Beautiful Tragedy

Content Warning - there is a discussion of death by suicide in this episode.Mina tells the story of her husband Jason and his struggle with mental health after the death of their baby boy. She shares the details of the events leading up to his death and that her family experienced another death at the exact same time so she had to tell her young kids and was unable to be with her whole family at the time of Jason’s death.She shares about how hard it has been to hear some painful questions from her children and how they had to correct others who were uncomfortable with the truth. She once again talks about how important it is to be honest with your children when it comes to death.Support the show

In this episode, Mina talks about the stillbirth of her son, Justin and how that affected her, her husband, Jason, and their 2 young daughters. She talks about how the grief affected her body and the raw details of her grief. She shares her perspective on telling the truth about death to our children and why this is so important. This story is raw and real with lots of tears.Support the show

In this episode, Carrie defines what grief means to her and how grief has affected every aspect of her life. She shares about the various layers of grief and the feelings that it can bring out in a person. Grief is complicated and there is no one way through it.Support the show

Carrie shared her experience with having a panic attack and how this made her realize that she has to take care of her grief. She has cared for others but realizes that she needs to prioritize the hard work that she has been actively avoiding.Support the show

I talked with Maria Capolupo, who is a death doula and a certified grief specialist. She defines what her role is and talks about how she can assist people when they are at the end of their life. She talks about the difference between a death doula and a hospice worker.You can learn more about Maria at: www.mariacapolupo.comSupport the show

In this episode, We go back and look at the moments from the second season that really stuck with us. We want to say thank you so much for all the support and we really appreciate it. The journey so far has been an amazing ride and we look forward to what the future will bring! Keep your loved ones in your hearts and remember that it is ok to grieve in your own way and that no one is perfect.Support the show

In this episode, We go back and look at the moments from the first season that really stuck with us. We want to say thank you so much for all the support and we really appreciate it. The journey so far has been an amazing ride and we look forward to what the future will bring! Keep your loved ones in your hearts and remember that it is ok to grieve in your own way and that no one is perfect.Support the show

In this episode, Carrie talked about how she acknowledges the date that Jackson died. She also asked other bereaved parents what they do to survive that anxiety provoking day.The point is to show that everyone deals with that day in their own unique way.Support the show

They talk about Ivan’s experience with EMDR and how it’s helping him,Carrie wants people to know that EMDR is a viable option for children as well as adults.Support the show

Carrie shares her perspective on how child loss gravely affects every aspect of life and how she is devastated to know what these families are experiencing. She shares her hope that the children whose siblings died and the children who witnessed the shooting will get the help they need. Carrie has experienced so much wreckage on every level and she wouldn’t wish it upon her worst enemy. Support the show

Carrie spoke with Sherrie Barch about her wonderful book called “Heaven’s Bell.” It is a story of two teenage best friends. They have a special friendship and are inseparable until one of them becomes ill. Then Ashley has to confront what her life will be like without Cody.Here are some of the Amazon Reviewer’s Comments: “It’s a Comforting Hug in a Book.” “A comforting story for all ages.” “Gives you the language you need...”This book can help facilitate conversations about:● Helping children and families deal with grief● Encouraging the sharing of memories of loved ones● Facilitating difficult conversations● Sherrie’s inspiration and her author journeyFor more information about the book, you can go to:www.heavensbell.comSupport the show

In this episode, Carrie talks with Melissa Cottner about the death of her 24 year old daughter Chelsea. She died of an accidental overdose and Melissa wanted to tell Chelsea’s story so that people who have misconceptions about mental illness and overdose can know that not everyone who overdoses is someone who has had a terrible upbringing. Chelsea was very loved but she struggled with chronic pain from health issues. Joni shares her perspective as her sibling and talks about how her teenage children really struggled with the death of their aunt.Support the show

Carrie talks with Julie Johnson, who works for Integrate Trauma-Informed Network. Julie defines what trauma informed care and how it can help anyone, but this discussion is focusing on grievers. Julie shares about how reiki, trauma informed yoga and mindfulness techniques can help to calm the nervous system after experiencing trauma. Julie Johnson shares her own experience with trauma and how reiki and trauma-informed care, which puts the person in charge of their care and gives them choices, can help anyone and especially grievers. Julie has a wealth of knowledge and experience and really shares how important it is for practitioners to use trauma informed care.Julie’s Bio:Julie is an Instructional, Trainer and Curriculum Designer and Education Consultant. She alsoholds an M. Ed in Special Education with a specialty in Accessibility and Curriculum Designand Instruction. Additionally, Julie has over 150 hours of continuing education in AdultLearning Theory, Universal Design for Learning, Trauma-Informed Education and Instructional Design. Julie has over 8 years of experience as a freelance instructional designer working with adult learners with companies such as Generation Mindful, Joy of Yoga, Special School District of St. Louis County, Integrate Trauma-Informed Network and Gentle Season. Julie is passionate about co-creating inclusive and approachable learning opportunities for all types of adult learners in the educational, small business, and not-for-profit sectors.Additionally, Julie is also a Reiki III Professional/ Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) and facilitates classes and adult learning opportunities in the practices of Usui Reiki andTrauma-Informed Yin Yoga.Support the show

Carrie shares how the book, “You Are The Mother Of All Mother’s” helped her when she was desperately seeking words of comfort. She reads the book and gives this book 5 stars for bereaved parents.Support the show

Carrie talks about hoping that people will become more comfortable with bringing upher child’s name, even though they are no longer physically here. She realizes that people arenervous and don’t know how to deal in this scenario.Support the show

Carrie shares how writing has helped her in her journey with child loss. She benefitted from a free online writing group with Meghan Riordan Jarvis offered through www.griefismysidehustle.comSupport the show

In this episode, Margaret and Alvin, bravely shared the story of their son, Addison, who took his life in November 2019. They shared how they have coped and books that helped them in their journey. They talk about how suicide needs to be more openly discussed.They shared books that were helpful and how they have used their pain to help teens express their creativity.It’s Ok that You’re Not Ok by Megan DevineBearing the Unbearable by Joanne CacciatoreTime Lived, Without Its Flow by Denise RileyWhen Death Takes Something from You Give It Back: Carl's Book by Naja Marie AidtWriting as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise DeSalvoNo Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining for Gifts in Illness and Loss by Teri DillionSuicidal by Jesse BeringThe Suicidal Mind by Edwin S. SchneidmanSupport the show

Carrie talks with Elizabeth about Gentle Parenting and how she has done so muchwork and has explored her own needs so she knows what she needs to do to be the best momto her children. She learned this through her own work with a therapist and lots of reading and self-development.Elizabeth is a stress coach for moms. She has 4 kids, 3 boys and 1 baby girl. Elizabeth hasbeen married for 13 years and is super passionate about mental health and emotional wellness in motherhood. She helps overwhelmed moms reduce the mental stress so they can respond with patience and calm with their kids. She teaches proactive ways to be less stressed, how to prioritize needs and ways to regulate emotions when feeling triggered.Support the show

Carrie shares her experience with books and how they helped her son when he was experiencing anxiety. They were all therapist recommended and have helped both Carrie and her young son to be able to better deal with his emotions. Link to the list of books discussed: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CPIYEEL7DDP0?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_wnCpm5G Zqt0uX Support the show

Carrie shares several books that have helped her young son who was 3 when hisbrother, who was 7 died. These books are most beneficial for children ages 3-7 and were alltherapist recommended.Link to the books discussedhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ILDB54OGU6B4?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_1ekugEaaKSupport the show