Daughters Without Moms: Recent Episodes
Beth Goshow
This podcast will provide a safe space to share our stories of grief, hope and resilience! We will also discuss ways to use grace, grit and growth, so that we can live with our grief.
Reese’s mom was diagnosed with early-on set Alzheimer's when Reese was 21, and passed away when Reese was 28. It was in the depths of her grief when she first picked up her pencil and began to write about her mother, the journey of Alzheimer's they took together and the journey of grief she now walks alone.
You can find Reese’s spoken poetry album, “Moving With”, on Spotify or YouTube, under her pseudonym Cleo Childs:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0JMYU10WoccJRfMChTSa8U?si=l4jjwOALSQGaIJ4FFDyuSA
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nDEJgVG9hpNYMlVoe5r-KWHIhFQzbx74s&si=8iY7V4pqpogww10v
You can learn more about Reese on her website: https://cleochilds.com/
And find her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleochildspoetry
Reese’s Take-Away: Give yourself permission to not judge yourself while you go through your grief. Use creative expression in whatever way works for you, and don’t focus on it being perfect. Finally, be kind to others and yourself, which is the legacy my mother left with me.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Robyn's mother died from stage 4 lung cancer when Robyn was 15 years old. Robyn’s mom had 10 miscarriages before Robyn, and while Robyn was a triplet in the womb, she was the only baby to survive. They had an incredibly intense relationship, as her mom didn’t understand how to handle her own emotions and put a lot of pressure on Robyn.
Robyn shares part of a poem by Paula Meehan. The full poem can be found here: www.makebelieve.ie/the-pattern
The woman who they met in Germany for immunotherapy was Saskia Biskup, CEO of CEGAT: www.cegat.com/about-us/team/
Robyn’s Take-Away: I hope that anyone that listens to my story, not matter what their age, can take something away from it.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Melissa's mom died at the end of 2019 after a long journey with breast cancer. Melissa's parents divorced when she was young and it was just Melissa and her mom growing up together. Her mom had health issues and Melissa grew up always worried about her mom's health and well being. Melissa and her mom had a special bond and even though she's not physically here she taught Melissa many life lessons that help her keep her mom's presence alive in her life.
Melissa’s Take-Away: There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Find a way to establish your own community and support system. It’s okay to be vulnerable and it can be very healing.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Ashmeeta’s first grief was when her mom died in 2008.Then her husband died from pancreatic cancer in 2019, and then her father in 2022. These life events pushed Ashmeeta deep into self-reflection and discoveryand she is now an educator, grief support advocate/expert and author.
Here is where you can find Ashmeeta:
Website: http://www.storyoutellyourself.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmeeta-madhav-93802922
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowthStoryHub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthstoryhub
Ashmeeta’s Take-Away: No matter what challenges you face in life, you don’t have to let them define you. Try to move forward and look for help, seeking out the story that will unfold for you.
Starting today the podcast schedule will be changing andnew episodes will drop on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you are looking for more stories and content, I encourage you to go back and listen to episodes from seasons 1, 2 and 3. There are over 150 published episodes so there are many episodes to listen to.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Crystal’s mom died suddenly in September of 2021. After her mother's sudden and tragic death, she made the difficult decision to leave her stable employment to pursue dreams of living life on her own terms, prioritizing her well-being and honoring her grief while taking the road less traveled.
Here is where you can find Crystal and the work she isdoing:
Podcast Co-Host: Meet Meat the Cottage Podcast
Website: www.balancedmindjourney.com/crystal
Instagram and Facebook: @yogawithcrystal0925,@cohabitatingwithgrief, @meet_me_at_the-cottage_podcast,@healingcottagedelaware
Crystal’s Take-Away: It is so important to stayconnected. As a person who is an introvert, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how important connection is. Healing is done in community. Find your people! They are out there.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This episode was originally aired in October 2021. It's important for men to have a place to share their stories too, and all are welcome here.
This episode is the story of Southofthe49th's journey with his wife after her diagnosis of a brain tumor. He does not share his identity, due to the privacy of his kids, but has learned how to use TikTok as a way to share his story and document memories for his children. You can find him on TikTok as @southofthe49th.
He also recommends finding a Grief Share group for support on the grief journey. You can simply go to their website, put in your zip code, and find a meeting near you.
Take-away: It's ok to be sad, but it's also ok to find joy at the same time.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Kristen’s moms death left them with more questions thananswers. Their family dynamic has been deeply changed and it leaves Kristen wondering what went wrong during her mom’s illness.
Here is the Andrew Garfield video Kristen mentions. Hetalks about his mom starting at 4:21: https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/andrew-garfield-late-show-interview-on-grief-and-his-mother-48618339
Kristen’s Take-Away: Our society's view of grieftroubles me as I try to make sense of what my life feels like now. It changed the way I see the world and my place in it. Thank you for having a safe space where we can come and talk and listen about these great losses in our lives.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Laura's mom died when she was 2. She has no memories of her. She reached a breaking point when she outlived her mom and her son was the age she was when her mom died.
Laura's Take-Away: I'd like to dedicate my episode to Ruby, the 4-year-old daughter of my friend who recently died. Ruby, I’m thinking of you and your mother.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Yvonne was the first woman to share her story on the podcast. She was told as a child that her mother wanted nothing to do with her. As she got older, she learned a different story.
If you enjoy her story, you can go to find her follow up interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NjOj6XuqfMjyrn1GljN1j?si=b4kqb3NKQ_icz2rZh5KS3w
Yvonne's take-away: My grief journey has helped me always be able to see a different perspective. I'm always looking for the other side of the story.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Dallas was an only child and had a very close relationship with her mom. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Dallas chose to channel her grief through writing during her mom’s time in hospice, her passing, and the year that followed. Dallas published herbook, I’ll Keep Her Fork, on July 24th, 2023 which was the one-year anniversary of her mom’s passing.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Welcome to the 2024 season of the DWOM podcast! I can’t believe this is the 4th year. I’m so thrilled that you are here and listening.
Today I will share my thoughts on healing. That you have to feel to heal. It has been on my heart to encourage others to do the hard work of feeling your grief.
I’d love to hear your thoughts once you listen! Please leave a comment on Instagram or Facebook or send me an email.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Alisha’s mother is living, so she shares a different perspective on what it is like being a daughter without a mom. Due to mental health issues, her mother left the family when Alisha was 9 months old. Alisha was raised by her dad and paternal grandmother, until her grandmother died when Alisha was 11. That loss triggered the additional feelings of losing her mom.
Alisha’s Take-Away: There was not a resource like this for me when I was younger, and it’s a less common thing for the mom to leave, so I wanted to share the things that helped me get through a unique parental situation:
•Really great friends that are like family
•Your situation does not have an impact on what you are able to do. You can still have what you want in life
•Look to who you do have, instead of focusing on who you don’t have
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Isabelle’s mom died in 2016, just 11 days after receiving a diagnosis. Her mom, Greta, entered hospice and Isabelle became her primary caregiver. When someone is sick, you take care of them so they can get better. How do you nurse someone not back to health… but to death? Isabelle and her mom had just entered the part of their relationship where Isabelle looked at her mom more than just simply her mom, but as a woman and a friend.
Isabelle’s Take-Away: When the social worker came to go over the business of death, it made everything real. At that time, my mom said, “You know, I’ve never done this before.” Recently, I’ve realized how applicable that saying is to my grief. I’ve never done this before. Neither have you. We should all give ourselves some grace in our grief.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Do you self-sabotage? Have you ever thought about the stories you tell yourself? Have you ever questioned if they are TRUE?
Today I share reflections from my own journey and provide a tool for reflecting on your own grief journey.
Gary John Bishop on the Ed Mylett Show:
https://www.edmylett.com/podcast/garyjohnbishop
Previous DWOM episodes that may be helpful:
Season 1 Episode 43: High-Functioning Codependency
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-high-functioning-codependency/id1538554333?i=1000539755914
Season 2 Episode 2: Letting Go & Holding On
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-high-functioning-codependency/id1538554333?i=1000539755914
Season 3 Episode 17: You are Worthy
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-17-you-are-worthy/id1538554333?i=1000611431399
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Maddie’s mom died from a rare form of breast cancer when Maddie was 13 years old. Her episode is bring released on the 20-year anniversary of her mom’s passing.
Maddie feels like she has finally begun to grieve after avoiding it for so long.
Maddie’s Take-Away: Be compassionate with yourself. There is no right way to grieve. Feeling numb is normal. And then if one day you no longer feel numb, and that is overwhelming and scary, please know you will make it through.
These are a few of the things that have helped Maddie begin to process her grief:
- EMDR Therapy
- The Dinner Party (www.thedinnerparty.org)
- Empower (www.weareempower.org)
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Leylani’s mom died from pulmonary failure when Leylani was 7 years old. She never had the opportunity to get to know her mom in depth or know her stories. She’s dealt with grief and closure for the past 21 years, but feels like sometimes it can get harder and harder.
Leylani’s Take-Away: If you are dealing with mother or pregnancy loss, you learn how to live with it. You have to learn how to talk about how you are feeling too. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to me and we can talk.
Leylani’s email: lani.hdez@gmail.com
Leylani’s Instagram Photography accounts:
Pets: @barkingmomentsrd
Pregnancy: @leylaniphotostudio
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Since this is Episode 44 (IYKYK) I wanted to share thoughts I've had lately on being a Mom Without a Daughter. I've been considering what it would be like for my mom to miss out on the love I have for her. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Azande's dad had HIV and died when she was 1. Her dad infected her mom, and Azande's mom died when she was 16 years old.
As a child, Azande developed an anxious attachment to her mom and her mom put her in therapy. She has continued with therapy into adulthood and was able to recommend a few things she's learned that have been helpful:
- Communicating feelings, instead of bottling them up
- Acknowledging and communicating feelings even to myself
- Prayer has been the greatest thing for me, more than anything else
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Laura's mom had health problems ever since she was in middle school and being in and out of the hospital wasn't unusual. In high school they finally put her on hospice and she died when Laura was 18.
Laura held her grief in for many years, and 8 years later, she still struggles with feeling like sometimes her mom's death is not real.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Tarren is a DWOM, even though her mom is still living. Tarren's mom is a narcissist and Tarren has been on her own since she was 16 years old. She has no idea what having a mother or any family at all is like. Her mom-sized hole is all she knows and she feels like she's spent her entire life trying to fill it.
Thank you, Tarren, for sharing your heart with us. May you continue to grow in the love and peace within you.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be aDWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sana's mom had high blood pressure and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. She was bed ridden for 14 years and died from breast cancer in 2021.
When Sana's mom had her stroke, the first thing the doctor said to them was that they need to remain strong together because something like this can make or break a family. They took that advice seriously and were able to remain a strong family through the 14-year journey of her mom's illness.
