The Real Grief- Real Healing podcast features stories and offers you the opportunity to hear from real people about their life-altering experiences and what steps they took and are taking to find healing.
I know real grief. The pain of losing my child and father is with me, always. The pain has lessened over the 6 years since their deaths…and it can sneak its way into my soul as a reminder of the immense love I hold for both of them.
I know real healing. I have learned to belly laugh and find joy in the life I am living. Frequently, I am belly laughing through tears while sadness and joy hold hands.
There are many ways for each of us to heal...join me as we explore real grief and real healing.
Why listen to me?
On March 16, 2021, eight people lost their lives, six of whom were of Asian descent. “The spa shootings only fueled a surge in racially motivated hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, or AAPI, during the pandemic.” – Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC. Most days my faith and love of humankind sustains me. My faith in God, humanity and loving one another enough to make a difference for the better. In Episde 44, I am in conversation with JiaoJiao Shen (sounds like Jow Jow with a hard J like jump) about her deep interest in making a difference in the lives of others.
Gertrude Price (aka Sister Price) “spent her life restoring the spirits of people, their own lives were important to her”, said Dr. Nicole D. Price, my guest for podcast episode 43, “Seeking Restoration While Grieving”. You will hear more insights from Nicole in our heartfelt conversation about the murder of her mother, how restoration was on her mind during the sentencing of the perpetrator, and the importance of seeking knowledge from each event in our lives to help us grow as human beings.
Sadness and sorrow are universal while our path to healing is individual. It bears repeating that the passion of a grieving parent has seemingly no boundaries or limits. You might ask yourself, where does my guest on Real Grief – Real Healing, Dawn Collins, find the energy to create the meaningful legacy of her son, 1st Lieutenant Richard Collins, III? In episode 42, appropriately titled, “The World is Learning His Name” Momma Bear Dawn shares with us that she learned determination and “knowing the essence of who you are” are key factors guiding her healing journey.
“Every act of kindness helps create kinder communities, more compassionate nations and a better world for all…even one painting at a time.” – Jeff Hanson
In episode 41, “Projects and People are Healing Their Hearts”, hear the legacy of Jeff Hanson told by his parents, Julie and Hal Hanson. Born with Neurofibromatosis, Jeff would lose enough of his sight by the age of 12 that his parents understood they would need to find adjustments in their dream bank. Jeff wouldn’t drive a car or be able to see the stars in the sky but he would leave a legacy of kindness and beauty as well as donate over $1 million dollars to philanthropic causes by the age of 21.
October 27, 2018 was the day of the Tree of Life Synagogue during the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania massacre. Intent on murdering Jews, the shooter stole the lives of 11 (eleven) innocent victims with gun violence during the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre. One of those lives taken was that of Joyce Fienberg, a woman of kindness, grace, and valor. In Episode 040, Joyce’s daughter-in-law, Marnie Fienberg, shares with me that the love shown to her family on behalf of Joyce’s life made a clear statement… “this kind of hate is unacceptable”.
