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/