Sana's take-away: Guilt is a completely normal feeling. It is up to us on how we react to it or control it. Dealing with an illness as a family really affects the caregivers. They should remember to take care of themselves as well. Communication with one another is key in order to minimize bottling up anxiety.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This is Shaelyn's 2nd time on the podcast. She's only 2 years into her grief journey and wanted to share about adjusting to life in a new city, breaking up with someone for the first time without a mom, and learning to grieve on her own.
You can listen to Shaelyn's story of being a daughter without a mom in Season 2, Episode 42.
You can find all things Shaelyn at these social media accounts:
Instagram: @shaelynavalon
Twitter (X): @shaelynavalon
Facebook: Shaelyn Avalon
TikTok: @shaelynavalon
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ShaelynAvalon?si=WzKW_by0MK27U9_i
Spotify: https://spotify.link/CbtBOe1PyDb
Toulouse's Instagram: @toulousebop_pup
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be aDWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Johanna is an only child and it was just her and her mom growing up and they were incredibly close. Johanna's mom died in 2021 from colorectal cancer when Johanna was only 29 years old. Navigating life since her mom's death has left Johanna feeling lost, empty, and trying to pave a path for who she's supposed to be now.
Here is the link to the podcast where Johanna's mom shared just a month before she died: https://spotify.link/YIExcwpemDb
Johanna's Take-Away: When her mom Melanie shared on a podcast she was asked how might you want to be remembered? She encouraged listeners to celebrate the temporary. Everything is temporary, the good and the bad, and it all needs to be celebrated. In memory of Melanie, go light the world and put a smile on someone's face.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Aldon’s mom Alva died from breast cancer in 2003 when Aldon was 7 years old. Her mom’s journey was not a secret to Aldon, even at her young age, and she remembers that her mom did not let cancer take her pride. The battle was on her timeline.
Aldon's Take-Away: Now at the age of 28, I realize that grief is a never-ending circle. Don't feel like you are on a timeline. No one will every understand it so don't feel like you have to confirm your story for someone. It's your story.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sohini lost her mom when she was 10 years old and her dad when she was 20. She realizes that from a very young age she had to understand and take responsibility for a lot of things that other people her age do not have to. She also recognizes that she reacts to things very differently because of her situation of losing both of her parents at a very young age.
Sohini's Take-Away: No matter how hard days are, you have to go on and believe in yourself. You have to keep on surviving.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Please choose another episode if suicide ideation will be unhelpful to your own grief journey.
Joy’s mum died when she was 16, a month before her birthday. She worked in the hospital and died from Covid. It was hard because Joy never expected it to be her who would experience loss from Covid. Her mom was her best friend, but her faith, family and friends pulled her through.
Joy spoke about the verse Isaiah 57:1, and recommends the movie Human Resources on Netflix. She says Season 1 Episode 9 captures how we should be willing to except grief and see it as part of the healing process.
Joy’s Take-Away: The grieving process is never going to end; emotions happen and it might be any little thing that brings grief back and that’s normal. I was ready for the process to end and I realized that grieving is normal. I was then able to move on with my life when I realized that it is normal. Being a Christian helps with the grieving process.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Platitudes are phrases that are widely used and regarded as a safe thing to say to someone who is hurting.
In reality, these phrases normally have the opposite effect.
Listen to hear what fellow grievers have to say about platitudes, and how they made them feel.
Then, continue listening to hear words that were received as loving, caring and supportive.
This is not to make people for bad for the things they've said, as I don't believe people are trying to minimize grief. These are well known, commonly used phrases. This podcast will provide the opportunity to think ahead and plan for the next time we offer our condolences. Please share this podcast so we can spread awareness.
Pooja lost her mother at the age of 10. This meant she had to step up and shoulder responsibilities for her younger sister, who has autism and can neither walk nor talk, and struggles with her hearing.
While the weight of her past can sometimes overshadow her aspirations for the future, Pooja strives to radiate positivity and strength, even when the journey feels overwhelming.
Pooja's Take-Away: You have the ability to ask questions for yourself, and you have the ability to look for solutions as well. You will see changes if you do that.
If you would like to reach out to Pooja you can find her on Instagram @poojakhannaa
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This episode is an interview with my niece, Jenna, that originally aired 2 years ago. She became a DWOM in January, 2020 when her mom, my sister Amy, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
We've talked a lot about how Amy always made decisions for her. It felt like a topic that others may have experienced as well.
Her advice for making decisions without mom: Write out the question at hand. Make a list of pros and cons, and then consider what your moms answer would be, and write that out too. This process has helped her in her own decision-making journey.
All of your stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today you'll meet my husband Brian. This podcast was published on our 25th wedding anniversary in 2021. I ask him to share his perspective on what it is like to support someone on their grief journey. Where I have lost all of the people in my family of origin, his parents and brothers are still living. We have both learned things about each other over the past 25 years.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Amanda’s mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42, and died 3 years later when Amanda was 15. Amanda was her mom’s shadow, and they had a unique and special bond. Amanda is now a mom herself, and even after 18 years, she still feels a hole in her heart from missing her mom.
Amanda's Take-Away: I hope that other members of this club are able to eventually find closure and peace. I encourage you to look for signs, that they are out there if you are ready to receive them. I don't think our mothers ever leave us, they continue to guide us.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Eden was 20 years old when her mom died. She's 40 now, a relatable age because she's closer to the age her mom was when she died. She went through depression, suicidal ideation, and everyday was a struggle. But the last 19 years have shown her that she will make it, and that she did make it, by the grace of God.
Eden's Take-Away: I’m so thankful that I am now able to say that there are blessings that come from the loss of a mother. One thing’s for sure I would not be the woman I am if it wasn’t for the lessons of grief. I am proud of the woman I've become.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Please choose another episode if hearing about addiction will be unhelpful to your grief journey.
Nikole's mother was an addict for the first 12 years of her life, and she felt as if she lost her mom emotionally during this time. After becoming clean for 10 years, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and relapsed on her sobriety. While trying to get clean again, she passed of a subdural hematoma a few years later when Nikole was 24.
Nikole's Take-Away: Take in all of the signs and let them resonate and think of it as the person that you love and miss.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Tayvia's mom died from pancreatic cancer on December 26th, 2022. Less than 2 months later, her grandmother died from COPD. Tayvia was raised by these 2 women and is an only child. Despite the loss, she knows her mothers have given her every tool to be successful in life, and a village of mama bears who love and guide her. Tayvia says that she would not be surviving this grief without these women in her life.
Tayvia's Take-Away: For a woman, there's nothing more important than building nurturing and healthy relationships with other women, because these are the people who will show up for you as true life partners.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This episode originally aired in June of 2021, but since today is July 4th it seemed appropriate to share again.
Chief Jim Leary was our local Police Chief for 10 years, until his recent retirement. In 2019, his wife Martha died from ALS. Chief had 46 years of police service, and also served in the US Army. However, none of this training or experience prepared him for the grief after losing his wife. He's brutally honest and vulnerable about the grief experience he's had (and continues to have) and also shares tips on ways to honor yourself in the process.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a daughter to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today, June 27, 2023 marks 40 years since my mom's death. It hurts to even write those words. It seems impossible. Yet, here we are.
To honor her today, I wanted to share some things I've come to believe about grief, and a few things I've learned.
Everyone's grief journey is different, but for today, this is mine.
I love you Mom, and miss you more than ever.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Warning: Pratima's story contains elements of homicide and abuse. Please choose another story if these details will be unhealthy for your own grief journey.
Pratima's mum died when she was 3, and she witnessed the whole thing. The memory is still very vivid for her. Her father abandoned her shortly after that, and she was raised by her maternal grandparents.
Pratima's Take-Away: Stop looking to fill the void of your mum's love - it is unfillable. But that doesn't mean that you are incomplete. Your mum is still there watching you and she is proud of you. We have managed to survive this long; we can go a little longer. Hang in there.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Kera lost her mom unexpectedly in June of 2023. She channeled her grief and all the things she's craving to hear from her mom into a guided journal so that we can leave behind advice, love and support for our loved ones. You can find her journal, Legacy Letters, on Amazon at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Leaving-those-remain/dp/B0C1HZY9ZV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NWKSJROXDRVL&keywords=legacy+letters+kera+sanchez&qid=1686189702&sprefix=legacy+letters%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1
Kera's website: legacylettersjournal.com
Kera on Instagram: @legacylettersjournal
Kera's Take-Away: You need to find people who get it. You can't expect people that don't get it to get it, because you don't know what you don't know. It's possible to get to the other side where at least you can function again. You learn how to carry on and bring your loved one with you.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Burt lost his mom in 2016 after a 23-month battle with stage IV lung cancer. They traveled as much as possible, enjoyed picnics in the park and maintained healthy eating and exercise habits to keep her as strong as possible before transitioning to pain management.
Burt's Take-Away: Being a male in our society I didn't feel that it was okay to cry. This journey has taught me that it's so important to allow those emotions to surface. If you suppress them, they will manifest in unexpected ways. There's no timeline for grief. You need to feel what you feel when you feel it. Allow people in because they are ready to be there for you. When you need them, let them in.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sierra's mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 35, when Sierra was just 1 year old. After a four-year battle, they lost their mom in 1999 when Sierra was 5 and her brother was 8.
Sierra's Take-Away: To anyone that listens, you are loved. Love is the fabric of our existence; please use that love to buffer some of the pain. There is always joy to be found in somewhat equal measure for the pain that we endure.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Amy's mom died when Amy was a senior in college. She had a brain aneurism, and Amy and her brother never got the chance to say good-bye as she died unexpectedly. Amy's dad had trouble handling the loss and soon remarried. Amy feels like she lost her mom and her dad at the same time.
Amy's Take-Away: It's important to find a connection and support from people who have walked in the same shoes you have. It's always comforting to find someone to connect with.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Today, May 16, 2023, is the 50th anniversary of Amy's mom's death. Her mom died when Amy was 5. Her dad died 6 years later when Amy was 11. That left Amy and her 2 older brothers. Amy shares how her brother is the hero of her story. Amy's Take-Away: I'd like to say thank you to the women who stepped into my life and cared for me: Mrs. Polignone, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Crago, Mrs. Cadle, Mrs. Resig, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Zinn, my sister-in-law and her mother. Without these women guiding me and caring for me, I don't know what would have happened. I really appreciate and love them. 50 years is a long time and I miss my mom. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This is a recording from the 2021 Mother's Day Circle hosted by myself, Rebecca, Lauren and Patricia. We are 4 daughters without moms who have very different stories.
