The Last Goodbye: Inside Funeral Preparations After Suicide Loss

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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:

Losing a loved one to suicide brings a unique set of challenges and emotions. In this episode of Mending Piece by Piece Podcast, host Linda Falasco delves deeper into the intricate journey of grieving a suicide loss, particularly focusing on the painful process of planning a funeral.

As Linda reflects on the day before the funeral while trying to write a eulogy for her brother, a flood of emotions overwhelms her. As she would learn later in her journey this was the "new normal in an abnormal grief," grappling with intense feelings of sadness, guilt, fear, anxiety, and profound heartache. Amidst this turmoil, she is confronted with societal norms that stigmatize expressions of grief, especially among men, sparking questions about her brother's own experience and the broader issue of male suicide.

The narrative unfolds as Linda shares poignant moments from the funeral preparations, including the emotional process of writing a eulogy, the somber visitation, and the challenging encounter with an insensitive undertaker. Through raw and honest storytelling, listeners are invited to witness the complexities of grief and the societal barriers that hinder its expression.

Key moments in this episode include:

(1:35) Exploring the multifaceted emotions following a suicide loss

(9:40) Fond memories and reflections on Jeff

(16:20, 18:00) The journey to the funeral service and the overwhelming sight of Jeff at the funeral home

(21:00) Confronting societal attitudes towards grief, particularly regarding men's emotions

(24:30) Navigating challenges and insensitivity during the funeral

Join Linda Falasco as she courageously shares her story, offering insight, solace, and understanding to those grappling with similar experiences of loss and grief. Tune in to Mending Piece by Piece Podcast for an intimate exploration of healing in the wake of suicide.

CONNECT WITH LINDA:

https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw

Facebook: @lindafalascolcsw / Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw / TikTok: @lindafalascolcsw

YouTube: @lindafalascolcsw

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

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: https://save.org/