Blackbird: A Mother’s Journey Through Suicide and Spirit with Betsy Thibaut Stephenson | EP 446

When your child transitions into spirit, nothing is ever the same. In this deeply heartfelt episode, Brian speaks with Betsy Thibaud Stephenson, author of Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Grief, and Life After Suicide.Betsy’s son Charlie transitioned at age 21, just eleven weeks after expressing thoughts of self-harm. During that same six-week period, her beloved mother-in-law and family dog also transitioned. Rather than turning away from grief, Betsy faced it head-on—and began writing from her open wound instead of waiting for a scar.This conversation explores the real grief journey—messy, sacred, and unfiltered.🔑 Topics Covered:Charlie’s spirit and legacy 💫The emotional weight of suicide grief 🖤Why guilt is almost universal in child lossHow grief impacts the body and mindThe myth of grieving “the right way”Writing as a tool for survivalAllowing space for others’ grief storiesKeeping the spirit of our loved ones alive✨ Guest Info:Betsy Thibaud Stephenson📘 Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflection on Loss, Grief, and Life After Suicide🌐 Website: https://blackbirdbetsy.com📸 Instagram: @blackbirdbetsy21📣 Let’s Talk:🗨️ How do you keep your loved one’s spirit present in your life? Share with us in the comments or visit grief2growth.com/community to connect with others walking this path.🔗 Episode Resources:📚 Get Betsy’s book: Blackbird on Amazon🧠 Free resources on grief, suicide awareness, and emotional healing🎙️ More episodes like this: Grief 2 Growth Podcast Archive🙏 If this episode spoke to your heart:➡️ Leave a review ➡️ Subscribe ➡️ Share with someone who’s grievingYou've been listening. You're doing the work. But there's still this feeling that you're circling the same place.Maybe you've thought about working with me one-on-one. Maybe something's held you back. I get that. And I want you to know there's still a place for you.All of it, pay what you want. You decide what it's worth. Nobody gets turned away because of money.https://grief2g The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15. Visit IANDS.org to register The International Association for Near-Death Studies or IANDS will host its annual conference at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.  The event features an all-star lineup of keynotes like Proof of Heaven Author Eben Alexander, MD, and Dying to Be Me Author Anita Moorjani. I Early bird registration rates are available through July 15.  Visit IANDS.org to register Want to go deeper? My Substack is where I share solo essays on grief, consciousness, and continuing bonds — thoughts that don't always make it into the podcast. It's also home to a community of listeners who get it, because they're living it too. Free to subscribe. Find it at substack.com/grief2growth.Support the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join me on Substack- connect with others and me 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support