It's All About the Story: Personal Grief Stories: Recent Episodes
Rick Bergh
Your Grief Story is important. Share it with others. Encourage one another. Each of our episodes explore a specific type of loss that is unique and important. Guests openly share their personal stories.
Gut Health and Grief:What you need to knowWith Pamela Groulx
It began with an auto-immune disease of a young daughter. And it continues to today – a passion for Pamela Groulx to educate people about the importance of gut health and its role in leading a holistic life. Rick discusses with Pamela the role of gut health as it applies to those who are grieving. Tune in to hear the practical insights that Pamela has to share about this subject that impacts all of us.
Pamela Groulx, C.H.N.C.
Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant ™
Advanced Certification in Pediatric Nutrition
pamela@gut2health.com
www.gut2health.com
https://instagram.com/gut2health
linkedin.com/in/pamela-groulx
After experiencing the murder of her sister, the fatal accident of her next-door neighbor and the personal loss of miscarriage, Anne Peterson decided it was time to include more of God in her life.
As a result, Anne returned to writing poetry – something she loved to do in her childhood. Through poetry, she was able to express her deepest questions and emotions and discovered who God really was in her most difficult valleys.
Website: annepeterson.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/annepetersonwrites
Access Anne's free eBooks and sign up for her newsletter.
https://www.annepeterson.com/helping-someone-in-grief/
"Life is hard. I write words to make it softer."
Kintsugi Your Heart
The Art of Living with Grief
Carol shares her story of grief following the death of her husband and jazz musician, Brian.
Learn about how changing the environment in her journey – attending a Catholic convent and practicing silence – led her to a deeper understanding of grief and a new career path to help others in their grief.
Learn about Carol’s acronym – C.H.O.O.S.E. – and discover how to move forward by focusing on gratitude.
www.carolbanens.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-banens-6a575432/
https://www.facebook.com/carol.banens/
https://www.youtube.com/@carolbanens7544
https://www.instagram.com/carol.banens/
Grief Cafe. First Thursday of each month. 9.30am-10.am EST. It is a place where people can come and share their grief stories and feel like they are not alone. http://www.carolbanens.com/grief-cafe
Kintsugi Your Heart: The Art of Living With Grief can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1739030605
Brian's website for those interested is: www.brainbrowne.com
The Grief Journey of a Mom and Her Three Young ChildrenNikki Paul openly shares her grief journey following the traumatic death of her husband as result of a vehicle accident.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Nikki learns new lessons and skills in the midst of her deep grief, working through a new chapter as a single mom with three young children.
Find hope in Niki’s story and her renewed sense of purpose as she encourages other moms in her role as a grief coach who has experienced loss herself.
coachingwithnikki@outlook.com
It’s happened to many of us – we return to work following the death of a loved one. We’re anxious. Our co-workers are afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Suzanne Jobour returned to work with trepidation following the death of her son, Ben. She now shares her experience openly – her grief journey resulted in a mission to help change grief in the workplace, one organization at a time.
Suzanne Jabour (she/her)
https://SuzanneJabour.com
Grief Educator for business leaders who want to address grief in the workplace to save money and boost retention, engagement and productivity.
Becky Cort combines two passions in her profession of caring for those who are experiencing loss: her compassion for people and her love of horses.
Learn about the fascinating world of Equine Assistant Therapy, and the role a horse can play with its ability to create a non-judgmental space for those who are on a grief journey.
rebeccacort@comcast.net
Lisa and Monica first met on a flight from Las Vegas to Calgary. Little did they know that they would become best friends because of their common grief journey - both had experienced the death of a parent.
Hear about their first encounter, the lessons they've learned from each since then, and their ongoing long-distance friendship as they continue to support each other in their grief across the miles.
You'll be encouraged and challenged as you hear their amazing and unique story.
Holistic nutrition professional and Red Seal chef, Jenna Den Hoed, joins us for a second episode about nutrition and health.
Jen will help us reflect upon the foods we purchase and eat. She’ll also take a deep dive into understanding foods that help us sleep better and support brain health.
Why not begin 2024 by examining the foods you ingest and by discovering how to change your eating habits so you can find energy and enjoy life to the max?
https://jenourish.ca/
Book a free discovery call with Jenna
Holistic nutrition professional and Red Seal chef, Jenna Den Hoed, takes us into the fascinating world of foods for healthy living.
In this episode you will receive a wealth of information about why your body works the way it does and why certain foods help you to thrive as you nourish body, mind, and soul.
You will learn about stress and food, gaining information from current research that will answer many of your food choice questions.
