Choosing Myself: Tami's Story of Estrangement, Grief, and Letting Go

In this deeply personal solo episode of Shedding the Shame, Tami shares her raw and unfiltered story of estrangement from both of her parents.What began as years of emotional pain, unmet needs, and repeated hurt ultimately led Tami to make one of the hardest decisions of her life, walking away from her family to protect her peace, her marriage, and her children.She opens up about the complex layers of grief, guilt, and shame that come with estrangement, the pressure from family to “make it work,” and the emotional toll of growing up without the love and validation every child deserves.Tami also shares what happened when she reconnected with her father after seven years, the hope it gave her, and the heartbreak that followed.This episode is not about blame. It is about truth. It is about choosing yourself. And it is about healing from the kind of pain that isn’t often talked about out loud.If you have ever felt alone in complicated family dynamics, questioned your decision to walk away, or carried shame around your story, this conversation is for you.You are not alone, and you are worthy of love that feels safe.