The turning moment for Carole was at the funeral where nearly 1,000 people turned out to honor her husband, who was a national record holder in the seizure of drugs and money with his K-9 team.

"As the honor guard was preparing the flag, bagpipes were playing Amazing Grace. It was the first time that the word 'widow' entered my head, as they presented the flag. I thought, I can't be a widow. I'm still young. But, not all widows are old. It became my mission to help widows," Carole explained. "There is no way to prepare when you lose a spouse beyond 'where's the paperwork?' because concept and reality are two different things. You don't ever think someone is really going to die and then it happens."

The title of her book is catchy, but her sentiment is powerful and necessary for those who feel alone.

"The title makes you smile. The stilettos represent youth and moving forward with your life," Carole said.

Getting back on your feet after loss is possible. Carole did it, but it doesn't happen overnight.

"It takes time and patience to recover. First, you have to realize that this is your healing journey, no one elses. After a spouse dies, I advise every widow not to make a huge or sudden decision. Don't make huge changes for the first year. Do not sell your house, do not change your appearance, do not change everything in your life. It's not a fast process. Get back on your feet slowly," Carole advised.

"If other people judge you by saying 'you should be over it by now,' realize that they have no business judging you. Grieving is different for everyone. Don't think there's something wrong with you because there is no exact schedule for healing," Carole said. "Other people say foolish things, too. So be prepared. I was told that I would forget about my husband once I got a new boyfriend. That was told to me at my husband's funeral. It was hard to hear. Losing a spouse is challenging in so many ways."

For Carole, she met her husband at the young age of 21. He was diagnosed in 1998 and by 2000 he had passed away. Not a day goes by that she doesn't think of him.

"I miss Mike, the husband, but I also miss the buddy part of our relationship. We did everything together, we watched the NFL together, we raised a daughter together and we had fun," Carole said.

"I will never forget him. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting someone you loved and shared your life with. You have to get out of bed for yourself and find a purpose after suffering a loss like this. I found my purpose in helping widows recover. You make a choice to recover."

When it comes to children, Carole also went through a learning curve in what was best for their daughter.

"Mike died in our daughter's arms. We will never forget that moment. To help kids, you have to let them know it's okay to grieve. It's important to create an environment that it's okay to cry or be angry. It's okay to miss dad even years after he's been gone," Carole explained.

"A year after Mike died, her Bat Mizvah was held. Planning it was tough because there was a cloud over her head," she said. "We decided to include her father in the event and created a daddy table with his police badges and a letter dedicating the night to her father. During the candle lighting ceremony, we had a candle dedicated to his memory."

"There have been other milestones. Her first formal dance, her prom and father-and-daughter dances where she didn't have a dad. I had to teach her how to drive. It's OK to be sad and remember, but it's important to include his memory in significant events. He will always be her father."

Carole is the first to say that she is healing through action and purpose by helping other women.

"I'm speaking at an upcoming women's conference on a five-day cruise to Cabo. This is important work and it makes a difference," Carole added. "I miss my husband, but I have a wonderful life. It's a new life, a different life, but I'm helping millions of people around the world. Helping young widows is my mission, this is my calling."

Carole speaks throughout the country, sharing her inspirational story of healing and teaching others who have been touched by widowhood how to do the same.

Information on her forthcoming book "Widows Wear Stilettos..." (Adams Media) as well as her CD, "Widows Wear Stilettos: What Now" is available through her website www.WidowsWearStilettos.com.