You’ll also hear Jenna’s personal story as she was diagnosed with celiac disease at seven years of age. This in turn led to her passion of helping people understand food choices for their ongoing health and happiness.
https://jenourish.ca/
Book a free discovery call with Jenna
How do you start a conversation about your own end of life? And when is a good time to talk about it? Holly Stubbs’ story – of learning from her Nan at an early age and her ongoing experience as an end-of-life educator, death doula and funeral director – offers us wisdom about this often-difficult topic. Learn from Holly as she takes us through the steps that she uses to begin this important discussion with family members. Join us for Around the Kitchen Table.
Email: holly@seekingsolace.com.au
Instagram: seekingsolacetasmania
Facebook: Seeking Solace
Website: www.seekingsolace.com.au (currently under construction)
In this podcast, host Rick Bergh interviews Jackie Maxwell, who shares her personal experience with eating disorders, specifically anorexia and bulimia. Jackie discusses the challenges she faced, the impact on her mental and physical health, and the many losses she experienced over the years. And yet, she offers hope and wisdom to those who might be struggling with an eating disorder and insightful suggestions to those who may know a family member or friend who is struggling with this disease.
To contact Jackie:
https://www.awarenessandrenew.com/
Audrey White experienced eight significant losses in a short period of time – both her mother and father died, followed by her brother’s murder.
These compound losses drove her into deep learning and an ongoing quest for more understanding.
Audrey’s unexpected calling to companion others in their grief journey as a grief coach will inspire you. I invite you to listen to her story as one who has experienced much loss and now has a passion to serve others in their grief journey.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 32, Jana and her husband Cory’s hopes and dreams took a different direction. Jana shares candidly the many challenges of living daily with this disease and the losses she experienced. She also offers practical suggestions about how we might be sensitive to others who are on a similar journey to hers.
Writing Poetry – A Griever’s Friend
Seven years into Mike Berhardt’s marriage, his wife died.
Writing poetry became a means to express his deep loss on paper.
Reaching out to other grievers, Mike found that, like himself, many others also expressed their experience through poetry. He compiled his first book of poems, Voices of the Grieving Heart.
Thirty years later, during COVID, he gathered more poems and re-contacted the original contributors to hear about their grief journeys 30 years later. These reflections resulted in a second addition of his book.
Hear Mike’s story, his poems, the poems of other contributors and Mike’s thoughts on the sixth stage of grief, Finding Meaning.
https://mikebernhardt.net/
Writing Poetry – A Griever’s Friend
Seven years into Mike Berhardt’s marriage, his wife died.
Writing poetry became a means to express his deep loss on paper.
Reaching out to other grievers, Mike found that, like himself, many others also expressed their experience through poetry. He compiled his first book of poems, Voices of the Grieving Heart.
Thirty years later, during COVID, he gathered more poems and re-contacted the original contributors to hear about their grief journeys 30 years later. These reflections resulted in a second addition of his book.
Hear Mike’s story, his poems, the poems of other contributors and Mike’s thoughts on the sixth stage of grief, Finding Meaning.
https://mikebernhardt.net/
TELL ME NOWLong-distance words that matter at the end of life
Katie Cowan’s much-loved auntie was in her final days on earth. The terminal diagnosis and placement into palliative care during COVID and subsequent restrictions meant that Katie had limited access to her aunt…
Wouldn’t her aunt want to hear significant stories and memories from friends?
Wouldn’t connecting with the many people that her aunt had touched during her lifetime be helpful in her aunt’s last chapter?
Wouldn’t it be important for people to share their most impactful stories?
In this podcast, you’ll hear how Katie solved this problem and how it made a difference in her auntie’s last days. Katie will also reflect upon why we might want to consider last words and how the concept of a living memorial might impact our own last chapter.
https://tellmenow.ca/
Viewing Grief Through a Holiday Lens
Following the death of his father, Richard Allen began an in-depth search to understand his grief experience. This led to him write three books, each book focusing on a different aspect of grief that he discovered through his own grief journey and through research.
In this interview, he speaks about his experience and shares some of his wisdom, applying it to a holiday grief experience.
email: breadandwinemediallc@outlook.com
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/GriefSupportGroup.LifeAfter/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letthegriefbegin/
Keep Calm and Cope With Grief - https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Calm-Cope-Grief-Chapters/dp/B09QK7RD3K/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Life After This - https://www.amazon.com/Life-After-This-Chapters-Contacted/dp/B0B5NJ5TKM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Nature's Reach - https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Reach-Coping-Grief-Natural/dp/B0BH3C713K/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664840597&sr=1-4
author homepage on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09QLD1D1Z?ingress=0&visitId=f4384fd4-1f72-4cbc-9ca9-ed29d3cfcacc
Jennifer Thom entered into the funeral profession as a result of a personal family tragedy. It drove her to consider the importance of communicating honestly about death, dying and grief.
For two decades, she has helped hundreds of families in the midst of grief which led to her writing her book, When Flowers Are Not Enough.
Jennifer offers her wisdom as it relates to Holiday Grief and provides some profound insights that will help lighten your grief during one of the most difficult times of the year, when so many people are experiencing joy – and you, sadness.
