This is the title of Rachel’s book in which she writes of the life with her husband and family before and after his death by suicide. She called upon her skills as a journalist to see where there is a story, dig deep and write it. Rachel has done just that in this poignant memoir. How does she take the first steps after the sudden and traumatic death of her husband while raising two young children? In this episode Rachel talks of the benefits of community, asking for help and using her available resources to move forward. She further discusses the beneficial need to keep her children in their routines and patterns which can be so grounding. With an emphasis on growth, positivity and hope Rachel book will be resonant with anyone who has lost someone.

https://www.rachelzimmerman.net/

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These terms and concepts are part of our vernacular but what do they mean and what do they look like? Further, we know that things like identity, language, and stories can get lost from generation to generation. However, they may also hold some of the roots to healing. We can learn and heal from our past and how our ancestors lived. How do we navigate and shift from post traumatic stress to post traumatic growth? In this lively discussion, Ken and Serena discuss these critical concepts.

In this episode Ken sits with one of his first grief educators to discuss her remarkable career working in the field of grief and bereavement. Deborah’s work spans decades and venues – hospitals, cancer units, the Good Grief program, 911 consultations, independent bereavement programs. What has stayed consistent through the years and locations is this: How do we talk about it? How do we help children and adults feel empowered and confident that they can manage? How do we educate communities, organizations, and the culture at large to use language that engages, acknowledges, and affirms those who are grieving? Ken and Deborah talk about the use of language and how the words we use can lead to building confidence.

Zach was 16 when he died of Osteosarcoma. Zach loved life, lived it to its fullest and the diagnosis left the Walls facing “pre-bereavement”. Pre-bereavement encompasses three things; 1. Anticipatory grief, these are feelings of grief and loss we may come to experience. 2. We change in relation to the loss. How we look at all things will be different now. 3. Using our limited time between diagnosis and death in ways that matter. As a way to honor their son and carry his loss forward with them, the Wall’s developed Zach’s Bridge. Zach’s Bridge helps ease the journey by providing 1:1 peer support for advanced and bereaved pediatric cancer parents and caregivers. This kind of support delivered from those who have walked those tragic steps can give a family comfort and time to focus on what truly matters. https://www.zachsbridge.org/

When Hannah’s best friend died unexpectedly, she looked for help. Friends, family, mental health professionals could only go so far. She started an exhaustive search for friend loss support and found……nothing. Friend grief, like all grief, is a lifelong process yet there are scant resources for those who truly understand the impact of losing a trusted friend. Friend loss is neither family or romantic loss and thus isn’t always given the same level of attention and understanding that blood or partner loss does. After getting repeated messages (from herself) to do something and raise awareness about friend loss Hannah started the Friends Missing Friends podcast. This community of grievers now has a home.

https://www.friendsmissingfriends.com/

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When Matt’s father died his world turned upside down. He was thrust into taking over the family business while grieving the loss. He was also concerned about preserving the memory of his father and learning from others through their experience of his father. All the while trying to keep him present through the story telling. What was launched from this desire was Life Books. Everyone’s story is worth telling and worth sharing. The fear of not sharing is that over time the memories will fade. Matt discusses his passion and purpose behind starting Life Books. https://lifebooks.io/

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Our respect, appreciation and understanding that pets are part of our family, life and social network has always been known. However, our actions did not always show this. Many of us have heard some version of, “Sorry, your dog died…. are you going to get another one?” as if pets are merely commodities. Niki brings grace, dignity and respect to end of life care for animals - just as we would humans. The vital role of an end of life doula is something to become aware of. Niki highlights the valuable position doulas play at such a difficult time for pet owners.

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What is a parent to do when they are parenting a child with a serious or life limiting illness? The range of supports cross over medical, mental health, palliative care and embracing anticipatory grief. Then there is advocacy for your child and managing the needs of the other members of your family. This is overwhelming. Blyth was faced with this when her daughter, and also her nephew, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare and incurable genetic illness that ends in early death. Resulting from this tragedy Blyth founded the Courageous Parents Network in 2014 to support those trying to navigate an unfathomable road. She shares her story with Ken in this episode.

https://courageousparentsnetwork.org/

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