How I Healed After My Mother Died with Helen Fernald

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I’m joined by grief recovery mentor, photographer, and author Helen Fernald, whose book Love, Helen: Letters to My Mother came from years of pouring her heart onto the page. After losing her mother, father, and experiencing two miscarriages, Helen turned to writing as a way to release what couldn’t be said out loud. And through that process, she found her voice—and her healing.We dive deep into how creativity can be a lifeline through grief. Helen shares what it was like to cry while writing, wrestle with anger, and find peace in remembering. We also talk about the pressure to hide our pain, especially as women, and the importance of making space for real emotion—without shame.This conversation is an invitation to be honest with yourself about where you are in your grief and to trust that expression—whether through tears, writing, or silence—is powerful. Grief isn’t the enemy.Sometimes, it’s the teacher.Connect with Helen: https://helenfernald.com/