Beth: Lost my mom as a teenager, developing self-love in her absence
Patricia: Recent loss of mom, motherless mother of 3 children (Patricia shared in Episode 15 of Season 1 on the podcast)
Rebecca: Complicated relationship with my mom, finding ways to know that I am loved (Rebecca shared in Episode 17 of Season 1 on the podcast)
Lauren: Recent loss of mom, single, filling void with purpose (Lauren shared in Episode 6 of Season 1 on the podcast)
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This episode originally aired in August of 2021. In this episode, I share my thoughts about worthiness, and some of the things I've done personally to strengthen my foundation of self-worth.
In the podcast, I also share the names of a few of my favorite authors and podcasters: Brené Brown, Susan David, Jim Kwik and Dr. Daniel Amen.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Cate's mom died 17 years ago. Cate was 24 at the time, the youngest of the 4 sisters. Being a motherless mom has been her biggest grief so far. She feels like she experiences the loss of her mom over and over.
Cate's Take-Away: It took being a mom to really understand my mom. Even though I don't have her here anymore, my heart talks to her all the time. And I'll take it! It's a beautiful way to connect with her. If your mom is still here, enjoy your mom while you have her.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Maria's mom died when she was 2 years old. For nearly 3 decades, Maria tried many different approaches to interact with and share her grief.
She learned that people need to better understand how to navigate grief – either that of others or their own. That, paired with the impacts of the pandemic, and Philotimo Life was born! Philotimo Life works to modernize death policies and to normalize the conversation around death to create generational wellness.
Website: www.philotimolife.com
Instagram: @philotimolife
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/philotimo-life
Philotimo Life is offering 3 listeners a free corporate grief training! To apply for this resource, please send an email to info@philotimolife.com and answer these 2 questions:
-
What is your organization?
-
Why do you think you can benefit from this type of workshop?
Maria's Take-Away: Pay attention to kids experiencing grief and lead with love.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Lot lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer when she was 22. Then she experienced another life event and, as Lot says, "the lid was off!" At 32 years old she has given herself space for her grieving process. Her grieving process has resulted in the mission to make grief more and more negotiable and to be an example of how it can be done.Lot is a holistic life coach, mind-body practitioner and yoga instructor, and is passionate about using body work to feel and understand your grief. Lot's website: lotlogeman.comOn Instagram: instagram.com/lotlogemanLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lot-logeman-1b837b62Lot's Take-Away: I've learned how to stop being who other people wanted me to be and to be who I want to be. My word is trust. I lived a long time out of fear. As I learn to trust the things unfolding, life has been very different. Find your own way to grieve.All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Janet's mom Cass died from breast cancer the day Janet graduated from high-school. It was 1995 and she was 18, right at the start of my adult life. Her entire world shattered the day her mom died. In 2020 she started the Motherlove Project to honour the 25th anniversary of her mom's death and give other motherless daughters a space to tell their stories.
Since launching the Project, almost 100 women from around the world have shared their stories.
Motherlove Project website: www.motherloveproject.com
To submit your story, email: janetgwilliam36@gmail.com
Details about upcoming event in Ottawa: www.motherloveproject.com/events/motherlove-project-meet-up
Motherlove Project on Instagram: www.instagram.com/motherloveproject
Janet's Take-Away: Even though it feels scary and uncomfortable to face your grief, it's so worth it. Whatever that looks like for you, find an outlet. Find a way to connect with your grief because our grief lives with us, and that's okay!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Veronica and her mom are estranged because of her mom's intense struggles with mental health that subsequently resulted in abuse. Veronica has been grieving her mom every day, for her whole life.
Veronica didn't have a specific take-away but shared 2 nuggets that I really connected with:
"Sometimes people we love belong on a shelf. I felt that way about my mom. I can pull her down and remember her as the person she used to be, but I don't have to bear witness to who she is now and how that might impact me."
Her therapist challenged Veronica when she minimized her story: "What a disservice that is to the younger version of you that survived, to minimize that experience. She deserves to be honored for having survived and become the person that you are today."
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Katie's mom was diagnosed with cancer when she was thirteen and passed when she was sixteen. Katie then helped raise her brother and watched her dad grieve while trying to get back to normal life.
Katie put her own grief on the backburner to make sure everyone else was ok. She has finally found the space to allow herself to grieve, almost a decade later.
Katie's Take-Away: Give yourself some grace. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be kind and grateful for the moments of joy along your journey.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sakshi's mom was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in April, 2020. The doctors predicted a full recovery with the right treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer came back in October, 2021. She started the treatment without delay, but this time the cancer had metastasized. Due to the intensity of the treatment, her body contracted a virus and Sakshi's mom died in December 2021.
Sakshi's Take-Away: You see the world moving on, and your world has stopped. That's how cruel life is - the world is not always kind. Find your own solace. I also believe it’s important to carry a part of them with you (like I got a tattoo of my nickname for her and I have a Polaroid of us that I keep with me at all times). It doesn't have to be something physical, but these are a few things that make me feel like she’s around me.
These are the songs that Sakshi listens to:
Two of Us, Louis Tomlinson
Birthday Cake, Dylan Corinque
Iris, Goo Goo Dolls
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Kasey's mother was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer when she was a sophomore in high school. There is a very long family history of breast cancer on her mom's side of the family. She was in remission for one year but then the cancer came back on the other breast. Eventually it spread to her brain and bones. Kasey is an only child and has been on her own ever since. Kasey understands that no one is ever prepared to lose their parent, but feels like it is much harder to grieve alone.
Kasey's Take-Away: If you have your mom, cherish the moments that you have with her. Whatever maternal figures you have in your life, tell them thank you and let them know how much you appreciate them.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Monique lost her mom unexpectedly to pancreatic cancer in 2020. Monique was a workaholic and was upset when quarantine happened, but she's now grateful for the four months of quality time with her mom that she wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Since Monique's mom has passed, she’s found ways to let Monique know she’s still with her. Every time she's facing a difficult decision, her mom visits her in her dreams, and she always looks amazing.
Monique's Take-Away: Feel your feels and don't apologize for it. Your grief journey is just that, yours.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Shatakshi lost her mom to Covid in 2021 when she was a high school senior. She had the best relationship with her mom and it has been very hard for Shatakshi. For a long time she lived in the past, unable to accept the reality that her mom was gone. She is now slowly coping with her loss.
Shatakshi's Take-Away: If you are dealing with the pain of loss, make that your power and not your weakness. Move forward with it and don't stay in your past. Learn to live with it, and live for that person. Don't die for them.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Lauren's mom died when Lauren was 12, and then her dad died when she was 28. She hit a breaking point with depression and anxiety. She realized she was at war with her mind and body and had isolated herself in her grief. Thanks to therapy, she finally realized life doesn’t have to be this way.
Lauren is a Grief Empowerment Coach! You can find her on Instagram: @griefstrength. You can learn more at her website: www.griefstrength.com or reach Lauren via email: laurenbittnercoaching@gmail.com
Lauren's Take-Away: Always honor your grief, no matter how many years have passed. If you feel sad, allow yourself to feel sad. Acknowledge how your grief has affected your life. And seek help and support; you don't need to go through this alone.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Leidy's back to finish her story. Only 2 days have passed since her mom's death, and she is filing for legal guardianship of her 2 younger sisters. And she still has to finish high school!
In the almost 6 years since then, Leidy is learning how to be both sister, and guardian, to her 2 siblings. She has reached a place where she is finally able to allow herself to grieve, and has a lot of wisdom to share.
Leidy talks about empowerHER, and organization that has supported her and her family. You can find more about empowerHER here: https://www.empoweringher.org/
Leidy's Take-Away: Just because we're daughters without moms doesn't mean we are alone. You don't need to have a mom figure to do good in your life. In the middle of the sadness, grief and anger, you can still find love.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Leidy's mom immigrated to the US with Leidy and her two siblings in 2011. In 2017 Leidy's mom was killed outside a restaurant. Leidy ended up getting full custody of both of her little sisters and becoming a parent at 18 years old, while still a senior in high school. In today's episode, Leidy shares her story to the point of her mom's death. Next week, she will come back and share about what her life has been like since.All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Martika's mom struggled with substance abuse her whole life, and it affected their relationship. In 2020, Martika lost her mom. They were in a healing place when she passed. Since then, Martika has learned a lot navigating through her grief.
Martika's Take-Away: Grief is a process. There is no timeframe, and no right or wrong way to do it. Give yourself grace to feel it. There is vulnerability in strength. Take your time and be patient with yourself.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Chiomah lost her mum suddenly in 2009, a couple of years after losing her Dad. She thought her Dad's loss was hard (she was a daddy's girl) but nothing prepared her for the loss of her Mum. She was shattered and for the first time understood what depression was.
Since losing both of her parents, Chiomah is determined to use her gifts to help humanity and share with others. She is a multi-talented professional; a public sector lawyer, a family and parenting advocate, a blogger and an author.
Here are all of the places you can find Chiomah:
YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/@ChiomahMomah
INSTAGRAM https://instagram.com/Chiomahmomah
WEBSITE https://chiomahmomah.com/
PODCAST https://podcasts.apple.com/ng/podcast/chiomahs-blog/id1516688576
BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chioma-Momah/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AChioma+Momah
Chiomah's Take-Away: God uses humans to reach other humans. Keep reaching out to people. If you think of them, reach out to them. Share and show love to people.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
To kick off Season 3, I wanted to share an update to my journey. I recently met my mom's cousin, who found boxes of my mom's things and wanted to share them with me. It's been almost 40 years since I've had contact with anyone from my mom's family, and this was such a blessing. During that trip, I also got to see the friends that took us in when my mom was dying. I'm so grateful to have people who treat me like family, all the time, every time. And then I finished the year with a face-plant on an icy street in Philadelphia. You just can't make this stuff up.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Rachelle's mom died from cystic fibrosis when she was two. Her dad remarried and she also died from cystic fibrosis when Rachelle was 6.
Rachelle didn't understand what she'd lost until she became a mom herself. When she became a mom, she couldn't understand why her daughter always called for her. She realized that she needed help with processing her early loss and what it meant to be a mother.
Rachelle's Take-Away: Be kind and have grace for yourself and for those around you. We are all on a journey and all come with a story.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Since this is episode 44, my nephew Chris and I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the reel he made. He created it as his mom’s diagnosis day was nearing, and he saw a trend on TikTok that tugged at his heart. I asked if I could share it on Daughters Without Moms. He said yes, and it went viral.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
A week before Rupa gave birth to her first child, her mother had emergency brain cancer surgery. After that moment she was sadly muted and passed away soon thereafter.
After a couple of years of grappling with that trauma - and the journey of motherhood without her mother - Rupa took that pain and wrote 100 poems about parenthood/childhood from both her and her daughter's perspectives. In turn, her book "someone calls me mommy" was born and has been very well received by moms and children alike.