Physical book https://www.stronger-lifeconnections.com/offers/XHC77LiH/checkout
E-book https://www.stronger-lifeconnections.com/offers/FDoT2dSi/checkout
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/When-Flowers-Arent-Enough-Lessons-ebook/dp/B09JG244FX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=YU879LTKGIBK&keywords=when+flowers+aren%27t+enough&qid=1670347618&sprefix=when+flowers+arent+enough%2Caps%2C331&sr=8-2
In this podcast, Anette Stanwick openly shares her personal grief journey following the murder of her brother.
Listen to her powerful story and she moves from deep sadness and anger towards peace and forgiveness.
You will be deeply touched by the events in her life that changed her heart and have now become her life’s message to help other people experiencing the hold that un-forgiveness has on their life.
https://annettestanwick.com/
Infant Death… Times Three
One father’s story of the minutes he shared
John and his wife, Susan, were expecting triplets. The prospect of raising three children simultaneously was part of their everyday conversation and future dreams.
Then complications led to the death of all three infants.
John and Susan chose to honour the few minutes they had with each child. In this interview, John inspires us to look at each brief moment as a valued gift to be viewed with gratitude.
John Sirpilla is a best-selling author who offers his listeners some important principles on how to live with loss. His words are sure to encourage and equip you on your own personal journey of grief.
https://www.encourage33.com/
To purchase Johnny's book:
Life is Hard but I'll Be OK: The Power of Hope Emerging through Pain and Learning to Live with Gratitude please go to amazon.com
How My Daughter’s Death Changed Me
The death of her only daughter, Tiffany, pushed Sharon into a deep pursuit of God, as she searched for meaning and purpose.
Following Tiffany’s tragic accident and death, Sharon chose to move intentionally into her grief in order to explore her future.
Coming out the other side 27 years later, Sharon now shares what she has learned along the path of grief and how it gave her a new purpose, leading her to pen her latest book, *Riding the Waves of Grief.
https://enlightenedgrieving.blog/
https://www.amazon.ca/RIDING-WAVES-GRIEF-Strategies-Drowning/dp/B09P2R548C*
Jordan was married for 12 days. Then tragedy struck. He died in a workplace accident.
Listen to the deeply moving story of his mom, Shirley, as she describes the grief journey following her son’s death.
She speaks about the turning point in her grief journey where she began ask some important questions. Those questions led her to a different understanding of pain and God’s new purpose for her life.
In this podcast, you will discover practical tools on companioning people in their grief journey. Shirley has distilled her own learning and wisdom into an online course entitled Hope Heroes.
You will be surprised at how the title of her book came into being and how it prepared a mom for the tragic news of her son’s death.
To purchase the book or course please go to: https://shirleythiessen.com/
Katty Douraghty joins me for a fascinating interview, reflecting upon her grief journey.
In 2011, Katty's mother, father and step-mother all died within a 4-month period.
It was following her mom’s death that she experienced something unusual, mysterious and unexplainable, changing the way she viewed grief moving forward.
Learn how “grief woke Katty up” leading her to write her book, The ButterflyYears: Journey Through Grief Toward Hope.
Tune in and discover some grieving practices that were helpful to Katty during her journey and may be helpful to you as well.
Please use the discount code to purchase the book: https://www.butterflyyears.com/discount/Story15
https://www.butterflyyears.com/
Terry died by suicide at the young age of 29. His mom, Barbara, reflects upon her journey and shares her wisdom about the type of grief she experienced following the suicide.
Barbara will share her story and tell us how she continues to honour and remember Terry, 11 and a half years later. She'll offer listeners valuable insight from her experience and recommend some important resources for those on a similar grief journey.
Love for a Big Sister
Still strong, even in the missing
Hayden Lewis was 24 years old when his big sister died of cancer.
Seven years later, Hayden shares about his journey with Rebekah, his sister, including the few weeks prior to her death. You’ll hear about his grief as the only remaining child in his family, his transition through loss and how he continues to remember his sister in his new chapter.
Widowed at age 47, Reg Harbeck reflects upon his grief journey ten years later.
Why is it important to be open to mysterious and unexplainable experiences that help us in our grief? How does one make meaning of past events?
Learn how Reg and his two adult children chose to honour Monica on the 10th anniversary of her passing.
Two Important Questions About Dementia
7 caregivers share their answers and lived experience
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
A group of caregivers from the Voices in Motion choir – a choir for people with dementia – share their wisdom and lived experience.
They share their perspective on these two questions:
1. What is something you wish you had known about dementia before experiencing it firsthand?
2. What is your message to a person who is just beginning the journey following a dementia diagnosis?
They will take you into their lives and give you a snapshot of what it means to journey with a loved one who has dementia.
