The Sad Moms

In this poignant Grief Gossip episode of The Sad Moms, we dive deep into the complexities of navigating grief during the holiday season. The episode features returning guest Courtney, who is also a bereaved mother. Together, we share personal stories, challenges, and coping mechanisms as we approach a time traditionally seen as joyful yet often painful for those mourning the loss of a loved one. Starting with the struggle to acknowledge holidays after significant loss, we explore how these special days have transformed for us—from avoiding holidays entirely to discovering small yet meaningful ways to honor our children's memories.We discuss the emotional toll of special dates like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany them. We delve into how the expectations of family gatherings add another layer of difficulty. Whether it's avoiding family functions or feeling obligated to attend, we talk about how to honor our true feelings while managing societal and familial pressures. The episode also sheds light on the importance of acknowledging our loved ones who have crossed, not just through memories but through small gestures like mentioning their names in holiday cards or including symbolic elements in our celebrations. We highlight personal traditions and how creating new rituals, however small, can provide a sense of connection and meaning.Finally, we offer some words of advice to friends and extended family on how they can show up for grieving individuals, emphasizing the importance of checking in and talking about the lost loved one. We talk about the balance of feeling deep sorrow yet finding small moments of joy, often through nature or signs that remind us of our children. With this episode, we aim to provide a vulnerable yet somewhat hopeful perspective on managing grief during the festive season, encouraging our listeners to take it day by day.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

Welcome to a special episode of The Sad Moms, where we introduce a new segment called Grief Gossip. In this detailed conversation, we expand our focus to explore how grief weaves into different parts of life beyond just the loss of a child. November is Children's Grief Awareness Month, and this episode centers on supporting childhood grief. Our guest, Lauren Schneider, is a seasoned specialist with over 35 years of experience in children's grief, currently serving as the Clinical Director at Our House Grief Support Center in New York and previously in Los Angeles. Together, we delve into the intricacies of childhood grief, discussing its evolution and how support systems have grown more inclusive of entire families. We also explore the role of programs like Camp Erin, address common misconceptions adults have about grieving children, discuss the importance of honest communication about death, and share strategies on how schools and caregivers can better support grieving kids. Through Lauren's insights and heartfelt stories, this episode offers practical advice and emphasizes that with the right support, grieving children can not only survive but thrive. Tune in for an important conversation that aims to provide solace and guidance to parents, caregivers, and educators navigating the complexities of childhood grief.Children's Grief Support Resources:Our House:  https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/Eluna Foundation: https://elunanetwork.org/National Alliance of Children's Grief: https://nacg.org/Judi's House: https://judishouse.org/FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

In this deeply moving episode of The Sad Moms, we are joined by Jason, a grieving father who opens up about the profound pain and long-lasting sorrow of losing his daughter Emily. Jason provides a heartfelt overview of Emily's vibrant and creative spirit. He shares the tragic and sudden nature of Emily's illness, detailing how what seemed to be a normal cold progressively worsened until it became life-threatening, eventually leading to her passing at the tender age of nine.Jason discusses the complex emotions and challenges faced during the first year without Emily, from grappling with overwhelming grief to trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy for his son. He emphasizes that grieving his child is an ongoing process, one that is always present and never truly fades away. Through support groups and personal coping mechanisms like writing letters to Emily, Jason navigates his grief while reflecting on societal attitudes towards death and bereavement.This episode delves into the intricacies of family dynamics during grieving, how parents and siblings process loss differently, and the importance of community support. Jason also touches on how his extensive education in social welfare helps him to understand and accept the grief journey, even if it doesn’t make it any easier.Overall, Jason shares a raw and honest look at the enduring nature of parental grief, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the depths of such a loss. Jason's candid narrative underscores the importance of bringing up Emily’s name, acknowledging the perpetual presence of grief, and the small yet significant ways we can support one another through immense loss.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

In this profoundly moving episode of The Sad Moms, Ishani welcomes Adrien, who shares the deeply emotional journey of parenting her son Jacob, who was originally diagnosed with Autism at age three and later found to have Sanfilippo Syndrome at age ten. Adrien reflects on her bond with Jacob, who is a happy, easygoing child. She recounts the struggle of watching him gradually lose his abilities and the fight to provide him the best care and support, including early intervention programs and various therapies.Adrien also delves into the bittersweet diagnosis of Sanfilippo Syndrome, describing the heartbreak of discovering that Jacob had a condition with no cure and a limited life expectancy. She discusses the emotional turmoil of his final months, the decision to begin hospice care, and the transition from fighting for his life to coming to being told he would lose his life at age fourteen. Throughout, Adrien highlights the love, strength, and joy Jacob brought into their lives, despite his challenges.She candidly shares the impact of this loss on her identity, her family dynamics, and her efforts to cope with grief, such as finding solace in daily walks and looking for signs from Jacob. Adrien's story is a heartfelt tribute to her son and an intimate look at the enduring pain and love of a grieving mother surviving her first year of grief. Join us as she honors Jacob’s memory and navigates the complexities of life after his passing.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