Rupa is generously offering listeners 10% off her book! Use code DWOM at checkout: someonecallsmemommy.com
Rupa's Instagram handle: @rupa_mommy
Rupa's Take-Away: If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't been in bed with a mosquito. You can make such a difference.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Shaelyn's mom passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in October of 2021, when Shaelyn was 25 years old. Her mom was her only parent, and Shaelyn was co-raised by her mom's parents (grandma and grandpa) for a long time. Shaelyn felt like she lost her mom twice.
Shaelyn is a musician and you can find her on YouTube (youtube.com/c/ShaelynAvalon) or iTunes (music.apple.com/us/artist/shaelyn-avalon/948358090). The song she talked about in the podcast, My Time, will be released soon. You can find her on Instagram: @shaelynavalon
Shaelyn's Take-Away: Every grief experience is different. While I'm grieving my mom, my grandparents are grieving a daughter. It's not going to look the same for everybody, but don't be hard on somebody just because they are not processing it the same way you are.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Tiffany's mom died when she was 28 years old, and she felt like she had done a good bit of healing. Then she became a mom herself and it really brought out a new sense of grief of needing and missing her mother.
Tiffany co-hosts the Portraits of Grief Podcast, which can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also find Tiffany and co-host Thera on Instagram: @portraits_of_grief and Facebook: Portraits of Grief
During the podcast, we discuss Amber Bradbury's book If Grandma Were Here
Tiffany's Take-Away: Give yourself permission to grieve; it's okay to grieve. Let yourself feel the feelings. Try to remember that your loved one would want you to be happy. Try to keep going for them.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Amy feels like cancer has been in her life forever. Her mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Amy was 12. After successful chemo and radiation treatments, her mom was cancer-free for 20 years. Then she got sick again with a recurrence of breast cancer. This type of cancer was treatable by a hormone blocker and she recovered quickly. A third diagnosis of cancer had a much different outcome.
Amy is a Palliative Care Liaison and is passionate about helping patients have conversations about treatment goals and educating the medical staff about how they can help them too. Please be an advocate for palliative care for yourself and your family!
Amy's Take-Away: Be kind and gentle with yourself. If you feel guilty because you are crying too much much, or crying too little, don't worry about it. We are all just trying to get through it. Lean on people and ask for help when you can. Find support online and follow pages that align with what you are going through.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Note: This episode includes discussion about eating disorders.
Skylar is a fatherless daughter. Her dad, Kenny, died of cancer when she was 11 years old. She found dieting as a way to numb her feelings, and now recognizes that her eating disorder was part of her grieving. Today, Skylar practices intuitive eating, which has helped her learn how to tolerate her feelings.
Skylar is an anti-diet culture writer, sharing her thoughts on recovery, grief, and radical self-compassion. You can find Skylar on Instagram @nocryingincooking and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresnocryingincooking.
Skylar's Take-Away: Pain is okay. It is okay to hurt; our feelings want to be felt. Also, find someone who speaks your language. Someone who can say "I get it."
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Julia lost her mom very suddenly, six days after Mother’s Day, when she was 8 years old. It wasn't until her late 20s/early 30s that she actually began processing this immense loss, and coming to understand it as a trauma.
Julia is now a Grief Support Specialist and Certified Grief Educator. She launched her Instagram community, Girl Meets Grief, over Mother's Day weekend in 2021.
Find Julia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/girl_meets_grief/ and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ggwampodcast
Julia's Take-Aways: I want to share these quotes from Anne Lamott that have helped me: Grief is "a lifelong nightmare of homesickness". It's hard to feel like you want to go home, but that person is no longer there. It also is hard to acknowledge that we will never be the same again, but as Anne says, "you learn to dance with the limp."
Julia's linktree page has links to her published writing and other podcast interviews: linktr.ee/girl_meets_grief
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Content Note: This episode includes discussion about suicide. Please choose another story if these details may be unhelpful to you.
Dallis' mom died from breast cancer when she was 17. Her mom was first diagnosed when Dallis was 2, so she had cancer most of Dallis' life. Dallis had a messy and complicated relationship with her grief and for a period of time she really wanted to die.
Two years ago, Dallis got involved with empowerHER, which provides a network for girls and young women under 24 who experienced mother loss.
Here is information about the empowerHER organization: Website: www.empoweringher.org Instagram: @empoweringher
Info about our empowerHER everywhere event happening in person and virtually across the country on Sunday, October 23: www.empoweringher.org/everywhere-events
Dallis' empowerHER email: dallis@empoweringher.org and
Dallis' Take-Away: You're going to feel a lot of things and its not always going to make sense. Let yourself feel them without judgment and frustration, and be gentle with yourself. Let yourself go through it.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Priya's grief journey started in 2014 when she herself almost died of septicaemia. While Priya was still in the hospital, her mother suffered a brain haemorrhage. Her mum’s recovery was rocky, and when she finally got to a place where she was starting to feel more like herself again, she received a diagnosis of terminal ovarian cancer - on the same day that Priya's dad suffered a near fatal heart attack. Priya's mom died in February of 2020, on her dad’s 70th birthday. They then went into lockdown, and Priya was alone with her grief.
Priya's Take-Away: I was surprised by the feeling of gratitude about the timing of her death. If she had died 2 weeks later, I wouldn't have been able to be with her. Also, if trying to support someone in grief, just listen. Don't try to offer any advice. Allow people to grieve as they need to.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Jenni was adopted when she was very young, by an amazing mum and dad who showed her what unconditional love really was. Due to her early traumas, Jenni struggled while growing up, but finally got things turned round and had a couple of stable years of relationship with her parents. Then BOTH parents were diagnosed with terminal cancer and they died 9 months apart; first her dad and then her mum.
During the podcast, Jenni talks about the woodlands burial grounds. You can learn more about that here: https://www.green-burial.co.uk/
Jenni's Take-Away: Don't lose yourself completely amongst your grief. Try and do something for yourself every day. Its so easy to lose yourself and forget who you are.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Lindsay's mom died suddenly in 2011. Lindsay was 20 years old at the time and was completely destroyed by her death.
After being thrown into the world of grief, Lindsay experienced how little we as individuals and as a collective know about grief. Since 2019, she has dedicated herself to supporting others throughout their grief journey, as a Grief Educator & Bereavement Counselor. She is also working on publishing her first memoir, where she shares her experiences and challenges with her mom, their relationship, and her passing.
You can find Lindsay at lifeafterloss.co, and on Instagram @_lifeafterloss
Lindsay's Take-Away: Know that you are not doing anything wrong. You have every right to feel the way you're feeling.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Rachel was 20 years old and in her 2nd week of college at a brand new school when her mom died. Her mother was her best friend, and when she died, Rachel fell apart.
Rachel's grief consumed her and she felt very isolated. She also searched desperately for books she could relate to, and found very few. She decided to write a book about her experience. Her book is called Losing Your Mom When You're Twenty: My Personal Experience, and it can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
We also talk about the book I'm Dead, Now What.
Rachel's Take-Away: Don't be afraid to talk about it. Once I started talking about it, I started healing. Find some way to talk about it, because keeping it inside is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Tracy was 24 years old and newly married when her mom was killed in a workplace accident. Tracy spent over a decade with deep pain, but has learned to take care of herself physically, spiritually and mentally so that she can be her own best advocate.
Tracy talks about using the Shaklee nutrition plan in her health routine, and you can find more about that here (pws.shaklee.com/tracyfixen). You can find Tracy on Instagram @tracyfixen and on Facebook @therevivedmom.
Tracy's Take-Away: Grief has it's own pace for everyone, you are not doing it too fast or too slow. You may not have the same feelings as those around you, and that's ok. Take care of yourself - you are not alone.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Gibson's mom died unexpectedly in the summer of 2020. They spoke daily as her mom was her go-to person no matter what. As she's adjusting to life without her mom, Gibson has done a tremendous amount of soul searching and has learned a lot about herself.
During the podcast, Gibson talks about having a playlist of her mom's favorite songs. She shared that @itsandrewhorn inspired her to do so!
I talk about high-functioning co-dependency. To learn more, visit terricole.com.
Gibson's Take-Away: You’re not alone. I know that you feel alone or lonelier now that your person is no longer with you— try leaning into seeing the ways that your person is still communicating with you. And use this time to figure out what you need by getting really honest with yourself. Most of the time, as humans, we’re distracting ourselves from hurt or hardship when there are lessons to be learned from that discomfort + pain. Grief is the type of pain that can make you grow — so dig deep, be strong and let yourself be.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Rachel was 8-years-old when she came home from church and was told her mom died in a car accident the night before. That day, her dad called her his brave little girl, and she lived up to that expectation. No one would see her cry until her dad's death. Rachel says that hearing about the passing of her mother is what made her human. It shaped her entire world view.
Rachel highly recommends the books Motherless Daughters and The Aftergrief by Hope Edelman.
Rachel's Take-Away: It's way harder to be 32-years-old without parents than it was as a child. Check on adult children. I didn't think about how hard it would be for the rest of my life. Forever is a very-long time. Adults think that grieving is step-by-step. Kids grieve differently. They may not cry. They may show it in other ways and little changes. You can learn a lot of things from kids when you pay attention to how they grieve.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call by sending an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sadye's mom fought metastatic breast cancer for 6 years, and then she lost her mom when she was 12. Next she lost her dad when she was 23 to a heart attack. She's the youngest of 4 children, and even now, at 30, her grief and loss affect her significantly.
Sadye recommends these resources for parent loss as a young adult: The Dinner Party (www.thedinnerparty.org), Motherless Daughters Group (www.motherlessdaughters.com/support-groups) and Hope Edelman's book, Motherless Daughters (hopeedelman.com/books/motherless-daughters)
Sadye's Take-Away: Don't hide your emotions. Feel them and accept them. Grief is everlasting and unexpected. It's like the ocean, and the waves of grief can come and go.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Do you consider grief to be a 4-letter word? I think it is, but probably not the 4-letter word you are thinking. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Michelle's mom suffered with schizoaffective disorder, which made her a complicated woman and mother. Since her mom passed in 2013, Michelle has learned even more about her mom and at times it has left her feeling guilty about how she felt about her mom over the years of their relationship. Michelle is currently writing a memoir, and you can find more information about the Michelle and her memoir at www.michellehodgson.com.
Michelle's take-away: Everyone grieves in their own way. Don't be afraid to laugh, humor is so important! Don't be hard on yourself if your journey doesn't look like everyone else's.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
June 12, 2022 was the date of the 50th Annual American Cancer Society’s Bridge to the Beach Bike-A-Thon. It was my 2nd year riding 67 miles in honor of my sister, mom and many others who have had and do have cancer.
To be honest, after the ride was done, I went in to a funk for a couple of days. I think it is normal after you look forward to a big event for so long and then it comes and is over.
