Mending Piece by Piece

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Podcast by Linda Falasco

Mending Piece by Piece

At some point in our lives we will all experience loss and will have to figure out how to manage the grief that comes with it. Whether you're grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even your own identity, it can be hard to find others who understand the pain and challenges that come with it. Join host Linda Falasco who has experienced loss from both sides of the couch. Linda will share her experience as a therapist specializing in loss, grief, and trauma as well as her personal story of trauma and loss along with the grief that came with it. Mending Piece by Piece with Linda Falasco is about giving a voice to loss, grief, and trauma and how it is possible to mend, even if it is piece by piece.

Latest episodes

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12 November 2024

A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Healing: Lisa Williams' Story Part 1

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.


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29 October 2024

A Granddaughter's Grace: Love, Loss, and Lasting Memories

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.


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15 October 2024

Navigating the Depths of Child Loss: Finding Community in Grief (Part 2 with Ann Sardella)

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/


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02 October 2024

One Mother's Journey: Navigating Grief from Childhood to Adulthood (Part 1)

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

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10 September 2024

Season 2 Kickoff: Reflections on Grief, Suicide Awareness, and the Power of Remembering

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:

  • Coping with the emotions that arise after suicide loss can be incredibly challenging, including feelings of guilt, anger, and confusion.
  • Honoring the memory of loved ones and finding ways to keep their legacy alive can be healing.
  • Seeking support and not isolating oneself during the grieving process is crucial.
  • The candlelight vigil is an important event to remember those lost to suicide and raise awareness about suicide prevention.
  • It's important to change the narrative around suicide and encourage open conversations to help prevent suicides.


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

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02 July 2024

Finding Hope in Grief After Losing My Brother to Suicide

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.

Description:

Join Linda Falasco on a deeply personal episode of Mending Piece by Piece as she bravely shares her path to healing after the profound loss of her brother Jeff to suicide. Linda's journey was shaped by action and community support, starting with her involvement in a support group for suicide survivors (SOS group) and connecting with fellow survivors at conferences. Through unexpected opportunities to speak about her grief, Linda's passion for advocacy was ignited.

Linda's grief became a driving force for change as she realized the importance of sharing her story and honoring her brother's memory. By engaging with national organizations, Linda brought crucial awareness and support back to her local community, emphasizing suicide prevention and aiding those affected by loss.

Throughout her transformative journey, Linda's unwavering faith in God and the steadfast support of her family provided the foundation for her work. Together with her husband and children, they have become beacons of hope for others navigating the complex aftermath of suicide loss. Tune in as Linda reflects on discovering profound purpose in her grief and continues to inspire healing and resilience in others.

Key Moments:

        Coping and Taking Action  How Linda turned her grief into action as a means of coping with her brother's suicide.

 

  • (2:28) Coping and Taking Action:  How Linda turned her grief into action as a means of coping with her brother's suicide.

  • (3:51) Finding Comfort in Community: Linda's experience with the SOS group, finding solace and understanding among others who share similar loss.

  • (6:27) Connecting at Survivor Conferences: Attending conferences on suicide loss and connecting with fellow siblings and survivors.

  • (10:12) Igniting a Passion for Advocacy: Linda's first speaking engagement at a conference about her grief sparked a deep passion for advocacy.

  • (14:49) Bringing Awareness to the Community: Linda's efforts to bring suicide prevention awareness and support back to her local community.

  • (20:35) Support from Family: The pivotal role of Linda's husband and children in her healing journey and advocacy work.

  • (21:54) Faith as a Foundation: How Linda's faith in God provided hope and strength during her journey of healing.

  • (24:21) Discovering a Gift in Grief: Linda's reflection on finding profound purpose and meaning in her grief, inspiring others to heal and thrive.

This episode is a testament to the power of community, faith, and personal resilience in navigating the aftermath of suicide loss and finding hope amidst profound sorrow.

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

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/

 

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