Episode 10: Navigating the Loss of a Family Member and Grief with our Children

In this heartfelt (and sometimes teary-eyed) episode, I talk about losing my daddy just a few months ago, followed by the loss of my son’s biological grandfather. Two wonderful grandfathers: one by biology and the other by adoption. Two significant losses for our family in such a short time span.

 

I discuss how we told the kids, how we are continuing to navigate things as they start to sink in, and how we aren’t shy about crying around here when we need to.

 

Our children’s birth families are the keepers of memories, traditions, genetic predispositions, and family lineage, so losing such an important person in your child’s story is heartbreaking. The heaviness of this loss is not lost on my husband and me, but our kids are too young to understand it. It’s our job to gather and save everything we can, so that when we do lose these loved ones, we still have the stories and information to share.

 

One legacy my daddy leaves behind is to love your people deeply and make it a priority to spend time with them while they’re here. Invite them over and feed them! I miss his hospitality, his hugs and his generosity so much. We love you, Boompa!

 

One legacy my son’s biological grandfather leaves behind is….my son. I wouldn’t be a mama without his marriage, child and grandchild. What a blessing he was to know for such a short time, and what a gift it is to be part of his family!

 

Here are the books I mentioned:

 

The Memory Box: A Book about Grief by Joanna Rowland

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

When Someone You Love Has Died by Stephanie Seidler

You’ll Find Me by Amanda Rawson Hill 

 

Email Me: [email protected]

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