As I spent the next few days reflecting on our bike ride, I realized how many similarities there were to our day of riding and my sister’s cancer journey. And I want to share that with you.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Today I'm re-sharing my thoughts on loss, shame and a pandemic. I wrote a blog about this in January of 2021 (yourgriefjourney.com/2021/01/27/the-grief-and-shame-of-2020), and this podcast was originally aired in May of 2021.
It's a topic I'm passionate about and have done a lot of research on how the pandemic has amplified our feelings of loss and shame. I also discuss toxic positivity and social comparison, and provide a few ideas of what we can do in the midst of all of the heaviness.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Unnati is a bereaved daughter from India, who lost her mother to cancer when she was 16. She shares about how she has dealt with this grief while in a grief negligent society and having no support.
Unnati's Take-Away: Grief can also affect you mentally and physically. You have to face the reality of your loss, and allow yourself to feel and accept your grief. Denying it only makes it worse.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Rebecca and Katie first shared on the podcast in June of 2021. I'm sharing it again, because it's important to recognize that if you are a caregiver, you experience the loss of that role in addition to the physical loss of your loved one. It can be a lot to handle.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
In addition to being a DWOM, I'm also a daughter without a dad. My dad died in July of 2018. His birthday is coming up this week, followed by Father's Day. In this episode, I share more of the story of my dad. He was a man of few words, and I loved him with all of my heart. I still do.
My take-away: Are you being realistic in your expectation of your relationship with your own dad? With your mom? With your siblings? There comes a time in our life where we have to stop and think about what standard we are holding our relationships to. Are they even realistic or feasible? If you are constantly disappointed in a relationship with a family member, perhaps it's time to review your expectations.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This podcast is a safe place to share stories of grief, hope and resilience. Karalyn was diagnosed with anorexia when she was 14. As an athlete, she did a good job of hiding it for a while. But once she was "caught", she knew she was scared and needed help. She couldn't stop what she was doing because she was addicted to her disordered eating, and felt like she didn't know who she was without it.
Karalyn's Take-Away: You are not alone. Please reach out to others for help. There are people and places that can help you. Please visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more resources.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Sadie's dad passed away when she was 11. He was in Turks and Caicos with his friends and dislocated his shoulder. He went to the hospital and they gave him a pain medication he was allergic to. He was med-flighted back home and was in a coma for a week but ultimately the brain damage was too much. Sadie struggled a lot with this throughout middle and high school, with not having people to relate to!
Sadie's Take-Away: Don't bury your emotions. It will just make it harder in the long run. If you feel like you have no one to talk to, try journaling, a grief group, a counselor, or go to Instagram and find an account you relate to.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Reid's dad died by suicide in 2006, and his stepdad died from cancer in 2016. When his stepdad died, Reid thought he was good because he'd already experienced the loss of his father 10 years earlier. He couldn't have been more wrong, and struggled with loneliness throughout the journey to healing and integration again.
From this experience, Reid felt a calling to help the grieving find peace and purpose after loss. He is the Founder and Content Creator of the Grief Refuge App. You can find more about the app, and Reid, on their website: www.griefrefuge.com. He also hosts the Grief Refuge podcast, which features reflective conversations and helpful information about grief, loss, and managing the process. You can follow him on social media by searching for @griefrefuge.
Reid's Take-Away: If you're grieving and you are in deep despair, and you recognize repetitive self-defeating thoughts, you have the power to choose if you are going to believe those thoughts. There is power in that choice.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Rebecca first shared her story on the podcast in April of 2021. I'm sharing it again, because it's important to recognize that not all daughters have healthy relationships with their moms. Rebecca was also one of the daughters who shared in the Mother's Day Circle event that I released on the podcast last week.
Rebecca shares raw and personal stories about how she missed feeling loved by her mom, and how that has affected her even more since her mom's death.
Rebecca's Takeaway: You are loved. You are worthy. You can be okay, and then not okay, on your grief journey. It is important to recognize and feel your feelings, and give yourself the love that you didn't get.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This is a recording from the 2021 Mother's Day Circle hosted by myself, Rebecca, Lauren and Patricia. We are 4 daughters without moms who have very different stories:
Beth: Lost my mom as a teenager, developing self-love in her absence
Lauren: Recent loss of mom, single, filling void with purpose
Patricia: Recent loss of mom, motherless mother of 3 children
Rebecca: Complicated relationship with my mom, finding ways to know that I am loved!
There is also a meditation at the end. This is being shared in the hopes of helping other DWOM know they are not alone.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Amber's first loss was a friend that committed suicide when she was 10 years old. In 2013, her mom was brutally murdered by her neighbor. 3 years later, her grandparents were in a car accident after her grandfather had a transient amnesia episode, and her grandmother died in the accident.
Amber has written a beautiful book calledIf Grandma Were Here: A Book of Memories. You can find more information about Amber and the book at www.ifgrandmawerehere.com. Amber shares, "How could I tell my children, then only 3 and 5 years old, that their beloved Grandma Yvonne was gone? We’d never even discussed the concept of death. An angel, that bore a striking resemblance to my mom, helped us out. The angel gave us comfort as we talked about our loss and I was able to assure my children, and myself, that their grandmother’s love and spirit would always be with us, even if she wasn’t physically here. After our talk, my son drew a picture of my mom as an angel, showing all of us with linked hands. Ironically, perhaps it was that very illustration that would one day inspire me to create something that would, in turn, inspire and comfort other grieving families."
Amber's Take-Away: The most important way to support a griever is to show up. It doesn't matter if you are afraid, just show up. Grievers can't always tell you what support they need, so just show up and offer help.
You can find Amber on Instagram and on Facebook as @peaceloveandpress.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Cinda and Cristi share the story of their mom, Jeanne. They both say that she was the best mom there ever was - just like June Cleaver. She was given 3 months to live, and lived another 8 days.
Cinda's Take-Away: Everybody grieves differently and there's no right or wrong way. Don't let anyone tell you have to grieve.
Cristi's Take-Away: When you lose someone, it sucks, and you are going to be sad. Everyone processes in a different way and you have to be okay with it. Don't be afraid to let that happen.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Lindsay's mom was murdered when she was 13 months old. Even though she has no explicit memories of her mom, being a Daughter Without a Mom has had a tremendous impact on her personal journey.
You can find Lindsay on Instagram @thejoyfuljewelrybox. If you click on the link in her bio, you will find lots of grief resources.
You will also find the link to her Etsy shop in her bio, or you can find it here: TheJoyfulJewelryBox.com
Lindsay and I discuss the book Bittersweet by Susan Cain, which can be found at your local bookstore.
Lindsay's Take-Away: Honor your grief process. You don't have to make your grief public, make it a lesson or turn it into anything. You can honor your process by being vocal or quiet. Being vocal helps me cope, but it might not work for you. Make sure that you are not trying to live out someone else's grief expectation.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
It's been over a year since I started the podcast and I wanted to share my story again. This podcast was originally shared in April of 2021.
I’ll share about losing my mom at 13, and how that affected the relationship I had with her mom and dad, my grandparents.
My Take-Aways: 1. Don't believe the stories in your head 2. Share your story with others 3. Learn to love yourself
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
You can find me on Instagram and Facebook as @daughterswithoutmoms
Deborah shares about how she felt like her mom "left her" when she died, because she didn't take care of herself after being diagnosed with adult onset juvenile diabetes. Deborah stuffed down her grief for 30 years, and is just starting to recognize the damage caused by her unresolved grief.
Deborah's Take-Away: Don't spend 30 years with unresolved grief. Running away from it does more damage. We need to be honest with each other about how we feel. Please take the time to be intentional about your grief and allow yourself to feel it. It is hard work but it is worth it!
If you'd like to reach out to Deborah, her email is deborahjholliday@gmail.com
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
This week is my birthday. I'll actually be 52, but I wanted to share 50 of my favorite quotes and life lessons with you. Many of these are not my own, but are words that have influenced me and my journey.
What is your favorite quote or life lesson?
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Emily is my first daughter without a dad to share on the podcast. The podcast is being released on the fifth anniversary of her father's death. She created her Instagram account, @theinvisiblewounds, 2 years into her grief journey. It was her outlet and continues to provide her, and others, with support and encouragement, as there are times when people in real life still struggle to understand her grief.
Emily's Take-Away: To those who are surrounding grievers, if you are not sure what to do, ask! There is no guidebook or right thing to do. Support is dependent on each individual griever. For the griever, it's hard to ask, or even know what you need. Simply show up in whatever way you can to offer support.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Note: This episode includes discussion about mental illness and suicide. Please choose another story if these details may be triggering for you.
In this episode, Tera shares about her mom, and how she grew up in an environment with physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Her mom escaped that by packing up her belongings and moving to the mid-west to start a new life. She was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder, which was later renamed dissociative identity disorder, or DID. She also had an eating disorder. Ultimately, Tera's mom took her own life when Tera was 12 years old.
Tera's Take-Away: Losing a parent at any age or season of life is traumatic. Period. We all have our own unique story to tell as a result. Thank you for listening to mine.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Andrea was first on the podcast in Season 1, Episode 38. Since then, she has gotten married. She came back to share the things she did to honor and remember her mom on her wedding day. Make sure you stay until the end when we talk about her funeral for her 20's!
You can find Andrea's blog at https://motherlessdaughtermind.wordpress.com
Staten Island residents may request to join Staten Island Motherless Daughters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433003657126696 (this is the group Andrea helped start)
You can find Andrea's morning mantras profile on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_morning_mantras_/?hl=en
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
With Valentine’s Day this week, I wanted to talk about love. How do you love after loss? How do you learn to live with your grief? Can you have a "happily ever after" once you’ve experienced a significant loss? Or are you destined for "happily NEVER after?"
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Becca shared for the first time in Episode 7 of Season 1. At that time, she shared about the journey with her mom following a diagnosis with dementia, and that even though her mom was still present physically, she already felt like a daughter without a mom.
Becca's mom, Marilyn, passed away in December of 2021. In this follow-up episode, Becca shares about the end of her mom's journey, and how their family did their best to honor the person that her mom was before the diagnosis at her celebration of life.
Here is the link to the Spotify Playlist that Becca created in honor of her mom: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4VERjFcX8pNX6MWuY86Cym?si=886ff0ac2e874f7e
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
In this episode Cathy shares the story of losing her friend and business partner, Heidi. She shares about how it affected her own identity in ways she wasn't expecting. Cathy says that it was the beginning of an undoing in her life.
If you'd like to read Cathy's writings, you can find her at www.roomforgrace.com
Cathy's Take-Away: Curiosity engages a part of us that can help us get through our journey of grief. I'm starting to see how guilt shuts down creativity. When you get curious, you get creative, and you find that you can dream again and that there is possibility again. The curiosity and creativeness must be accompanied by compassion.