For some, retirement can be filled with loss and uncertainty. We are excited at first, but then purpose and meaning comes streaming into our lives as the days unfold.
Rev. Ed Skutshek, past president of Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations and past pastor of Grace Lutheran, Kelowna encourages and challenges us to be open to the possibilities that God has for us in the next chapter following retirement.
Learn from Pastor Ed as he shares his retirement story and how God when you are open to his leading always has something for you in the next chapter of your life.
Rona is from Afghanistan. She is a newcomer to Canada. She openly shares her story about her experience.
Some call this holiday season “the happiest time of the year.” But what’s it like to be separated from loved ones who are still back in your country - one that is filled with turmoil? What can we do to bring happiness to those who have arrived as newcomers and are now trying desperately to adapt to a new life in Canadian culture?
Don’t miss this eye-opening but heart-warming podcast.
Journey Home Community Association:
https://www.journeyhomecommunity.ca/
The Tenth refugee support page:could be for interest, but we haven't updated recently:https://www.tenth.ca/ministries/tenth-local/pages/refugee-support--265
Randy and Val were excited to welcome their first granddaughter into the world.
But joy turned to sadness when the baby died before entering into the world.
Listen to Randy's heartfelt story as he shares his heart as a grandpa, father and pastor.
Death experiences often take us to deep, inner places of personal reflection.
Sometimes the grief path that follows a death teaches us unique ways that help us not only cope but also experience moments of joy again.
Kimberley Pittman-Schulz shares her personal story of grief and loss, offering us practical insights from her recently published best-selling book, Grieving Us: A Field Guide for Living with Loss Without Losing Yourself.
https://www.poetowl.com/
https://www.poetowl.com/aboutthestory
What does it mean to “re-member” a loved one who has died? Rick Bergh invites us to consider healthy ways to grieve our loved one whom we’re missing this Thanksgiving.
Rick Bergh share some insights and strategies to help us include the person who died into our holiday celebration and recognize some of the challenges within every family.
People experience many transitions in a dementia journey – both the person diagnosed with dementia and the family members. Caregivers can feel overwhelmed and surprised by the unexpected twists and turns and the need to make many hard decisions.
In this podcast, you’ll hear Wendy share her powerful story. Her goal is to help break down the stigma that surrounds dementia by bringing it into the public arena through the arts.
Behind every story is a deeper story.
Leslie McBain’s son, Jordan, died of an overdose at age 24.
This is one mom’s story of grief and loss. You’ll learn about Moms Stop the Harm, an organization that is having a huge impact on thousands of people’s lives. Her story and the movement she’s involved in will help us look at drug addiction through a different lens.
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/
In 41 days, David Richman rode 5000 miles to meet the individuals and families he had interviewed for his book, Cycle of Lives.
What he learned from these cancer stories will touch you deeply and provide information that will help you enter into the difficult – but necessary – conversations with those who've been diagnosed with cancer.
Come and hear these stories and discover some helpful strategies.
www.david-richman.com
Cycle of Lives is available in bookstores and on Amazon.
By the age of 22, Maria-Teresa Allaire had experienced the death of her mom, her dad and her fiancée.
Over the years, Teresa has engaged her own grief journey by intentionally including personal rituals in her life in order to remember and continue the relationship with these special people.
Teresa shares her insights into the importance of rituals and offers practical strategies for each of us to consider in our own grief journey.
https://mariateresaallaire.com/
A grief journey is unique for each person. But how might it differ when the death is Medical Assistance in Dying ?
What are some of the differences, if there are any?
In this episode on It's All About the Story, Lindsey Mansfield shares her thoughts and heart following the death of her grandpa.
Dr. Joshua Black has studied the role and meaning of dreams in a person’s grief journey. Join us and learn about his research and why your dreams could become an important part to your journey forward following the death of a loved one.
https://www.griefdreams.ca/
First responders have been forced to adjust the way they provide their service during COVID.
First responder and paramedic, David Kopperud, is here to tell us about the changing landscape of his work as a result of COVID, how paramedics have adjusted to the changing circumstances, and how David personally manages his own mental health in the midst of trauma and loss in in his everyday work.
At 54 years of age, Karen Potts chose to change direction in her life…during COVID.
It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Karen shares her ups and downs, her journey that includes loss, self-examination, hope and joy restored.
Miscarriage and Grief
What makes it different?
Anna Spray, an Anglican priest shares her professional experience of coming alongside women who have experienced a miscarriage and opens up to share her own personal story.
Anna helps us open up the conversation in an area of grief that still remains silent by many.
Grief in the WorkplaceWhat happens when a co-worker dies?
Reg had worked alongside Sherry and Ron for 15 years. Then he was diagnosed with cancer and died.
A deep friendship had developed between the “3 Muskateers” that went beyond the working relationship. Now there’s a special person missing in their lives each time they come to work.
