Podcast by Linda Falasco
Podcast by Linda Falasco
12 November 2024
In this powerful episode, Lisa Williams shares her deeply moving journey through grief after the untimely loss of her husband, Ken, who passed away just six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Lisa opens up about her family's life before and after Ken's passing, from the deep connection they shared as a couple to the sudden shift from hopeful denial to devastating reality. She talks about the emotional toll of being a caregiver, the painful challenges of supporting their three children through loss, and the struggle to find her footing when much of her support system disappeared.
With remarkable honesty, Lisa reflects on the faith that sustained her, the unspoken words she wished she could have shared with Ken, and the challenges she faced in seeking therapy in a tight-knit community where both she and Ken were mental health professionals. Now, eight years on, Lisa continues to rebuild her life, working to help others by sharing her experience of loss, resilience, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. This episode is an intimate exploration of a family's grief journey and a testament to the enduring strength of love.
Chapters
00:00 The Love Story Begins
11:14 The Diagnosis
23:02 Navigating Grief and Faith
26:38 The Struggles of Caregiving
30:50 Navigating the Medical Journey
34:07 Faith and Community Support
36:58 Facing the Inevitable
42:10 The Final Days
51:02 Grieving as a Family
59:01 Finding Healing and Support
Connect with Lisa:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.e.zaleta
CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw
*** Looking for additional support be sure to sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/
Additional Resources:
Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work.
Thank you for helping us make this possible!
Buy Me a Coffe: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
00:00
01:00:46
29 October 2024
In this moving episode on Mending Piece by Piece, Linda Falasco and guest Jessica Gorelach dive into themes of grief, loss, and healing. Jessica shares her journey of coping with family loss, navigating Alzheimer’s challenges, and finding support through dance, yoga, and cherished memories. Their conversation touches on the powerful bonds of family, the importance of honoring traditions, and Jessica’s unique approach to emotional health and legacy.
Jessica opens up about the profound impact of losing her dance teacher and both of her grandparents within a short span, highlighting the unique bonds she shared with each. Her story is a testament to the complexities of loss and the personal nature of grief. Jessica reflects on her special connection with her grandmother, sharing how they were best friends and the deep honor she felt in choosing her grandmother’s outfit for the funeral. The conversation also explores the impact of Alzheimer’s on grieving, emphasizing the importance of support for caregivers.
Jessica describes how movement, particularly yoga, has been a grounding force for her, helping her process emotions and find peace. She stresses the significance of honoring memories through physical acts of care, like lovingly combing her grandfather's hair or preparing her grandmother for the viewing. Jessica also shares how these experiences taught her to cherish life's fleeting moments, underscoring the need to continue family traditions and honor legacies. For young people navigating grief, Jessica offers heartfelt advice, encouraging openness, connection, and a gentle acceptance that grief is a journey that evolves with time.
Chapters
02:47 Meet Jessica Goerlach
06:14 Facing the Loss of a Friend & Mentor
08:49 Honoring Memories: The Dance Teacher's Legacy
11:48 The Special Bond with Grandparents
14:54 Coping with Multiple Losses
18:13 The Complexity of Alzheimer's and Grief
21:02 Physical Care in Death: A Final Act of Love
39:25 Honoring a Grandmother's Memory
44:31 Navigating Grief and Family Dynamics
51:51 Cherished Memories and Family Traditions
54:58 The Perspective of Life
01:01:02 Expressing Grief and Finding Support
01:12:03 Advice for Young Grievers
No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisdom for Life Paperback: https://amzn.to/3YQEG4V
Audible: https://amzn.to/48ptKy2
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fmwCyc
Connect with Jessica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.m.goerlach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoga.jessi/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessi.yogi
CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw
Additional Resources:
*** Looking for additional support be sure to sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/
Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible!
Buy Me a Coffe: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
00:00
01:19:30
15 October 2024
In this heartfelt conversation, Ann Sardella, shares her profound journey through grief after losing her son. She discusses the unique nature of grief, the impact of addiction on family dynamics, and the importance of support systems like Naranon. Ann reflects on the day of her son's passing, the complexities of living with grief, and how she copes with secondary losses while honoring her son's memory. In this conversation, Ann shares her journey of grief after losing her son Joey to substance use. She discusses the importance of community support, the significance of honoring loved ones through events, and the unique nature of each person's grief journey. Ann emphasizes the role of signs and spiritual connections in her healing process and offers advice for others navigating similar experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a legacy and finding purpose in pain, ultimately fostering hope and connection among those who have experienced loss.
Chapters:
00:00 The Unimaginable Pain of Losing a Child
02:41 Navigating Grief: A Unique Journey
06:07 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
10:17 Finding Support in Naranon
12:59 The Day Everything Changed
20:32 The Aftermath of Loss and Grief's Complexity
24:51 Living with Grief: Secondary Losses and Coping Strategies
26:18 Finding Community in Grief
30:25 Honoring Joey: The Walk for Awareness
35:02 The Importance of Signs and Spiritual Connections
39:09 Creating a Legacy: Events to Honor Loved Ones
45:24 Unique Grief Journeys: Embracing Individual Experiences
49:39 The Price of Love: Understanding Grief's Depth
Connect with Ann on Facebook: @ https://www.facebook.com/ann.sardella
CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw
*** Looking for additional support be sure to sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/
Additional Resources:
Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible!