You can find Cathy on Instagram and Facebook as @roomforgrace.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Janica started grieving the mom that she knew when complications from surgery damaged her mom’s spine and she became a paraplegic. Her mom lived in a wheelchair for 10 years, until another complication made her extremely ill. Unfortunately, this happened during the pandemic, and Janica and her family had to deal with not being with her mom while she was in the hospital.
Janica mentions her mom’s singing during the podcast, and has graciously agreed to share her SoundCloud with us! Click here if you’d like to listen.
Janica’s Take-Away: Re-visit the pictures, the posts, the videos and the voicemails from your mom. Find the way that helps you continue to connect with your mom.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Shana and Leah's worlds were completely upended in 2020 when their beloved Mom suffered from the excruciating and fatal effects of metastatic breast cancer. Sadly, due to the pandemic, neither were able to be with her physically while she lay in hospital.
Now, nearly a year and a half later, their small, close-knit family continues to navigate the terrain of their loss along with the challenges of the pandemic. As countless other families, this pandemic has led to a cascade of secondary losses, and the loss of in-person connection.
Shana's take-away: Loss during a pandemic means having to endure grief in a new way; perhaps along, grieving separately, and experiencing secondary losses at the same time. Find the resources that are available to you at that time.
Leah's take-away: Find therapy and the resources that you need to be lifted. Find the funny every day, stay connected and give yourself grace.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
In this episode, I'll be sharing my thoughts about letting go and holding on. We need to hold on to our grief stories; they are a part of who we are. We also need to learn how to carry our grief, instead of letting it carry us. What do you need permission to let go of in 2022?
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
To kick off 2022, I wanted to follow up with Yvonne. She was my first interview when the podcast began in 2021, and her episode has the most listens. If you haven't listened to her original episode, I suggest you hit pause and go and listen to her story in Episode 2 of Season 1.
In this interview, Yvonne talks about what she has learned in the past year. Her word for 2021 was "surrender". She realized that once she allowed herself to feel the emotions she'd been stuffing down for so long, many beautiful memories came back. She understood that the more she let go of, the more she loved her life.
You can find Yvonne on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/yvonnereesesalescoach/, or sign up for a 30-minute complimentary consultation here https://calendly.com/yvonnereese/30min?month=2022-01.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/30-minute-connection-call
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Karuna's twin sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and at the end of the same year, her mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Her mom died less than 2 years later. Karuna says her mom was simply the best mother - the constant in her life and her anchor.
Karuna turned to writing to help with her grief. She started a blog called The Thing About Grief. When she ran out of words, she turned to drawing as another way to channel and share her grief. You can find her on Instagram at @thethingaboutgrief.
Karuna’s Take-Away: Take your grief one moment at a time. If you make it to the next moment, you’re doing it right - that's a win. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and you are not alone.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com
Natasha's mom died when she was 14 years old, and she spent the next 15 years using unhealthy coping mechanisms to bury her pain. Since then, Natasha has learned how to use holistic healing to deal with her trauma and to rewrite the narrative she had with her mother wound.
Natasha is an Empowered Healing Coach. She is on Instagram at www.instagram.com/natasha__mcdowell and has a Facebook Group called Recovering the Mother.
Natasha's Take-Away: You have the ability to cultivate mothering energy within you and use it to deeply heal. It requires slowing down and learning to get in touch with your body, and all of its wisdom.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Note: This episode includes discussion about mental illness and suicide. Please choose another story if these details may be triggering for you.
Veronica's mom had schizophrenia and Veronica's father was a WWII veteran who suffered from PTSD. Veronica's childhood was very tumultuous, and she didn't have normal teenage years either. She ended up caring for both her mother and father as they neared the end of their lives. She is now trained in mental health first aid and has strengthened her spiritual foundation, so that she can choose to live and be love to others.
Veronica's Take-Away: Please remember this acronym for the MOTHER within:
M: Mindfulness
O: Outsource Help
T: Take Time for Yourself
H: Holistic Health
E: Equilibrium
R: Relationships
You can find Veronica and her business, Mind Health First, at https://mindhealthfirst.com.au. Her email address is info@mindhealthfirst.com.au. You can find her on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/mindhealth1st, and on Instagram as mind_health_1st.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In this episode, Miranda shares about the difficulty she experienced with becoming a mom while at the same time losing her own mom. Her mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011. Her mom died in 2019, shortly after MIranda gave birth to her first child. Miranda really struggled with anger, and found that grief therapy helped her realize that her mom is still a part of her life.
You can find Miranda on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mueller.miranda and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/m.rose.sweets/
Miranda's Take-away: I felt really alone as I was entering motherhood at the same time as losing my own mom. I want others to know that it's ok to spend time on yourself, that therapy works, and you are not alone!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In this episode, Randi Pearlman Wolfson shares about the death of her father when she was only 10 years old. He was 41 years old, and had been diagnosed with leukemia more than 3 years earlier. But Randi and her brother never really knew that their dad was sick, and then he was gone. As an adult, Randi spent nearly 20 years educating others in the topic of grief.
She has published a book, "Eddie's Brave Journey: How one little elephant learned all about grief". The book is intended to help children learn to understand their great big feelings, through the remarkable journey of one little elephant.
You can find Randi on Instagram and Facebook as @griefandgrits
You can order the book from either of Randi's websites: www.griefandgrits.com or www.eddiesbravejourney.com
Randi's Take-Away: Understand that grief is something that will be with you for a lifetime. Recognize that it will come back and hit you, even years later. When someone you love, dies, it's normal to experience joy and sadness at the same time.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today you'll meet Brigette. Brigette is a sister without a sister. Her sister, Aubrey, was born deaf and with Cerebral Palsy. They were only 18 months apart in age, and were extremely close.
At the end of her life, Aubrey was fearful of leaving Brigette, and Brigette assured her that she was strong and capable. After Aubrey was gone, Brigette had a hard time with her grief and was in a really deep pit. She shares how Aubrey helped her realize that she was also strong and capable.
Brigette's Take-Away: Look into the mirror and know that you are strong and capable! If you don't feel strong and capable, find your people! Find people you can talk to, whether that be a counselor, an online community or friends that accept you as you are. You will continue to evolve and become, because that's what we do!
Brigette's website: www.thestrongandcapable.com
The Strong and Capable Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/628549991097806
On Instagram: www.instagram.com/brigette.heller
And you can find The Strong and Capable Podcast on your favorite platform, including:
Apple: www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strong-and-capable/id1538296705
Spotify: www.open.spotify.com/show/4B4WK1FN80caUHDbP7ay7W
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today you'll meet Quinn and Maddie. They were high school friends, who connected again in their mid-20's when they lost their moms within 2 months of each other.
They realized that their conversations were the kind of real talk that people need when experiencing loss. And thus, the Young & Bereaved podcast was born! You can find the podcast here https://bereavedpodcast.podbean.com/, or on any podcast platform.
Maddie and Quinn also recommend the podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking, which you can find at https://www.ttfa.org/
In the podcast, we talk about the Yoga for Grief video from Yoga by Adriene. You can find that video here: https://youtu.be/iEVn59U2_LY
Maddie's Take-Away: Allow yourself to sit in your grief and fully feel it. Pair it with a hobby that uses your hands or motor skills. This will help you move through your grief.
Quinn's Take-Away: If your loved one wants to talk about their death, allow yourself to be comfortable with the situation and have the conversation. This may alleviate regret later on.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today I'm sharing a topic I recently learned about: High-Functioning Codependency
If you're anything like me, you don't even like the word codependent, because you are independent!
This term was coined by psychotherapist and author, Terri Cole. You can find more information about her work at www.terricole.com
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In this episode, you'll meet my husband Brian. Today we are celebrating 25 years of marriage, and I asked him to share his perspective on what it is like to support someone on their grief journey. Where I have lost all of the people in my family of origin, both of his parents and both of his brothers are living. We have both learned things about each other over the past 25 years.
Brian's Take-Away: Love is love. When someone you love is hurting, it's heart-wrenching.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
The Permission II: Permission to be YOU program will begin on October 25th. Please visit my website for more information.
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This episode is the story of Southofthe49th's journey with his wife after her diagnosis of a brain tumor. He does not share his identity, due to the privacy of his kids, but has learned how to use TikTok as a way to share his story and document memories for his children. You can find him on TikTok as @southofthe49th.
He also recommends finding a Grief Share group for support on the grief journey. You can simply go to their website, put in your zip code, and find a meeting near you.
Take-away: It's ok to be sad, but it's also ok to find joy at the same time.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
The Permission II: Permission to be YOU program will begin at the end of October. Please visit my website for more information.
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In this episode, you'll meet Emily. She is a 24-year-old adult orphan. She lost her dad in 2018, and her mom, just one year ago, in October, 2020. Emily shares how she never had a close relationship with her mom, who was disabled and suffered from addiction and mental health issues. On top of the grief of the physical loss of her parents, she has complicated grief around the lack of validation from the relationship she had (or didn't have) with her mom. Emily is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Social Work, specializing in grief and trauma therapy.
You can find Emily on Instagram: @griefbyemily
Emily's Take-Away: Grief is traumatic, and if it is complicated, regret is normal. Give yourself grace and be gentle with yourself. Find time to sit in your grief. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Laura May shares her story about growing up with a mom who suffered from mental illness and addiction. Laura May was never really parented in a healthy way and grew up feeling insignificant, as though she was always in a shadow. Laura May has worked hard to learn from her experience and to do more than just survive - she wants to thrive!
Laura May shares about the journal she's written: Power of the Joy Journal. She also offers coaching and counseling. You can find all of her information on her website: www.knowselfservices.com.
You can find Laura May as @lauramaythecoach and @motherlessdaughtersinbusiness on Instagram, as @lauramayculver and @motherlessdaughtersinbusiness on Facebook, and on LinkedIn. You can find her on Shopify: https://knowself-services.myshopify.com/
To reach Laura May, please email lauramay@knowselfservices.com.
Laura May's Take-Away: Joy and fulfillment through a lifetime of chaos is achievable. You are important! You need to paddle your own canoe and look after yourself.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Andrea shares the story of what she describes as a "domino death". One event led to another in a tragic series that ended in her mom's passing. Andrea was intentional about allowing herself to grieve and joined a Motherless Daughters group.
Andrea has provided the following information for the items she shares:
NYC listeners can request to join NYC Motherless Daughters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYC.MotherlessDaughters
Staten Island residents may request to join Staten Island Motherless Daughters: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433003657126696 (this is the group Andrea helped start)
Link to Andrea's Blog: https://motherlessdaughtermind.wordpress.com
You can find Andrea's mantras on Instagram at _morning_mantras_: https://www.instagram.com/_morning_mantras_/?hl=en
Andrea's Take-Away: Now that your mom is no longer here, please learn how to mother yourself. Find a way to take care of yourself in a way that you feel mothered. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, as long as you are not harming yourself or anyone else. Grieve in your own way.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here: https://calendly.com/daughterswithoutmoms/20-minute-connection-call?month=2021-09
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In 2018, Jana's mom died from blunt force injury after being hit by a foul ball at a LA Dodgers baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Yes, you read that right. It is quite a story!