Sherry talks about this relationship – the grief that is unique to a co-worker who has died – and shares her insight
Dawson Died at Age Three
The Twists and Turns of His Parents’ Journey
Dawson was diagnosed with Leukemia at 18 months. After numerous treatments, hospital visits and the hope brought by remission, he died at age 3.
As Steve and Karen navigated the loss of their special boy, a new path emerged. It was a chapter that would still include their son, but with a different purpose they believed was from above.
Listen to their powerful story of faith, hope, love and purpose.
Available on amazon
Comfort for the Day: Living Through the Seasons
by Karen and Steven Nicola
"I went to one of the author's workshops and found the information I received very helpful in how to support those who are grieving. I began giving this book out to friends who are going through grief. I keep a couple of the books on hand and even though I have not experienced grief recently, I have browsed through the book and found the prompts for daily writing very inspirational. Friends who have received the books as a gift truly love the material that helps them through the days following the death of a loved one. Sharing the book has been an excellent way to reach out and share love to those going through grief."
Contact Steven and Karen for grief coaching or to access other programs, resources and services. https://comfortfortheday.com/
From Olympic Rower to Brain Injury to Renewed Purpose
Meet Linda Schaumleffel
Linda’s life changed when a serious car accident left her with brain injury and ensuing complications.
Listen to the amazing story of this Olympian – how she turned her story of loss into one of passion and legacy in order to help others.
Wendy said, “Life is good, I can’t imagine it being any better. And then a mental illness not diagnosed pushed her into a dark place.”
Wendy continued, “I would liken it to If I was in a fire, I was trying to get away.”
Hear Wendy’s gripping story as she honestly shares her journey with Bipolar and offers us wisdom and hope to live fully as one diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.
Rescue from Darkness by Wendy Roste
https://www.amazon.ca/Rescue-Darkness-memoir-Bipolar-Disorder-ebook/dp/B07BXLPWSP
Contact Wendy:
email: wroste@gmail.com
In this episode, Rick Bergh reflects upon the death, dying and grief experienced by the family of Walter Gretzky.
Rick identifies 4 take-aways that are important in moving forward after the death of a special person in our lives.
Both his parents died within five weeks of each other. He wrote each parent a poem and read it at their funeral. Those two poems changed the course of his life and career forever.
Neil Beresin, is now an inter-faith chaplain, a specialist in grief, loss and transition, and poetry plays a major role in his work.
Neil Beresin, M.Ed. (he/him)
Grief and Loss Support Services (Private Practice)
https://griefandpoetry.com/
Why You Need to Develop a Relationship with Grief During COVID
Rick Bergh invites you to consider developing a “relationship with loss” by identifying the problem stories that are the heaviest in your life and by adding healthy interventions to lighten their impact.
Where and from whom can young people learn about grief and loss?
Why might it be important to bring the generations together?
Seniors are often well versed in various life transitions that include resilience in loss.
Why do seniors and young people need each other?
We invite Dr. Debra Sheets, Associate Professor, School of Nursing at the University of Victoria into this important discussion.
For more information about Memory Café VictoriaContact: Debra Sheets, Ph. D., MN, RN
Email: dsheets@uvic.ca
Concussion and Grief: Stigma, Facts and Wisdom
Disenfranchised in many ways and not easily diagnosed – those who suffer a serious concussion experience grief and loss on so many levels.
*As one who continues to live with the side effects of his concussion, Mark shares his personal story and offers an honest perspective on prevention, education and treatment.
Please contact Mark through his facebook account.
https://www.facebook.com/mark.myrehaug*
The pregnancy went well.
Conversations about the hopes and dreams of bringing their first child into the world occupied the minds of Stef and Layna, the parents-to-be.
Then, the unthinkable. Could it really be true? No heartbeat of our precious baby?
Listen to a mother who continues to miss and love her child who would have been 14 years old. Discover how they have chosen to include their first child, Madelaine, in their family forever.
What’s It Like to Live with Dementia?
Two couples share their stories
Miki and Daphne. Al and Pat.
Two couples. Each one has a partner with dementia.
Hear the heartfelt stories of how they met, their life together, the interruption of a dementia diagnosis and how they live their lives day to day on this journey.
This interview was recorded prior to COVID.
One Man’s Mission to Break down a Disease He Lives With Daily
The best way to be educated about dementia is to learn from a person who is on the dementia journey themselves.
Tune in and learn from Jim Mann, recent recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of British Columbia, in recognition for his dedicated advocacy work in helping break down the stigma that can often surround dementia.
Diagnosed at age 58 with Alzheimer’s Disease, Jim gives listeners deep insights from his lived experience.
As an advocate for the rights of people with dementia, he has been acknowledged as the single-most influential person in Canada for countering negative stereotypes and promoting an inclusive society in which persons with dementia can make an active and meaningful contribution.
