is a retired journalist from Wisconsin whose life changed dramatically when his wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with dementia.
Greg spent years caring for her as the illness slowly took away the activities they once enjoyed together.
After she passed away, Greg began rebuilding his life through bicycling, photography and writing, all of which helped him process grief and rediscover joy.
Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation:
- First, Greg explained how caregiving reshaped his marriage and required constant adaptation as Cheryl’s abilities declined.
- Second, Greg described how bicycling, nature photography and journaling became essential tools for stress relief, emotional processing and healing.
- Finally, Greg shared how writing weekly Substack reflections has allowed him to help others facing dementia, caregiving challenges and widowhood.
Greg’s story is a good reminder that meaning and purpose can grow even in seasons of loss. Caring for his wife taught Greg to adapt, stay patient and build a strong support network.
After Cheryl’s passing, Greg continued cycling thousands of miles, photographing birds on his travels and writing as a form of healing.
He also found companionship again and is embracing a new chapter with gratitude and optimism.
Greg finds purpose today by supporting others who are navigating their own caregiving or grief journeys.
Through his Substack writing, community talks and ongoing work on his memoir, he offers encouragement, perspective and hope to families walking a similar path.
If you would like to connect with Greg, you can find his writing on Substack. He is also active on Facebook and welcomes messages through Facebook Messenger from anyone who would like to reach out, ask questions or learn more about his work.
Greg’s books, “Death Beyond the Willows,” “Memories of Marshall” and “Snakes, Squirrels and Bears, Oh My: Finding Humor Amid Life’s Frustrations,” are available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
If you order a book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
