Ep. 25 How to Go On Living After Your Child Dies

Send us Fan MailEvery parent is terrified of losing their child. And when you do, it's a secretive world. In this episode, learn what it's like to experience child loss and live as a bereaved parent today, where more support is needed through compassion and awareness. The same as it was when I became a bereaved mom in 2005.This is a candid and poignant conversation with bereaved mom Susan Sackel, who shares her experience losing her 6-year-old son Logan in February 2021 to accidental death, and a warning to other parents about the perils of blind cords for children of older ages.Susan has been courageous enough to talk openly about her experience of child loss and bereavement, to provide awareness and education for others in support of all bereaved parents, and as part of her advocacy for safety of children of all ages related to accidental death from blind cords. She also shares what motivates her to keep going and how she is finding healing through the choices she makes every single day.TIMESTAMP:0:00   Introduction to this episode.3:47   Susan's world turned upside down10:39 Cultural approach to grief14:33 Susan's kids too young for therapy20:28 How to deal with the loss of a child24:41 How does it feel to lose a child?31:29 Dream visits from Logan37:10 What Susan does to support her recovery40:26 Putting one step forward43:50 The rules of culture45:34 What do you say to bereaved parents?47:23 The silent danger of blind cords51:53 Child loss - the most painful journey53:39 Support and lifelong resources57:12 Pangs and triggers58:39 I had to look for employment, couldn't explain the gap1:02:03 If we don't express ourselves, how are we going to change anything? 1:06:17 We need time and grace1:08:53 You don't need to be afraid of bereaved parents1:13:33 Mental health on the forefront1:16:21 Are we going to remember their voice?1:18:37 Uncertainty what the future holds, embrace the discomfort1:22:24 Guilty feeling joy again1:25:41 Susan's message to bereaved parents1:28:29 ClosingFurther resources can be found at these links:BOOKS  (by Vonne Solís)"Lessons in Surviving Suicide – A Letter to My Daughter""Divine Healing Transforming Pain into Personal Power – A Guide to Heal Pain From Child Loss, Suicide and Other Grief""The Power of Change"BLOG, ONLINE COURSE AND MEDITATIONS (by Vonne Solis)SUPPORT GROUPS:The Compassionate Friends (CANADA) The Compassionate Friends (USA) Bereaved Parents of the USAMENTION:How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies (and other resources by Therese A. Rando, Ph.D)🆕 📣 Text Me Fan MailYou can now text me directly about any episode. I personally read your messages and respond with practical, grounded insight. While I can’t offer long back-and-forth exchanges, I may respond directly or address your question in a future episode.Your voice helps shape the conversation.Subscribe to the podcast! Share your favourite episodes! Connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.