Dr. Stuart MacDonald shares the significant research findings from an in-depth study conducted at the University of Victoria, BC. The researchers' goal was to examine the impact of singing in a choir on people with dementia, their caregivers, students and friends.
Group singing, as it turns out, has many more benefits than singing solo.
Tune in and discover how group singing not only impacts our psychological health but also our heart, lung and brain health. It may be one of THE best ways to combat social isolation too!
We need to share this healthy intervention "from the mountain tops" and invite people to sing together! It's not just an option, it's a necessity.
Hear three kids' points of view on how COVID has impacted them. Connor (age 9), Ella (age 7) and Jake (age 5) tell us what life has been like for them this past 10 months and the one word that sums up what we all long for in 2021.
Keeara, their mom, will share how the children have managed, what they've learned as a family and how they plan to face an uncertain future in the midst of this global pandemic.
We tell many stories when we get together during holiday celebrations.
Some, we have heard many times and other new stories are waiting to be happen.
This year, the familiar stories of the past may not easily be shared because of our situation.
In this episode, Rick Bergh unpacks the unexpected grief that comes as a result of not being able to tell the stories of the past that connect us and why remembering is such an important part of any grief experience.
Why is remembering so important to us as human beings?
What does remembering have to do with grief?
What is it about the holidays that we most look forward to?
Friends? Family gatherings? Re-connecting with those we don't get to see during the year?
But this year will be different...
If you find yourself grieving, you are not alone in your grief.
In this episode, Rick Bergh unpacks the unexpected grief that comes as a result of missing community - that sense of connecting.
Why is connecting so important to us as human beings?
What does connection have to do with grief?
Are you sad about the holidays this year?
Do you know why you are sad? I mean, apart from the fact that you can't meet together with family and friends as in past years?
In this episode, Rick Bergh unpacks the unexpected grief that comes as a result of missing community - that sense of belonging.
Why is belonging so important to us?
What does it have to do with grief?
The Mystery of the Giving Toques
Where did they come from? Do you know?
They were dropped off in a van. Three huge garbage bags full.
Hundreds of colorful knitted winter toques. But who made them? Where did they come from? No one seems to know. It’s a mystery.
Meet Sharon Rottier a home care nurse in Westlock, Alberta.
Bereavement educator and counselor, Rick Bergh, reflects upon the grief that so many of us are experiencing at the hands of COVID-19 as we prepare for Christmas.
Learn about the grief reaction that’s turning our time of celebration and joy into a sense of sadness – and how to deal with it.
Rick will help us prepare for a COVID Christmas, encouraging us to plan ahead for a very different Yuletide this year.
How do you handle loss when it takes you by storm?
One woman’s journey with multiple loss and her new story of joy and love.
When I first spoke with Autumn Tolle-Jackson, I said to myself, this is too much for one person.
It’s not fair.
Autumn experienced two miscarriages, a cousin, grandfather, husband and a child die within a very short period of time.
And then when I heard Autumn talk about your new story I asked myself, “How did Autumn do that?”
Transition, adaptation, discovering love and joy again, a new chapter that is good
You don't want to miss this episode and learn some nuggets of grief wisdom from Autumn and hear about the book she published around her stories and journey.
The book, Boldly into the Darkness: Living with Loss, Growing with Grief.
You can learn more about Autumn and find other resources on her website.
www.growingwithgrief.com
In this podcast, Rick Bergh reflects upon the rich traditions and rituals surrounding Remembrance Day.
He invites us to consider our own grief and mourning practices as we take a closer look at how Canada honors its war veterans and remembers those who gave their lives for our freedom.
By the age of 22, Maria-Teresa Allaire had experienced the death of her mom, her dad and her fiancée.
A ritual found in her family heritage introduced her to the significance of the Day of the Dead which set her on a course of heathy grieving.
Once you hear Teresa’s story, you may even want to consider how to include this celebration in your own life. It’s a way to remember loved ones who have died and recognize their ongoing importance in in your life.
Thanksgiving Weekend and Grief
But how can I be thankful?
Bereavement educator and grief counselor, Rick Bergh, reflects upon the challenge of grief on the holiday of Thanksgiving.
He shares the wisdom from his first wife, Pam, that continues to impact him every Thanksgiving weekend. He also talks about the importance of family conversations that need to include both a recognition of the loss as well as the ability to celebrate.
How One Funeral Home Has Adapted as a Result of COVID-19
Exploring loss from both sides
Those in the funeral industry experience loss every day. The calling to be a funeral director is a vocation that requires deep compassion and the ability to be present when difficult emotions are expressed by family members who are grieving.
What happens when your profession and industry are turned upside down because of a global pandemic?
Come and learn some of the challenges in the funeral industry as a result of COIVD-19 and how funeral homes are adapting, reaching out and continuing to become even more important in our changing society.
