Dr. Nancy Saltzman’s story of survival and resilience stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and find joy after devastating loss. As an accomplished educator and recipient of the Milken Family Foundation Award, Saltzman faced unimaginable tragedy when she lost her husband and two sons in a small plane crash in 1995.
A Foundation of Purpose
Saltzman credits her ability to survive such profound loss to her upbringing and professional background. Raised in a family that emphasized making a difference in others’ lives, she carried these values into her career as an educator and school principal. This foundation of purpose became crucial in the aftermath of the tragedy.
When the accident occurred, Saltzman was serving as principal at the elementary school her sons had attended. Seth was in fifth grade at the time of his death, while Adam was in seventh grade. The school community knew her family well, including her husband, who was a frequent visitor to the campus.
Finding Joy After Multiple Losses
Just one week after losing her family, Saltzman made the courageous decision to return to work. This choice served multiple purposes: it provided structure to her days and allowed her to demonstrate resilience to her students. The school environment gave her a platform to help others process their grief while managing her own. “I made the decision to go back to school so that I could show them what you do when something horrible happens to you.”
Coping Strategies and Support Systems
Saltzman developed several strategies to manage her grief:
- Extending work hours to avoid going home to an empty house
- Visiting stores that stayed open late
- Walking dogs with friends
- Maintaining regular therapy sessions
- Spending time outdoors in Colorado
The Journey to New Love
Eight years after her loss, Saltzman found love again with Greg, a widower. Despite initial concerns from others about timing, she approached the relationship with wisdom gained from her experiences. Their relationship flourished, leading to marriage after 11 years of dating.
Professional Impact and Literary Contribution
Saltzman channeled her experience into writing “Radical Survivor,” a memoir that includes letters from supporters during her darkest times. The book serves as a resource for others facing loss, demonstrating that survival and happiness are possible even after devastating circumstances.
Through her involvement with Soaring Spirits International, Saltzman continues to support others who have experienced loss. Her story illustrates that while grief never fully disappears, it’s possible to build a meaningful life filled with new joy and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long did it take Dr. Saltzman to feel some sense of normalcy after her loss?
According to her therapist, the most intense period of grief typically lasts about 3-4 months. While the loss never goes away, Dr. Saltzman gradually found ways to function and eventually thrive, though she continues to miss her family after 29 years.
Q: What role did professional work play in Dr. Saltzman’s healing process?
Her work as a school principal provided essential structure, purpose, and community support. It gave her a reason to get up each morning and allowed her to help others while processing her own grief.
Q: How did Dr. Saltzman approach finding love again after such a significant loss?
She took a measured approach, dating two different people for two years each before meeting her current husband. When she met Greg, she maintained a long courtship of 11 years before marriage, ensuring they built a solid foundation for their relationship.
See more from Gloria Horsley: Kathleen Gilbert and Gloria Horsley: How Family Members Grieve Differently – Open to Hope
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