7. The Grief Before Goodbye: Experiencing Anticipatory Grief

In this episode, we’re talking about anticipatory grief—the kind of grief that comes before a loss. It’s what we feel when someone we love is still physically here, but things are changing… and we begin to realize that life may never be the same again.It’s the fear of what’s to come. The weight of the unknown. And the heartbreak of slowly losing someone you love… while they’re still alive.This kind of grief can look like walking alongside a loved one through a terminal illness, dementia, or unexpected changes. It’s grieving not only the person in front of you, but also who they once were—holding tightly to the glimpses of familiarity that still shine through.But anticipatory grief isn’t only experienced as a caregiver or loved one… It can also be deeply personal. It can come when you yourself are facing illness, uncertainty, or a life-altering diagnosis—grieving the life you once knew while navigating what lies ahead.In this episode, I share a piece of my own journey walking through anticipatory grief with my mom after her liver transplant… the changes, the quiet realizations, and the tender moments of holding on while learning to let go.If you’re carrying this kind of grief today, I want you to know—you are not alone.Scripture for ReflectionIsaiah 41:10Psalm 23:4Job 3:26Matthew 26:38Matthew 11:28Deuteronomy 31:8Psalm 147:3Revelation 21:1–5Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me: [email protected]