"Life is not a smooth, even journey. Life is a bumpy up-and-down journey. You have your highs and your lows. You have to just hold on to that bumpy road, and you just keep going." —William Quan

Life can break routines, identities, and relationships without warning. Grief changes how days are lived, decisions are made, and meaning is defined. This conversation holds space for the quiet realities that come after loss.
Dr. Kimberly Hubenette sits down with her father, Dr. William Quan, to reflect on his journey through grief after losing his wife of 44 years, his path as an immigrant son turned lifelong dentist, and the choices that helped him survive and continue building a meaningful life.
Press play to hear a raw, generational perspective on grief, resilience, and adaptation, along with practical wisdom shaped by decades of lived experience.
In this episode, we cover:
Navigating grief after the loss of a spouse
The difference between surviving and tolerating loss
Immigration, identity, and resilience across generations
The impact of long-term partnership and shared purpose
Three paths widows and widowers often face after loss
Why purpose, routine, and contribution matter later in life
Journaling as a lifelong tool for reflection and grounding
Living with memory without being trapped by it

Connect with Dr. Kimberly:
Website: https://drkimberlyhubenette.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-hubenette-dds-magd-2800a624/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordr.kimberlyhubenette/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordr.kimberlyhubenette
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9--bH78AxF-FCR2ygP-Fyg
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/khubenette/_created/

Episode Highlights:
02:44 Meet William: Early Life as a Chinese American Growing Up in El Centro
08:10 Working in the Family Grocery Store & Life Lessons
15:40 Marriage, Dental School Struggles & Perseverance
25:05 44-Year Marriage & the Loss of His Wife, Anna
33:40 Life After Loss – Depression, Bills, Isolation & Survival
40:20 Remarrying After Loss & Meeting His Second Wife
46:00 Life Philosophy, Values & Treating People Right
50:30 Thriving at 81, Adaptability & Lifelong Learning

Resources:
Books
📖Grid: Once in a Lifetime You Get to Start Over by Dr. Kimberly Hubenette
📖Live, Love, Survive, Thrive! by Dr. Kimberly Hubenette (COMING SOON)
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