Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episodes
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 1: Suddenly Gone
It's always hard to cope with a loss, but when it comes without much warning, it presents unique challenges. In "Suddenly Gone," families discuss the unexpected loss of loved ones -- parent, sibling, and child -- and experts offer suggestions on coping with the situation.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 2: Gone Before Their Time
Losing a child is one of the most difficult forms of grief. In “Gone Before Their Time,” we hear from two couples who discuss parental loss, and how their families have been reshaped by this tragic and life changing event.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 3: Unresolved Grief
In this episode, we explore the theme of “Unresolved Grief.” Emill shares the difficulties in navigating life while mourning the loss of both his twin brother, and his mother. He shares the uncomfortable reality of living without closure, and the pain of seeing his mother pass away, still broken-hearted over her son’s death. Alexa shares her own sibling struggle and how mental illness created tension in her relationship with her brother, Kirk. Our experts weigh in and suggest that when things become too difficult to bear, we should seek professional help during grief.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 4: Mourning Our Matriarch
Matriarchs and patriarchs are often the head of a household, and the glue that keeps a family together. In this episode we explore how grief occurs when two families lose their matriarch. Megan shares stories and fond memories of her grandmother who taught her everything she knows and who always reminded her and her sister to “remember we are ladies”. Edgar laments over the death of his sister, who passed away from Covid during the pandemic. He shares the unfortunate reality of when someone is unable to travel to a funeral, but also the possibility of finding peace through prayer.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 5: Celebrating a Life
Funeral planning can be a difficult task, especially following the death of a close loved one or family member. In this episode, our participants share their stories of celebrating the life of their loved ones. Bonnie talks about singing Ave Maria at her father’s funeral; and Mike and Traci share about their son Jacob, and how his funeral was both challenging and cathartic. Our experts share their thoughts on funerals and suggest thinking about and planning them in advance so that when death happens, family members are given the space to grieve.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 6: Community Support
Surrounding ourselves with a community of supporters can be critical to navigating grief after the loss of a loved one. Whether this comes in the form of family and friends, or through peers in a bereavement support group, having people there to share your story, and to collectively grieve with, is important. In this episode, we hear from our participants about how people in their lives helped them during their grief process, and our experts weigh in with their suggestions about how community is helpful. We also visit with the St. Monica Catholic Community Bereavement Ministry and see firsthand how a group of strangers can transform into dear friends through the collective sharing of grief.
Grace in Grief: Hope After Loss
Episode 7: A Legacy of Hope
Carrying and sharing the legacy of a loved one who has died can be a way to keep their spirit and story alive. In this episode we hear from Alexa Brandt who talks about her brother Kirk’s final act of love through the donation of his organs to those in need of a donor, ultimately saving the lives of four strangers. She shares the amazing story of how her mother discovered a pre-written obituary in her brother’s notebook, and how sharing his life has helped to bring a sense of peace to her and her family. Our experts share tips on other ways that we can carry on a legacy and bring hope to those in grief.