Ep. 45 Unapologetic Grief with Maria Belanic

Send us Fan MailThis is a frank discussion between two bereaved moms about what it's like to live with long-term grief after losing a child. Maria experienced what was sometimes a harrowing journey caring for her son who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16 and died 11 years later. She is a wealth of knowledge, not only from the aspect of caregiving in general and what that does to you, but in the caregiving of a terminally ill child and the impact that type of child loss has had on her.From questioning what was wrong with her, to friends leaving her behind and the expectations family and society has on bereaved parents, Maria is unapologetic in claiming her right to be a grieving mom and through this, how she found herself a voice for change personally and in the public arena.Now as a Certified Grief Educator and speaker, you are guaranteed to learn  a lot from Maria in this conversation if you are going through, have gone through or want to support a loved one or friend through this type of loss experience. TIMESTAMP:0:00    Welcome1:11    Meet Maria4:19    Maria's loses her son6:11    Something's wrong with me - I'm still grieving8:19    Stages - toss them out the window11:21  So-called friends disappearing13:28  Roller coaster grief16:32  I must not have been a good mother18:54  Surviving siblings20:19  Stop asking why!23:19  Family and friends - get over it!25:39  Child loss contagious?29:58  The driving force to not stay in despair32:33  Unapologetic grief!39:54  Our body in grief - even a hug was excruciating!44:35  The last photos and mementos 49:15  Changing what's happening for us53:06  Suffering needlessly55:24  Support and what we need57:21  Self-love and self-care1:02:44  Striving for perfection1:07:04  The 5-Pillar system1:12:55  Maria's resources1:14:54  Closing1:16:55  EndConnect with Maria:EmailWebsite Connect with VonneWebsiteEmail 🆕 📣 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.