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.

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🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.co
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📝 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.

 

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💡 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.

 

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📖 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

 

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📚 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/

 

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🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