In this deeply emotional episode of The Sad Moms, Ishani is joined by her husband and Sad Dad, Ram,  as they explore the profound impact of losing their son, Rylan. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and experiences of being a caregiver and grieving father. Ram opens up about his close, daily relationship with Rylan, detailing the routine and responsibilities that defined his role as both a dad and caregiver. He shares how Rylan's life profoundly changed him, from his personal growth in patience and organization to the joy he found in caregiving tasks. They discuss the loneliness and unique emotional struggles fathers face in grieving, the lack of societal support for grieving dads, and how finding connections with other bereaved fathers has been a crucial but bittersweet comfort. Additionally, they address the cultural challenges they encountered as South Asian parents, shedding light on the emotional isolation imposed by cultural stigmas. Despite the overwhelming sorrow and anger, they emphasize the importance of maintaining Rylan’s legacy through acts of kindness and nurturing, striving to find some meaning and connection in a world without their beloved son. This powerful discussion offers a raw, unfiltered look at grief, resilience, a father’s love for his son, and the enduring bonds of family.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

In this episode of The Sad Moms Podcast, we sit down with Chalon, who shares her deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of her son Cartier who died due to a drowning accident just a month before his 5th birthday. Chalon navigates through the emotional landscape of grief, touching on her experiences as a black woman, the coping mechanisms she's developed, pregnancy after loss, and how she continues to care for her living daughter while preparing for a new baby. She also opens up about the supportive community resources that have helped her along the way and her plans to honor Cartier's memory through a new nonprofit organization: GROW. Join us for a poignant and inspiring conversation filled with resilience, love, and hope.Chalon's non-profit organization, GROW, is still in the works! Stay tuned here for more information. Los Angeles Community Resources mentioned by Chalon in this episode:Our House Grief Support Center: https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/ Taking Time: https://www.takingtime.org/  Los Angeles County Library: https://lacountylibrary.org/  Harbor Interfaith: https://www.harborinterfaith.org/  Salvation Army: https://losangelescentral.salvationarmy.org/  The Abundant Birth Project: https://abundantbirthproject.org/ City of Inglewood: https://www.cityofinglewood.org/1650/Parks-Recreation-Community-Services STEM Festival- Inglewood: https://sciencesport.org/inglewood-stem-fest/  Los Angeles Urban League: https://laul.org/  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @thesadmoms_TikTok: @thesadmoms

In this episode of The Sad Moms, we explore the significance of Bereaved Mother's Day and share ways for bereaved mothers to feel closer to their children who have died. Founded in 2010 by Carly Marie Dudley, this day honors mothers who have experienced child loss. We discuss personal rituals, support systems, and provide recommendations for friends and family on how to offer meaningful support. This episode also touches on the emotional realities of living with child loss and offers practical advice on coping mechanisms and how to maintain a connection with our children who have crossed over. Join us to better understand the complexities of the grief bereaved mothers experience. If you are not a bereaved parent, join us in learning how to support bereaved mothers in your life.Help us spread awareness about grief. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with as many people as you can!Follow the show at @thesadmoms

In this episode of The Sad Moms, we talk with Nohea, a fellow sad mom who faced the unbearable loss of her two children, Kalea and Noah, to medulloblastoma, a rare form of pediatric brain cancer. Nohea opens up about the lives of her kids, their tight-knit sibling bond, and their courageous battle with cancer. She recounts their diagnoses, treatment processes, and the heart-wrenching reality of watching both children succumb to the disease. Nohea shares how life has been navigating grief, the mechanisms she and her husband use to cope, and how they strive to keep their children's memories alive. This episode is a profound exploration of love, loss, and Nohea's relentless pursuit of honoring the lives of her beautiful children through advocacy. Help us spread awareness about grief. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with as many people as you can!Follow the show at @thesadmoms

In this episode of The Sad Moms, Courtney joins us to share the story of her son, Alexander, who died from Diffuse Anaplastic Wilms Tumor which is a type of pediatric kidney cancer. Reflecting on Alexander's joyful and resilient spirit despite his neurodiverse challenges, Courtney delves deep into the struggles and small joys of daily life with him- “the little things.” The conversation touches on the intense experience of caring for a child with cancer, the inadequacies of the healthcare system, and the profound isolation and numbness that follow a child's death. Both moms discuss the toll on their physical and mental health, the societal discomfort and anxiety around complicated grief, and the importance of finding individual pathways through unimaginable loss. This episode is a raw and honest exploration of parental grieving, life after losing a child, resilience, and the search for purpose after tragedy.Help us spread awareness about grief. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with as many people as you can!Follow the show at @thesadmoms

Welcome to the first episode of The Sad Moms! On today's episode your host, Ishani, will be sharing her story about the unexpected and sudden loss of her 8-year-old son, Rylan. Rylan was born with a rare brain disease and Ishani talks about what life is like as a medical parent navigating the health care industry. She also shares about the very painful and traumatic day that Rylan died, and what it's been like for her throughout the grief process. Please remember to subscribe, rate, review, and share this podcast with as many people as you can!Follow the show at @thesadmoms

Welcome to The Sad Moms. This is a space for grieving parents where we can be open and honest about our grief. In each episode, we’ll have raw, heartfelt conversations with other parents who have experienced unimaginable loss. Together, we’ll share our stories, talk about the things only we truly understand, and honor our kids. If you have ever felt alone in your grief, know that you’re not. We’re here, we’re listening, and we’re here to build community. We hope you stay a while. Have a day!