When Grief and Joy Coexist: Surviving Milestones After Loss

In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and Gretchen talk candidly about how milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays impact those living with grief, especially suicide loss survivors. Through laughter, tears, and lived experience, they offer real-life tools, comfort, and hope for navigating the pain of remembrance while keeping the love alive.   🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel   🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co This episode is proudly brought to you by TheHelpHUB.co Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? You're not. Welcome to TheHelpHUB—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools tailored to your personal needs. With 16+ curated categories, downloadable tools, and community-led support, you’ll find personalized help right when you need it. Visit: https://www.thehelphub.co 💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙     📝 Episode Summary: Lisa opens up about losing her father to suicide 47 years ago and how milestone days—like birthdays, Father’s Day, and August 1st (his death anniversary)—still hit hard. Gretchen shares her own grief experiences, including how she transformed Valentine’s Day, the anniversary of her mother’s funeral, into a new chapter through podcasting. Together, they hold space for listeners navigating their own grief, emphasizing that there is no “right” way to mourn. Whether you're years into your grief or fresh in the pain, this episode is for you.   💡 Lessons Learned: Grief doesn’t have an expiration date—it evolves. You’re allowed to feel joy, sadness, anger, or all three at once. Rituals can offer comfort and connection to loved ones lost. Talking to someone—friends, family, a therapist, or a warmline—can ease the weight. Grieving is not weakness; it’s love in motion.     📖 Chapters: 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction 01:00 – Lisa’s Birthday & Father’s Day Reflections 02:30 – Gretchen's Story: Valentine’s Day & Her Mother’s Passing 04:00 – Building Relationships with Lost Loved Ones 06:00 – The Power of Rituals and Letters 08:00 – Suicide Attempt Reflections & Christmas Grief 09:00 – Navigating Special Occasions Alone 11:00 – There's No Wrong Way to Grieve 14:00 – Journaling & Safe Spaces 16:00 – Lisa on Loneliness & Community Support 18:30 – The Importance of Warm Lines 20:00 – Therapy as Ongoing Support 22:00 – Grief as a Sign of Love 23:00 – Book Recommendation: Grief Is Love by Marisa Renee Lee 26:00 – A Friend’s Tribute: Honoring the Memory of Lisa’s Dad 29:00 – Remembering with Love & Living the Legacy 30:00 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement     📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support 🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website: https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks: https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support: https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/     📲 Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel   #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser   🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