Buy Me a Coffe: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw
Resources mentioned in the show:
GRASP- Grief Recovery After Substance Passing
Visit the National GRASP website: www.grasphelp.org
In Delaware County PA contact:
Marie Datillo, GRASP Facilitator
DelcoGRASP@gmail.com
610-742-7603 (Cell)
Delco Overdose Awareness Walk: https://delcoodwalk.godaddysites.com/
Bereaved Parents of the USA: https://bereavedparentsusa.org/
Delaware County Chapter:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bereavedparentsofdelco/
Never Surrender Hope: https://neversurrenderhope.org/
Shelving Foundation: https://shevlinfamilyfoundation.org/
00:00
54:16
02 October 2024
In this heartfelt conversation, Linda Falasco sits down with Ann Sardella to explore the profound journey of grief, loss, and healing. Ann shares her deeply personal experiences with multiple losses, starting at the age of 7, and the heartbreaking loss of her son Joey to a fentanyl overdose. She reflects on how her life has been shaped by grief and how loss became a central part of her story. The discussion highlights the impact of addiction on families, the importance of sharing grief openly, and the resilience needed to face unimaginable pain. Through their dialogue, Linda and Ann emphasize the significance of support, understanding, and finding hope even in the darkest times.
Key Takeaways:
Grief is a unique, personal journey for everyone.
Sharing experiences of loss is a crucial part of healing.
Addiction affects not only the individual but the entire family.
Recognizing and honoring the lives of those we’ve lost is important.
Accumulated loss can shape how we grieve future losses.
Family support is vital in navigating grief and recovery.
Reducing stigma around addiction is key to understanding its impact.
Joy and happiness are still possible amid grief.
Positive thinking can help manage anxiety around loss.
Healing is an ongoing process that requires patience and understanding.
Chapters:
00:00 The Journey of Loss and Grief
01:56 Understanding Early Losses
06:09 Navigating the Loss as a Child
11:52 The Impact of Addiction on Family
18:02 The Struggles of Recovery
23:49 Finding Hope and Resilience
30:04 The Role of Family in Healing
Connect with Ann on Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/ann.sardella
CONNECT WITH LINDA:
https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: @lindafalascolcsw
Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw
TikTok: @lindafalascolcsw
YouTube: @lindafalascolcsw
*** Looking for additional support be sure to sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: lindafalascolcsw.com/signup
Additional Resources:
Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
Linda Falasco understands the importance of community when navigating loss. For nearly 30 years, she has dedicated herself to forming spaces where loss survivors can find support and strength—just like the Mending Piece by Piece (MPBP) Community. MPBP is designed to be a safe, compassionate place where people can share their grief journeys with others who truly understand. By erasing the stigmas around loss, and acknowledging the variety of feelings and challenges that come with it, MPBP is creating a supportive, global network.
If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible!
https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw
00:00
50:32
10 September 2024
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of death and suicide. We understand that some may find these activating and/or disturbing. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and additional resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Episode Description: In this episode, Linda Falasco reviews the previous season of her podcast and provides updates. She also discusses coping with the emotions that arise after suicide loss, including feelings of guilt, anger, and confusion. Linda shares information about the candlelight vigil she hosts every year to remember those lost to suicide. She emphasizes the importance of honoring the memory of loved ones and finding ways to keep their legacy alive. Linda encourages listeners to seek support and not isolate themselves during the grieving process.
Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Reviewing the Previous Season and Updates
01:08 International Suicide Prevention Day and the Candlelight Vigil
05:00 Exploring Various Types of Loss and the Compounding Effect of Multiple Losses
07:55 Changing the Narrative and Starting Conversations to Reduce Stigma
09:42 Understanding the Complex and Unique Feelings of Suicide Loss Survivors
11:47 Coping with the Emotions of Suicide Loss
13:55 The Complexity of Knowing Someone's Mental Capacity
16:14 Shock and Confusion in the Aftermath of Suicide
18:07 The Importance of Finding Support
20:47 Honoring Your Loved One's Memory
24:15 The Challenging Journey of Suicide Loss
CONNECT WITH LINDA:
https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: @lindafalascolcsw
Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw
TikTok: @lindafalascolcsw
YouTube: @lindafalascolcsw
Sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece newsletter at: lindafalascolcsw.com/signup
Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNKNZTQ
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-after-a-suicide-loss-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1142554837?ean=9798823127516
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
00:00
29:29
02 July 2024
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of death and suicide. We understand that some may find these activating and/or disturbing. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and additional resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: @lindafalascolcsw
Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw
TikTok: @lindafalascolcsw
YouTube: @lindafalascolcsw
Sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece newsletter at lindafalascolcsw.com/signup
Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: https://save.org/
00:00
44:44