What Grief Taught Me About Life After Loss

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by health and wellness practitioner Katy Gilberston for a heartfelt conversation about grief, gratitude, and the enduring presence of our loved ones. We begin by talking about relationships and how life transitions are often the backdrop for deeper emotional reflection.Katy opens up about her late son Jaxon, who would have turned 21 this year. She shares how his memory lives on through photos, fridge magnets, and the uncanny way her youngest son, Fox, recognizes him. As the seasons change and the veil between worlds feels thinner, Katy and I talk about how fall, Halloween, and full moons bring up both emotional and energetic shifts. Katy explains how the body remembers, especially around dates like Jaxon’s birthday and angelversary, and how our grief often manifests physically.We explore the power of presence after physical death. Katy shares the experience of feeling her son’s hand in hers, and I talk about sensing my mother’s embrace and scent. These stories aren’t just about memory; they are about connection. They are about knowing, deep in our bones, that love does not end. Katy also opens up about raising a child with Down syndrome and how becoming a parent transformed her in ways she never expected. She shares how her son’s five-year battle with cancer prepared her to support others in their transitions—including her grandparents.This episode is a soulful reminder that grief is not the end of our story. It is often the beginning of rediscovery, of reconnecting with our inner child, our purpose, and our ability to feel joy again. Katy offers insight into the importance of asking for support, even when it is hard. From her husband’s cancer journey to her son’s heart surgery, she learned that vulnerability opens the door to healing.We also talk about Katy’s upcoming book and her work with Hauora Wellness, Kalina Movement, and her monthly sound healing events. She is creating a transformation mentorship program to help others move through grief, illness, and identity loss. Katy embodies what it means to groove through adversity, and I cannot wait to have her back on the show when her book is released.Connect with Katy: https://www.hauorawellness.com/