Daughters Without Moms

Robyn's mother died from stage 4 lung cancer when Robyn was 15 years old. Robyn’s mom had 10 miscarriages before Robyn, and while Robyn was a triplet in the womb, she was the only baby to survive. They had an incredibly intense relationship, as her mom didn’t understand how to handle her own emotions and put a lot of pressure on Robyn.

Robyn shares part of a poem by Paula Meehan. The full poem can be found here: www.makebelieve.ie/the-pattern

The woman who they met in Germany for immunotherapy was Saskia Biskup, CEO of CEGAT: www.cegat.com/about-us/team/

Robyn’s Take-Away: I hope that anyone that listens to my story, not matter what their age, can take something away from it.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Melissa's mom died at the end of 2019 after a long journey with breast cancer. Melissa's parents divorced when she was young and it was just Melissa and her mom growing up together. Her mom had health issues and Melissa grew up always worried about her mom's health and well being. Melissa and her mom had a special bond and even though she's not physically here she taught Melissa many life lessons that help her keep her mom's presence alive in her life.

Melissa’s Take-Away:There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Find a way to establish your own community and support system. It’s okay to be vulnerable and it can be very healing.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Ashmeeta’s first grief was when her mom died in 2008. Then her husband died from pancreatic cancer in 2019, and then her father in 2022. These life events pushed Ashmeeta deep into self-reflection and discovery and she is now an educator, grief support advocate/expert and author.

Here is where you can find Ashmeeta:

Website: http://www.storyoutellyourself.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmeeta-madhav-93802922
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowthStoryHub
Twitter: https://twitter.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthstoryhub

Ashmeeta’s Take-Away: No matter what challenges you face in life, you don’t have to let them define you. Try to move forward and look for help, seeking out the story that will unfold for you.

Starting today the podcast schedule will be changing and new episodes will drop on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you are looking for more stories and content, I encourage you to go back and listen to episodes from seasons 1, 2 and 3. There are over 150 published episodes so there are many episodes to listen to.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Crystal’s mom died suddenly in September of 2021. After her mother's sudden and tragic death, she made the difficult decision to leave her stable employment to pursue dreams of living life on her own terms, prioritizing her well-being and honoring her grief while taking the road less traveled.

Here is where you can find Crystal and the work she is doing:

Podcast Co-Host:Meet Me at the Cottage Podcast
Website: www.balancedmindjourney.com/crystal

Instagram and Facebook: @yogawithcrystal0925, @cohabitatingwithgrief, @meet_me_at_the-cottage_podcast, @healingcottagedelaware

Crystal’s Take-Away: It is so important to stay connected. As a person who is an introvert, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how important connection is. Healing is done in community. Find your people! They are out there.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This episode was originally aired in October 2021. It's important for men to have a place to share their stories too, and all are welcome here.

This episode is the story of Southofthe49th's journey with his wife after her diagnosis of a brain tumor. He does not share his identity, due to the privacy of his kids, but has learned how to use TikTok as a way to share his story and document memories for his children. You can find him on TikTok as@southofthe49th.

He also recommends finding aGrief Sharegroup for support on the grief journey. You can simply go to their website, put in your zip code, and find a meeting near you.

Take-away: It's ok to be sad, but it's also ok to find joy at the same time.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Kristen’s moms death left them with more questions than answers. Their family dynamic has been deeply changed and it leaves Kristen wondering what went wrong during her mom’s illness.

Here is the Andrew Garfield video Kristen mentions. He talks about his mom starting at 4:21:https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/andrew-garfield-late-show-interview-on-grief-and-his-mother-48618339

Kristen’s Take-Away: Our society's view of grief troubles me as I try to make sense of what my life feels like now. It changed the way I see the world and my place in it. Thank you for having a safe space where we can come and talk and listen about these great losses in our lives.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Laura's mom died when she was 2. She has no memories of her. She reached a breaking point when she outlived her mom and her son was the age she was when her mom died.

Laura's Take-Away: I'd like to dedicate my episode to Ruby, the 4-year-old daughter of my friend who recently died. Ruby, I’m thinking of you and your mother.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Yvonne was the first woman to share her story on the podcast. She was told as a child that her mother wanted nothing to do with her. As she got older, she learned a different story.

If you enjoy her story, you can go to find her follow up interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NjOj6XuqfMjyrn1GljN1j?si=b4kqb3NKQ_icz2rZh5KS3w

Yvonne's take-away: My grief journey has helped me always be able to see a different perspective. I'm always looking for the other side of the story.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Dallas was an only child and had a very close relationship with her mom. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Dallas chose to channel her grief through writing during her mom’s time in hospice, her passing, and the year that followed. Dallas published her book, I’ll Keep Her Fork, on July 24th, 2023 which was the one-year anniversary of her mom’s passing.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Welcome to the 2024 season of the DWOM podcast! I can’t believe this is the 4th year. I’m so thrilled that you are here and listening.

Today I will share my thoughts on healing. That you have to feel to heal. It has been on my heart to encourage others to do the hard work of feeling your grief.

I’d love to hear your thoughts once you listen! Please leave a comment on Instagram or Facebook or send me an email.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to⁠[email protected]⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.