Meet: David Williamson
Unknown Gifts in COVID
How one caregiver discovered that her husband had a new talent
She had a whiteboard in her kitchen for to-do and grocery lists. When she came home, it was covered in bright artwork that was created by her husband who has Loui body disease.. Ever since then, he’s created many works for art and their home has become a gallery for his newfound talent and joy, even in the midst of COVID.
Meet: Al and Pat
The road with dementia is filled with many challenges and uncertainties already.
But what happens when you add into the mix one other challenge: COVID-19.
Come and hear from Maria Howard, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. as she shares some of the extra challenges those with dementia and their caregivers have been forced to deal with the last seven months and then provides some practical advice to help us engage people on a dementia journey.
Lockdown
How I coped when I couldn’t see my partner and the surprise event that I didn’t expect
It’s hard enough being away from a loved one who has memory loss and who is a resident at an extended care facility.
But what if you couldn’t visit them at all because of COVID restrictions?
How do you cope with that? Susan-Rose and Bram were among those who had to manage that all-too-frequent scenario.
And then something happened that created a memory to never be forgotten.
Meet: Susan Rose
Keep on Singing
Why do people keep on coming back for more?
A dementia choir in Victoria rose to the occasion, figuring out the technology in order to keep on singing and then recording O Canada in their own homes – the version used by the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s for its Walk for Alzheimer’s. The choir has continued to sing (online) throughout this pandemic.
Listen to Erica Phare-Bergh the artistic director and choral conductor of Voices in Motion reflect back on the last 6 months and what she has learned from the choir.
Priscila is a high school student. Two and a half years ago, she and some of her peers volunteered to sing in a choir.
It was a choir for people with dementia and caregivers.
Little did Priscila know that these choristers would give her a peak into their world and inspire her to write and publish a book about her experience as a 17-year old.
You’ll be intrigued by her story.
Meet: Priscila Kumar
Your friend posts on Facebook that their loved one has just died. You feel you have to say something or click on an emoji to respond. Have you ever considered if the words that you just wrote on their Facebook page were helpful or not?
Are you interested as to which words are generally gratefully received by a grieving person?
In this episode we will examine some of the most helpful words people can share on Facebook that are appreciated by a person who has just openly shared sad news of the loss of a loved one.
Why you don’t recover from grief and don’t have to
Is it time to speak a different language when we talk about grief to ourselves and with those around us?
Ricks wife Erica interviews Rick to share an important component in his grief philosophy reflecting back this past week on the 12 anniversary of his first wife Pam’s death.
Lyme Disease and Loss
The grief of not knowing and the fear of wondering what’s ahead
Meet Candice Bentley-Bergh.
Grief and loss enter our lives in many different forms. How about waiting ten years for a diagnosis in the prime of your young adult life?
Tune it to It’s All About the Story and be inspired by a young women’s perseverance and determination to never give up, despite her many challenges along the way.
You will be touched by Candice’s story as she shares her difficult journey with Lyme disease, what she learned about herself, what she learned about others and the next chapter she’s been longing for.
The Church and Loss During COVID
Understanding the grief of parishioner and priest alike
Meet Bishop Charlie Masters – Anglican Network in Canada
The church is an important place for many individuals. Gathering together as a community is a significant part of many people’s weekly routine and support system.
Priests and pastors, whose role it is to engage church members, have been learning how best to care for and meet the needs of their members, often at a distance.
Come and learn about the many losses that those in church communities face in the midst of COVID.
Retirement During COVIDIs the send-off the same?
Meet Chris Havers
Retirement comes to all of us at some point in our lives. We prepare for it. We look forward to it. We get ready to say goodbye to a career and hello to a new life moving forward.
But what if your retirement time frame happened to land during COVID-19 when getting together is an important part of our transition?
COVID is challenging us to do retirement differently.
Dying During COVID
The changing face of hospice care
Meet Pansy Angevine
A hospice is a special place. It’s a final home for loved ones to live out the last days of their life
in compassionate care and love. It is a place to gather as family and friends and to have those final conversations with the people we love before they die.
COVID-19 has thrown a curve ball into the role of hospice. Come and learn from Pansy Angevine as she shares the challenges of both family and staff in how best to care for a person who is drawing near to their last breath.
Seniors in Social Isolation
Bringing hope to our elderly
Meet Shelley Morris
Seniors in care centers are experiencing many types of loss due to COVID-19 restrictions.
As CEO of one of Victoria’s most successful seniors’ residences, Shelley knows how tough isolation can be for our seniors. What are these difficult days bringing to staff, residents and families? How can we be sensitive to their needs?
Seniors in care centers are experiencing many types of loss due to COVID-19 restrictions.
As CEO of one of Victoria’s most successful seniors’ residences, Shelley Morris knows how tough isolation can be for our seniors. What are these difficult days bringing to staff, residents and families? How can we be sensitive to their needs?
