For the One… Who is Grieving

I had such a meaningful conversation with Tori and Tracy on the Unlikely Housewives Podcast about how grief can feel like the loneliest journey, yet it can also become a path to purpose and profound understanding. We talked openly about teenage emotions and that universal feeling of being alone in our pain, which resonated deeply with my own story of losing my father as a teenager. What I've learned through both personal experience and over 15 years of counseling is that grief manifests differently for everyone, and one of the most powerful things we can do is recognize and validate those differences rather than trying to rush people toward healing or hope. My journey from devastating loss to leadership coaching and pastoral ministry has taught me that there's purpose waiting even in our darkest moments, but we have to be willing to sit in the pain first.

One of the topics that really stood out in our conversation was how children process grief and loss, and how movies and shows often mirror those intense emotions in ways that help kids feel seen. We explored the importance of meeting children (and honestly, all of us) where we are emotionally, allowing space to express feelings without immediately trying to fix them or soothe them with platitudes about hope. We also discussed the delicate balance of supporting friends who are grieving, especially when they turn to avoidance, and shared practical strategies for offering loving support and gently encouraging professional help without overwhelming them. Through humor, honesty, and real talk, Tori, Tracy, and I created space to honor both the joy of life and the complexities of loss. Whether you're processing your own grief or walking alongside someone else, this episode is a beautiful reminder that healing is a journey we don't have to undertake alone.