Jana talks about sharing her story originally with William Weinbaum from ESPN. You can read that article here.
She also shares about finding her voice, and how she and others influenced the MLB requiring all teams to expand the netting that protects fans from foul balls.
Click here for more information on Foul Ball Safety Now, the organization that is working on having the same netting requirement at all MiLB stadiums as well.
Jana's Take-Away: Tell your story to others and find your voice. Find the silver lining to your story.
Visit Jana's art business at Paint Jam USA. Find your voice in 15 words or less through art by booking a "Painted Affirmations" Party Email Jana at jana@paintjamusa.com.
You can find her and her daughter's podcast, Arts With an S, here.
The Gifts of Imperfection Book Club starts tonight at 6:30 pm! Click here to register.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This episode is an interview with Laura. She lost her mom just 2 years ago, after her mom suffered several brain aneurisms and aspiration. They spent 8 weeks in more than 5 hospitals, and Laura is now learning how to live without her mom and best friend. Laura shares how she ran 1000 miles for Mama, and her fundraising campaign is still open! Here is the link if you would like to donate to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness month! Laura’s mom had a fairly intense medical journey, and we discuss those details in todays episode. Please feel free to listen to another story if hearing these types of details may be triggering for you.
Laura's take-away: Be proactive with your grief. Take active steps to help yourself deal with your grief. Share your journey with others and find people who understand how you feel. GriefShare is a group that may help!
I'll be sharing details about an upcoming Book Club and the launch of my Permission to be YOU program soon Stay tuned for details.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Today I share my thoughts about worthiness, and some of the things I've done personally to strengthen my foundation of self-worth.
In the podcast, I also share the names of a few of my favorite authors and podcasters: Brené Brown, Susan David, Jim Kwik and Dr. Daniel Amen.
I'll be sharing details about an upcoming Book Club and the launch of my Permission to be YOU program in September. Stay tuned for details.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here.
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Penni's mom died of ovarian cancer when Penni was 25 years old. Penni told her mom it was ok, that she could go, but really, Penni wasn't ready. Although a heartache, the loss of their mom has strengthened the bond between Penni and her sister.
Penni's Take-aways:
-
You're not alone. Take comfort in the people around you.
-
Work can wait! When caring for family, take the time to stay home and be with your family.
In the episode, I share with Penni a way to preserve your family story. I call the service Storybook, which is wrong! It's StoryWorth, and here is the website: www.welcome.storyworth.com
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This episode is an interview with my niece, Jenna. She became a DWOM in January, 2020 when her mom, my sister Amy, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
We've talked a lot about how Amy always made decisions for her. It felt like a topic that others may have experienced as well.
Her advice for making decisions without mom: Write out the question at hand. Make a list of pros and cons, and then consider what your moms answer would be, and write that out too. This process has helped her in her own decision-making journey.
All of your stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Tami lost her mom to cancer when Tami was 27 years old. 5 years later, she experienced another devastating loss, that caused her to go back and consider the way she grieved her mom.
Tami learned that, as a society, we do not handle grief well, and became a Restoration and Confidence Coach using her background in marriage and family therapist to support others in their journey.
Tami's takeaway: Allow yourself to sit in your grief for a while. Allow it to shape you and change you. Then get up and claim your new identity and BE.
Today, Tami is a Restoration and Confidence Coach. She is the founder of Tami Marie Coaching and Her Restored Spirit Podcast. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Around the 30 minute mark, you’ll hear that I lose my train of thought. After we were done recording, I shared with Tami that I would edit that part out. She suggested I leave it in, and acknowledge how grief brain can affect you, and that her therapist told her when you are deep in the moment of something, you can lose your train of thought. That is exactly what happened to me!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This episode includes my interview with Jonathan on the Grace Bond Ministries podcast. He was the 4th Jenkins sibling that I interviewed on the podcast last week. Then he asked me to share on his podcast.
The interview includes some of my views of where God was in my grief journey, and things we can do to prepare for the grief journey.
Jonathan also publishes the interview on YouTube, which is a first for me. If you'd like to watch our interview, click here.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Jonathan is my 4th Jenkins sibling to share their story on the podcast, and my 2nd son without a mom!
Jonathan was 15 when his mom passed after a second stroke. He kept a lot of his grief to himself during the time between his mom's strokes, and was not one to talk much. Now, he's spending most of his day talking to people about their life journey - as a youth pastor and at a funeral home.
Jonathan's take-away: Open up to people. Open up to someone you trust if you are struggling, and find someone to talk to. And most importantly look to Jesus Christ for your hope.
Jonathan has a podcast called Grace Bond Ministries. He also welcomes you to reach out to him if you have related to his sharing. You can reach Jonathan at gracebondministries@gmail.com.
You can hear his sister Danielle's story inEpisode 12, brother Raymond's story inEpisode 26 and sister Rebecca's story in Episode 29.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Rebecca is the 3rd Jenkins sibling to share their story on the DWOM podcast! Rebecca is the youngest in her family, and was 10 when her mom died after a 2nd stroke. Rebecca has a very strong connection to the love, kindness and support that she received from her mom. She distinctly remembers a time, after the 1st stroke, when her mom said to her "I'll always be watching you from the sidelines."
Rebecca's takeaway: Try to look on the bright side in ever situation. To see the beauty through the pain and realize why you're hurting and upset. Deal with it one day at a time. It doesn't get easier, it just gets more normal."
Big insights from an 18-year old that just graduated from high school!
You can hear her sister Danielle's story in Episode 12 and her brother Raymond's story in Episode 26. The final sibling, Johnathan, will share his story next week!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Angela Crump Volcy is a transformational speaker who inspires and coaches busy career women. She lost her mom in 2010, shortly after her brother died at the age of 42. Angela learned that the busy, no rest lifestyle of her mom and brother were not the path she wanted to follow. The loss of 2 close friends and a broken ankle sealed the deal in helping Angela reevaluate and change her priorities. Angela's Takeaway: Let your life count and do things that bring you joy! Remember to feed your soul emotionally and to slow down.
You can find more information about Angela on her website: www.angelacrumpvolcy.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram, and her podcast is called Be Wonderful You. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! Would you like to talk about your grief journey? Sign up for a complimentary 20-minute Connection Call here. For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
In this episode, I have a discussion with Katie and Rebecca about "Caregiver Identity Loss."
Rebecca shared the story of her mom in Episode 17, and my friend Katie was listening to Rebecca's episode soon after her 4 year old daughter, Cassidy, finished a 15-month treatment for a rare form of Neuroblastoma. Katie was so thankful to hear that the identity loss that can occur after completion of a long treatment plan is normal! So we decided to talk about the sense of loss that can happen when the appointments, tests, surgeries and hospital visits come to an end.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Do you need to talk? Sign up for a 20-minute Connection Call here.
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
This is my first interview with a son without a mom! Raymond's sister, Danielle, shared in Episode 12. Raymond reached out and said that he would like to share his story. I said absolutely!! Raymond has done a lot of hard work and soul searching over the past 8 years. He highly recommends the book The Grief Recovery Handbook, which played a big part in his grieving process. I also ask Raymond about his thoughts on how our culture expects men to grieve.
Raymond's takeaway: Don't let anyone tell you when you are supposed to grieve!
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
Need to talk? Sign up for a 20-minute Connection Call here.
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Jaime lost her mom almost 13 years ago, and instead of sharing the story of how she lost her mom, she shares 11 tips for living without a mom.
In addition to her daytime job, Jaime is a yoga teacher and you can find her at www.purebalanceandjoy.com. Jaime also shares about the club "Intentional Connectors" on Clubhouse.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Maria's mom died of lung cancer in 2013. She made the decision to go on hospice and passed less than 48 hours after making that decision. Maria is so proud of her mom for choosing her path with strength and courage. Maria credits her mom's strong faith in helping her make the decision. Maria's mom has shown up with many times in Maria's life, during times of difficult decisions and uncertainty.
You can find Maria on her website: www. mariamckeon.com, on Facebook and on Instagram.
All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
Welcome to the first episode that is not a Daughter Without A Mom! But, it's such an important story.
Chief Jim Leary was our local Police Chief for 10 years, until his recent retirement. In 2019, his wife Martha passed from ALS. Chief had 46 years of police service, and also served in the US Army. However, none of this training or experience prepared him for the grief after losing his wife. He's brutally honest and vulnerable about the grief experience he's had (and continues to have) and also shares tips on ways to honor yourself in the process.
All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a daughter to share your story. All are welcome!
For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.
These are recordings from Instagram live videos, where I share my thoughts on using grace and grit to grow with grief. They are the foundational elements of the Permission Program, and what I use to grow in my own grief journey.
To see more information, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com. You can reach me via email at daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
Today I'm sharing my thoughts on loss, shame and a pandemic. I wrote a blog about this in January, and shared my thoughts on the podcast Journey Within. It's a topic I'm passionate about and have done a lot of research on how the pandemic has amplified our feelings of loss and shame. I also discuss toxic positivity and social comparison, and provide a few ideas of what we can do in the midst of all of the heaviness. Permission I starts tomorrow! Sign up today if you'd like to join our weekly meetings on Wednesday at 6:00 pm EST. To learn more about my thoughts on grief and the Permission Program, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com. You can reach me via email at daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
Jolena lost her mom when she was 13. Her mom, Joan, was a single mom, and Jolena and her brother had an extremely close relationship with her. However, due to a never-ending stream of traumatic events, Jolena never really mourned her death. But now her mom is starting to show up in her life in new ways.
Jolena's Takeaway: Grief is a wicked little beast that can come in so many forms. But I really believe that you have so much power than you know to create healing. You can change your mindset and propel your healing forward.
Jolena has created a skin care line of holistic bath and body products to support families with eczema. Her company, Love Energy Nature, supports families dealing with eczema through a thriving online membership called Healthy Habits for Eczema, educational workshops, and her all-natural skincare line made for sensitive skin and packaged using sustainable materials. You can also find Jolena on Facebook and Instagram, and her email is loveenergynature@gmail.com.
Part I of my Permission Program will start on May 17th! To learn more the Permission Program, please visit my website or click here to sign up. Thanks for listening!
Christine Tangishaka's mom, Sylvia, was larger than life. She was the kindest, most welcoming woman, with deep faith. Sylvia died of pancreatic cancer in 2004. Christine had already lost her dad, too.
As Christine processed her own grief, she realized that there wasn't lots of support for motherless daughters. In 2017 she recalls thinking there ought to be a thing! And her husband encouraged her to do it. She became a certified Grief Support Specialist, and started "Remembering our Mothers."
