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In the wake of profound heartbreak, Jason and Kirsten Clawson found solace and love in each other’s company, creating a beautiful new chapter in their lives. Both had experienced the devastating loss of their spouses to cancer—Jason’s wife Valerie to colon cancer at 38 and Kirsten’s husband Cody to acute myeloid leukemia at 43. Their unique journey of grief and resilience has not only brought them together but also led to the unexpected joy of welcoming a new life into their blended family.
Jason and Kirsten met on Facebook through a group for young widows and widowers, eventually connecting romantically through a dating app. “It was absolute magic the first time we spoke,” Kirsten recalls, highlighting the comfort and understanding they found in one another. They married in 2022, and Kirsten embraced her new role as stepmom to Jason’s sons, Boston, 17, and Cooper, 11. In December of the same year, the couple was blessed with a surprise addition to their family: their daughter Maisie.
At their home in Utah, the Clawsons’ life is filled with love and remembrance. They honor the memories of Valerie and Cody by celebrating their birthdays, hanging their photos, and visiting their graves together. This shared respect for their past partners’ memories is a cornerstone of their relationship. “We recognize the loss. We don’t ignore it or pretend it didn’t happen,” Kirsten says. This mutual understanding allows them to support each other through the ongoing process of grief.
Kirsten, who frequently shares her story on TikTok, has touched millions by opening up about their journey. She recounts how Jason’s experience as a therapist has provided invaluable support during difficult times. Their transparency aims to offer hope to others navigating grief, demonstrating that joy can coexist with loss.
The couple also honors their late spouses through acts of kindness. On Cody’s birthday, they raise funds to buy shoes for students and families in need—a nod to his love for shoes and his passion as a teacher and soccer coach. In memory of Valerie, they distribute “sunshine baskets” filled with cheerful yellow items to those affected by cancer or loss. This tradition, started by Jason and his sons, has expanded from their local community in Vineyard, Utah, to a nationwide initiative.
Maisie, now nearly two years old, has brought unexpected joy to the Clawson family. Despite initial fears due to past pregnancy losses, Kirsten delivered a healthy baby girl, whom they affectionately call “the glue” that binds their two worlds together. This sentiment was beautifully captured in a viral TikTok video showing Valerie’s mother lovingly interacting with Maisie, underscoring the enduring bonds of family, blood-related or not.
Jason and Kirsten’s journey of love, loss, and new beginnings serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the capacity to find happiness after tragedy. Their story continues to inspire and offer solace to many facing similar paths, proving that amidst the deepest grief, there is always room for hope and joy.
