Grief doesn’t pause for motherhood — and motherhood doesn’t pause for grief. 💔

In this special extended episode, Cindi and Crissy sit down with Sarah Szymanowski, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and music therapist, for a deeply moving, unhurried conversation about what it means to parent while grieving.

Together, they explore the unrealistic expectation that mothers should “hold it together,” even while their hearts are breaking, and the power of showing our children what healthy grieving looks like. Sarah introduces the concept of disenfranchised grief — the kind of loss society often minimizes, like the death of a pet — and explains why acknowledging all forms of grief matters.

Through personal stories and gentle wisdom, Sarah offers practical ways to keep the memory of loved ones alive — from maintaining traditions to finding comfort in everyday reminders. She also unpacks the complex emotions of anger, fear, and jealousy that can surface during grief, helping listeners understand that feeling deeply is not only okay, but essential.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of loss while still needing to show up for your children, this extended conversation will remind you that healing isn’t about holding it together — it’s about holding space for love, loss, and everything in between.

Top Three Things You Will Learn In This Episode:

1. Why “holding it together” can actually hold you back — and how letting your children see your grief helps them develop emotional resilience.

2. The truth about disenfranchised grief — and how unacknowledged losses (like a pet or a strained relationship) still deserve to be honored.

3. Practical ways to keep your loved one’s memory alive — through stories, traditions, and symbols that bring comfort and connection.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Sarah’s website: https://www.fermata-counseling.com/

Sarah’s Blog: https://www.fermata-counseling.com/blog

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