Christine's takeaways:
-
2 words that my mother said the most: God's There
-
Even when its happening to you, its happening with you, and for you
You can find Christine at www.yourgriefspecialist.com. She is hosting a Remembering our Mother's virtual event coming on Saturday, May 8th at 4:00 pm EST. You can register for her event here. To reach Christine via email: christine@yourgriefspecialist.com
Part I of my Permission Program will start on May 18th! To learn more the Permission Program, please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com. Thanks for listening!
Today you’ll hear a portion of my story of being a daughter without a mom. I’ll share about losing my mom at 13, and how that affected the relationship I had with her mom and dad, my grandparents. My takeaways: 1. Don't believe the stories in your head 2. Share your story with others 3. Learn to love yourself Don’t forget to sign up for our virtual DWOM Mother’s Day Circle! The event will take place on May 4th at 7 pm EST. We will spend time together preparing for Mother's Day. Part I of my Permission Program will start on May 18th! A lot of the lessons that I talk about at the end of the podcast are taught in the Permission Program. To learn more the Permission Program, please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com. Thanks for listening!
Rebecca didn't have the best relationship with her mom. She was the youngest of 8 girls and left home at 17 1/2 to join the Air Force. Later in life, her mom was diagnosed with Leukemia, and Rebecca was her primary caregiver and advocate during her 2 year journey with the disease. Rebecca shares raw and personal stories about how she missed feeling loved by her mom, and how that has affected her even more since her mom's death.
In the podcast, Rebecca talks about the photo taking tradition she and her mom had during treatments and hospital stays. You can find the YouTube video here. Please note there is a mistake in the graphic on the video. Where it says 2017, it should read 2015. That was the start of their journey that ended in 2017.
Rebecca's Takeaway: You are loved. You are worthy. You can be okay, and then not okay, on your grief journey. It is important to recognize and feel your feelings, and give yourself the love that you didn't get.
Rebecca and her business partner have started Live Well RN. Their mission is: Two nurses with a passion for changing the patient experience by bridging the gap between the healthcare system and you. Rebecca personally wants to provide each and every person the opportunity to understand the healthcare system so that they can get the care they deserve at the level they desire.
Please join us for a free DWOM Mother's Day Circle event on May 4th at 7 pm EST. Click here to register.
Please visit my websitewww.yourgriefjourney.comfor my information and blogs.
Lori's mom was only 42 when she died. This does not stop her mother from having a profound effect on Lori's life, as well as her brother's and all of the communities in which her mom lived. Lori learned life long lessons from her mother's example and is continuing to share the legacy of her mother with others.
By the grace of the divine, and the influence of her mother and father, Lori Brown Mirabal, Ed.D. is a professional opera singer. Throughout her award-winning singing career Lori Brown Mirabal has worked with legendary opera and music theatre luminaries in international opera houses and on Broadway.
Along with her performing career, Lori has created an opera production company, Opera Soup Productions, LLC that introduces young audiences to opera in engaging and meaningful ways. Her first children’s book, “From Soul Singing to Opera Soup,” launches her career as a published author.
You can find everything about Lori on her website: www.loribrownmirabal.com
Lori's take-away that she would like to share with others: You do you. Think about your own grief timeline. Don't listen to other people's expectations for your grief. You do your grief in the way that works for you.
Please visit my websitewww.yourgriefjourney.comfor my information and blogs.
Patricia, like me, lost her mom to pancreatic cancer. Patricia spent a lot of time with her mom during her cancer journey, and was the first person the oncologist told when there were no more treatment options left. A few months after losing her mom, the country went into lockdown, and Patricia found a lot of support in the online grief community.
Patricia's takeaway: Listen to yourself if you need to pause. Reaching out to others for support is important. You will feel lonely, and you can't expect family and friends to understand what you are going through.
You can find Patricia on Instagram at Neshama Journey. She has recorded over 50 live interviews on life and loss, and you can see them there! Check out my live interview with Patricia that was recorded on March 15. You can also find Patricia on Clubhouse. Her club, Permission to Grieve, meets on Wednesday's at 6 pm EST.
More details on our Mother's Day event will be shared soon! In the meantime, please click here to sign up to receive a free, personalized postcard on Mother's Day.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Wendy, like me, is the last living person in her family. She lost her brother and sister, her mom and dad. Her mom passed within days of Wendy's 3rd son being born, and Wendy was unable to go to the funeral. She still feels difficult emotions about the relationship with her mom and is "shoulding" all over herself about the things she should have done.
Wendy's takeaway: Learn how to practice self-forgiveness. It is the only thing that makes it possible to heal and move forward with all of the things you "should have" or "could have" done. Remember, the turtle always wins! Baby steps are still progress.
Wendy is a college administrator and has been in the higher education field for over 20 years. She is also a college coach for students and their families. She will collaborate with you on the college application, college essay, financial aid, scholarships and more. She can help step of the way and make this process easier for you. You can find her on Facebook at the Caffeinated College Coach, on Instagram at caffeinated_coffee_coach and via email at caffeinatedcollegecoach@yahoo.com.
Please click here to sign up to receive a free postcard on Mother's Day. You are not alone.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs. Thanks for listening!
Nadine just lost her mom in September of 2020. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung, bone and breast cancer just 3 weeks after Nadine's 2019 wedding. Nadine was put in charge as the "strong one" during her mom's 50-week cancer journey. Nadine has since found that humor helps her express her grief, and she has started making memes about her mom's death on Instagram at @varsitygriefsquad.
Nadine also shared about The Dinner Party, a national young adult bereavement group, and recommends the book Dancing at the Pity Party, by Tyler Feder.
Nadine's take-away: There is always someone that is out there feeling the same thing that you are. It's so hard to find your community, especially during the pandemic, but there are always people going through the same things that you are going through. Support is crucial - please make sure to reach out.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Danielle lost the mom that she knew when her mom had a stroke, and then 9 months later when she had a second stroke that took her life. She shares how her mom was a mom to so many, and how she had endless love and energy for everyone. Danielle is adjusting to what life looks without her, especially as she prepares for her upcoming summer wedding.
Danielle's takeaway: "It doesn't get easier, you get to know yourself better."
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Maria is the 2nd 25 year old daughter without a mom that I've interviewed, and again, I'm so impressed with the maturity and emotional awareness she has! Maria lost her mom when she was 9 years old, to Lupus and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Maria is an only child, and became very attached to her dad and grandmother after the death of her mom.
Maria shared about the Safe Harbor program, a program offered at their local hospital, that both she and her dad participated in. It sounds amazing!
Maria's takeaway: Don't be afraid to talk about it! It has helped me grow so much, and I know it can help others too.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Sarah lost her mom when she was 9, and then lost her step-mom when she was 22. She recently became a mom herself, and realized how becoming a mom shifted a lot of her thoughts and feelings. She is sharing what she's learned and other tips, tricks and advice in an online community where all new moms are welcome: Entering Motherhood.
Website: www.enteringmotherhood.com
Instagram: @entering_motherhood and @sarah_marie_bilger
You can find her podcast on your favorite platform.
Sarah's takeaway: Don't feel ashamed or afraid. There are lots of people who feel this way too. Be vulnerable - maybe when you unfold it will open up a whole new conversation.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Kelsey lost her mom after a 15-year battle with 2 different types of cancer. She loves to learn in "bite-size" portions, and started an Instagram account to share the journey with others. You can find her at @_kelseylifeafterloss on Instagram.
Kelsey's takeaway: Loss is a universally shared experience and it should be something that is more comfortable to talk about. Lean into being uncomfortable.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Platitudes are phrases that are widely used and regarded as a safe thing to say to someone who is hurting.
In reality, these phrases normally have the opposite effect.
Listen to hear what fellow grievers have to say about platitudes, and how they made them feel.
Then, continue listening to hear words that were received as loving, caring and supportive.
This is not to make people for bad for the things they've said, as I don't believe people are trying to minimize grief. These are well known, commonly used phrases. This podcast will provide the opportunity to think ahead and plan for the next time we offer our condolences. Please share this podcast so we can spread awareness.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Becca's story is about losing her mom to Alzheimer's. Although her mom is still alive, she hasn't been able to communicate for several years.
Her takeaway is that having a loved one with Alzheimer's is like getting on the wrong train and going somewhere you didn't want to go. But you just need to go for the journey and see where it takes you.
Becca graciously offered herself as a resource to anyone else also having a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia. Becca's email address is mindsetmacrosmuscles@gmail.com.
You can also find her at these places:
https://www.facebook.com/mindsetmacrosmuscles
https://www.instagram.com/mindset_macros_muscles/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AudaciTeeCo
www.teacherinyourpocket.com
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Note: there are sporadic connection issues during this podcast
Lauren lost her mom just over a year ago to leukemia. She shares several things she's done to honor her mom, to help others and herself.
Her takeaway is to know that your grief matters and to be gentle and kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with the loss of someone you love.
During her interview, Lauren shares about her Cards for Their Memory project, where she sends a card to you on the anniversary of your loved one's passing. You can find more about her card project on her Instagram feed: @grieffrom30kfeet. If you are a creator and would like to donate cards for her grief project, please send Lauren a direct message. She also blogs on her website www.grieffrom30kfeet.com.
Please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com for my information and blogs.
Here's a little more about the loss of my mom, dad and sister. I'll go into further detail of each story later, but I thought I should share a bit of my stories along with the brave women who have shared their stories so far!
For more information, please visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com
To apply for an interview on the Daughters Without Moms podcast, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com
Alexia shares the story of losing her mom to cancer, and how they weren't allowed to talk about it after her mom died.
Her takeaway is to try and learn something from what grief is showing you.
You can find information about the Permission program on my website www.yourgriefjourney.com
Alison lost her mom when she was 18, at the end of her senior year in high school. Alison shares the story of her mom's 12-year battle with breast cancer, and her own journey to self-identity and emotional awareness since then.
Alison's take-away: My grief journey has taught me that it's ok to talk to other people about how you are feeling, and that you don't have to do this alone.
Please leave a message for Alison using the message button on the Anchor homepage for this podcast.
If you are interested in learning more, visit www.yourgriefjourney.com. The Permission Program will launch on January 18th!
Yvonne was told as a child that her mother wanted nothing to do with her. As she got older, she learned a different story.
Yvonne's take-away: My grief journey has helped me always be able to see a different perspective. I'm always looking for the other side of the story, and have a capacity for empathy larger than myself.
Please leave a comment or voice note if you resonated with Yvonne's story!
UPDATE Yvonne shared that after doing this interview, she realized that she had a lot she had not dealt with, and is now in therapy. So happy for you, Yvonne!
If you are interested in growing in your grief, visit my website www.yourgriefjourney.com today. The Permission Program will launch on January 18th!
Get to know a little about me, what this show will be about, and why I'm doing this now.