When you see a problem, you ask yourself if there is something that you can offer to solve it.
COVID -19 has been very challenging for seniors in isolation.
A group of post-secondary students who wanted to make a difference, and share their skills, came together and did someting about it.
Learn about their story and hear about the many ways they are reaching out to our valuable seniors under one platform. www.wiseandwellvic.com
Turing 100- Without My Family
Meet Brenda Brophy
Brenda and her family had been planning her mom’s 100th birthday for months. And then the pandemic hit. All their plans for this special event evaporated overnight. Hear Brenda’s story of loss and how her family turned Dot’s 100th birthday into one that will always be remembered.
Discover what Brenda learned about her mom and how to face future loss from her mom’s point of view.
Male Sexual Abuse and Loss
Why we need to talk about it
Meet Dr. Kelli Palfy
Male sexual abuse. It’s one of the hidden and disenfranchised areas of grief that has remained a closed door.
Dr. Plaffy shares about her newest book (Men Too: Unspoken Truths about Male Sexual Abuse) and her counseling practice that shines a light on the many losses men are struggling with and the stories of hope for those who have discovered a different path.
Bling, But I See
Meet Barb Nelson
How do you prepare for life ahead when you know that you are going blind?
Where do you find the strength to adapt to a loss that limits the way you live?
Meet Barb – a wife, a grandma and a woman who lives her life to the fullest and touches every person she meets with a message of gratitude, joy and purpose.
Listen in as Barb shares her incredible journey from loss to hope.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Marginalized:
What we all should know
Meet: Neil van Heerden – Living Edge
Come and hear the stories of the Living Edge Community, an organization that reaches out the marginalized of our society by providing fresh food each week.
What do we need to know about those who are marginalized in our community to better understand some of their needs?
How is COIVD -19 impacting this community since COVID -19?
What kinds of grief and loss are specific to this vulnenable population?
COVID-19 Coping StrategiesRick Bergh MDiv, CT, NT
Have you ever wondered how people are coping in these strange times?
How are you managing the losses that have come barging into your life?
What can you do to alleviate the anxiety of the unknown?
Join Rick Bergh, Bereavement Educator and Narrative Therapist, as he shares SEVEN strategies on how to cope with loss and manage stress during these uncertain times.
IN THIS LIFE RADIO SHOW, YOU WILL LEARN:
• How to recognize 3 zones of living
• How to mitigate bad stress
• What research has to say about healthy alternatives to help you manage
With COVID-19 still very much part of life, it’s important to stay connected, share resources, and learn from each other. What are your survival tactics for getting through this time of loss? Be ready to phone in and share your thoughts with us.
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Missing a Son Who Died by Suicide
Meet Phil Thompson
Have you ever wondered how people cope following a death by suicide?
How do you manage the responses and attitudes of people around you who are uncomfortable talking about suicide?
Do you wonder what makes grief different following suicide?
Join Rick Bergh as he interviews a father who shares the raw and real story of the death of his son and the hope and wisdom that he gained in the aftermath.
In this live radio show you will:
• Explore the importance of remembering practices
• Learn about reclaiming the identity of a person through story
• Consider the significance of story integration
Everyday 10+ Canadians die by suicide. According to the latest information available through statistics Canada, it is estimated that 4,157 suicides took place in Canada in 2017, making it the 9th leading cause of death.
hildren and Grief : What You Need to Know
- Have you ever wondered how children experience grief?
- Have you even been surprised by a child’s response following the death of someone important to them?
- Are you curious about how children grieve depending upon their age?
Join Rick Bergh as he interviews Allyson Whiteman, Child and Youth Counsellor at the Victoria Hospice.
In this live radio show you will learn:
- How to understand children’s grief through the Development Stages Model
- How to best engage children in different age groups
- How to best build resilience into a child during their grief journey
You will also meet two adults – both who lost parents as children. They will reflect upon the challenges of being a child on a journey with grief.
This is Your Brain on Grief
Meet Stuart MacDonald
Have you wondered what’s happening in your brain when you grieve?
Have you ever considered the brain’s role in a healthy transition after a loss?
Is brain fog a real thing?
What should we know about the brain under stress?
What are neurochemicals and why are they important in our brain health?Join Rick Bergh, First Memorial’s bereavement educator and grief counsellor, as he interviews Dr. Stuart MacDonald, Professor of Psychology at the University of Victoria. Rick will also invite a surprise guest to help us experience a healthy brain “super stimulus” that can easily be included in your grief journey.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of allostatic load.
Discover why we need healthy brain interventions in our grief journey.
Be fascinated by the differences between the brain and the mind.
Living with Dementia: Learning from Those on the Journey
Meet Maria Howard
Two amazing couples from Voices In Motion, a multi-generational choir for adults with memory loss, their care givers, friends, and students openly share their lived experience with us.