The Bachelorette’s Michael Alio on life after wife’s death

Michael Arius Believe his faith helped him mourn death his late wife, Laura Ritter-Ario.

“One of the things I talk about with other grievers, widowers and people is that visualization can help,” Michael, 41, shared exclusively with US Weekly In celebrating his first children’s book, Where wild hearts grow. “Whether it’s God or faith in a higher being. I know I’m going to see Laura again, like, I know that. It’s a relief.”

Laura passed away in January 2019 at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. After her death, Michael vowed to look after their then two-year-old son James and make sure he had lots of positive memories.

“It’s all about what kind of story am I going to gather to tell her? Because if she’s sitting there and I’m wasting time on the couch mourning her death, I know she’s going to be really upset,” Michael shared. “One thing cancer has taught me…We don’t have time to pretend we have more time. You don’t have to be fully recovered to start living your life again. Now is the time to go out and seek the life you want.”

Related: 28 Hollywood stars on what faith means to them at Easter

The countdown to Easter Sunday is on, and many in Hollywood are loudly celebrating their faith. Whether it’s through social media and podcasts, or TV shows and movies, some celebrities aren’t afraid to share their spiritual journeys with fans. For some religious leaders, this is a decision that should be made with love (…)

Over time, Michael was able to cope with his grief but also found hope for the future.

His debut children’s book is an emotionally rich story that explores courage, loss, and the journey of growing up during life’s most difficult moments. The stories also focus on embracing different seasons of life on the road to growth.

“One thing I want to make sure I do is not teach my son how to avoid pain, but learn how to live through it and walk with it,” Michael shared us. “As his parent, I humanized myself and understood that I was struggling too, and I think that created a very strong bond and a safe place for us.”

Michael was raised in the Catholic Church—recently become godfather To his niece – said he went to church with his son.

“My own personal faith has had its ups and downs, and it’s been a journey. But I know for a fact that if I showed up for (my son), we would be having conversations about Laura,” Michael shared. “I’m not going to put my grief on him… He was two when she died, so I don’t want him to feel guilty for not remembering these things, but he does know that he’s going to see her again and she’s watching over us, like all the people we’ve lost.”

Thank you!

You have successfully subscribed.

Michael – Appeared in Season 17 bachelorette and Katie Thurston Before entering the competition in 2021 bachelor in paradise A year later, he is proud to say that his son is now in third grade, and dad keeps busy with karate, baseball and basketball activities.

“He inherited his mom’s brain,” Michael said. “He’s very witty and he’s just a curious kid and that’s what I’ve always tried to instill in him. Be kind and curious. Ask questions. Put yourself in other people’s shoes. Don’t rush to judgment and be kind and gentle to people.”

Where wild hearts grow Now available online.