Daughters Without Moms

Episode 14: Pam's Story Pam's mother died when she was 12 after a 4-year battle with cancer. Pam was raised by a widowed father and an older brother. Her father was so devastated that he couldn't talk about her mom's death. When her father died 32 years later, it forced Pam to re-grieve her mother's death and grieve her father as well. The buried emotions took a toll on her health and brought out 12-year-old Pam and all of the trauma. It was a lot of work unpacking those emotions. Pam's Take-Away: Incorporate gratitude into your life. Practice patience and understanding for how others respond to your loss, and act the way you would like to be treated. Experience Camps on Instagram @experiencecamps All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Liz's first loss was when her first-born daughter died shortly after birth in 2008. Then her father died in 2018 and her mother in 2020. Her mom had Alzheimer's for years before her death and Liz really felt lost after her mom died. She has since used her grief to impact others through sharing my story and promoting health, wellness, and healing. Liz's Take-Away: There's a quote by Walt Disney called “Keep Moving Forward”. For grief, for life, for everything, keep moving forward. Physical and mental movement are both so important. If you keep moving forward it will be okay. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Photography: https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/ Mom Co.: https://www.themom.co/about Liz's Podcast, Healing Hearts, can be found on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08PxtTeYYuaL31Ks1P2IYX Instagram @healing_hearts_wellness Issue 3 of Get Griefy Magazine: https://issuu.com/legacylettersjournal/docs/get_griefy_magazine_q3_2024_ All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Samantha's mom Shari was diagnosed with terminal ocular melanoma at 55 years old. Samantha soon quit her job to be her mom's caretaker, and they were both intentional about making the most of their relationship and living each day to the fullest. Samantha found walking alongside her mom during and to the end of her life to be the most profound and honorable experience she will ever have and continues to reflect on that time now that her mom is gone. Samantha and Shari read The Daily Stoic each morning over coffee, which can be found here: https://dailystoic.com/ All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Reese's mom was diagnosed with early-on set Alzheimer's when Reese was 21, and passed away when Reese was 28. It was in the depths of her grief when she first picked up her pencil and began to write about her mother, the journey of Alzheimer's they took together and the journey of grief she now walks alone. You can find Reese's spoken poetry album, “Moving With”, on Spotify or YouTube, under her pseudonym Cleo Childs: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0JMYU10WoccJRfMChTSa8U?si=l4jjwOALSQGaIJ4FFDyuSA YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nDEJgVG9hpNYMlVoe5r-KWHIhFQzbx74s&si=8iY7V4pqpogww10v You can learn more about Reese on her website: https://cleochilds.com/ And find her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleochildspoetry Reese's Take-Away: Give yourself permission to not judge yourself while you go through your grief. Use creative expression in whatever way works for you, and don't focus on it being perfect. Finally, be kind to others and yourself, which is the legacy my mother left with me. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Robyn's mother died from stage 4 lung cancer when Robyn was 15 years old. Robyn's mom had 10 miscarriages before Robyn, and while Robyn was a triplet in the womb, she was the only baby to survive. They had an incredibly intense relationship, as her mom didn't understand how to handle her own emotions and put a lot of pressure on Robyn. Robyn shares part of a poem by Paula Meehan. The full poem can be found here: www.makebelieve.ie/the-pattern The woman who they met in Germany for immunotherapy was Saskia Biskup, CEO of CEGAT: www.cegat.com/about-us/team/ Robyn's Take-Away: I hope that anyone that listens to my story, not matter what their age, can take something away from it. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Melissa's mom died at the end of 2019 after a long journey with breast cancer. Melissa's parents divorced when she was young and it was just Melissa and her mom growing up together. Her mom had health issues and Melissa grew up always worried about her mom's health and well being. Melissa and her mom had a special bond and even though she's not physically here she taught Melissa many life lessons that help her keep her mom's presence alive in her life. Melissa's Take-Away: There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Find a way to establish your own community and support system. It's okay to be vulnerable and it can be very healing.  All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Ashmeeta's first grief was when her mom died in 2008. Then her husband died from pancreatic cancer in 2019, and then her father in 2022. These life events pushed Ashmeeta deep into self-reflection and discovery and she is now an educator, grief support advocate/expert and author. Here is where you can find Ashmeeta: Website: http://www.storyoutellyourself.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmeeta-madhav-93802922Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowthStoryHubTwitter: https://twitter.com/homeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthstoryhub Ashmeeta's Take-Away: No matter what challenges you face in life, you don't have to let them define you. Try to move forward and look for help, seeking out the story that will unfold for you. Starting today the podcast schedule will be changing and new episodes will drop on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you are looking for more stories and content, I encourage you to go back and listen to episodes from seasons 1, 2 and 3. There are over 150 published episodes so there are many episodes to listen to.   All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Crystal's mom died suddenly in September of 2021.  After her mother's sudden and tragic death, she made the difficult decision to leave her stable employment to pursue dreams of living life on her own terms, prioritizing her well-being and honoring her grief while taking the road less traveled.  Here is where you can find Crystal and the work she is doing: Podcast Co-Host: Meet Me at the Cottage Podcast Website: www.balancedmindjourney.com/crystal Instagram and Facebook: @yogawithcrystal0925, @cohabitatingwithgrief, @meet_me_at_the-cottage_podcast, @healingcottagedelaware Crystal's Take-Away: It is so important to stay connected. As a person who is an introvert, I've been pleasantly surprised at how important connection is. Healing is done in community. Find your people! They are out there.  All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This episode was originally aired in October 2021. It's important for men to have a place to share their stories too, and all are welcome here. This episode is the story of Southofthe49th's journey with his wife after her diagnosis of a brain tumor. He does not share his identity, due to the privacy of his kids, but has learned how to use TikTok as a way to share his story and document memories for his children. You can find him on TikTok as @southofthe49th. He also recommends finding a Grief Share group for support on the grief journey. You can simply go to their website, put in your zip code, and find a meeting near you. Take-away: It's ok to be sad, but it's also ok to find joy at the same time. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Kristen's moms death left them with more questions than answers. Their family dynamic has been deeply changed and it leaves Kristen wondering what went wrong during her mom's illness. Here is the Andrew Garfield video Kristen mentions. He talks about his mom starting at 4:21: https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/andrew-garfield-late-show-interview-on-grief-and-his-mother-48618339 Kristen's Take-Away: Our society's view of grief troubles me as I try to make sense of what my life feels like now. It changed the way I see the world and my place in it. Thank you for having a safe space where we can come and talk and listen about these great losses in our lives.  All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Laura's mom died when she was 2. She has no memories of her. She reached a breaking point when she outlived her mom and her son was the age she was when her mom died. Laura's Take-Away: I'd like to dedicate my episode to Ruby, the 4-year-old daughter of my friend who recently died. Ruby, I'm thinking of you and your mother. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Yvonne was the first woman to share her story on the podcast. She was told as a child that her mother wanted nothing to do with her. As she got older, she learned a different story. If you enjoy her story, you can go to find her follow up interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NjOj6XuqfMjyrn1GljN1j?si=b4kqb3NKQ_icz2rZh5KS3w Yvonne's take-away: My grief journey has helped me always be able to see a different perspective. I'm always looking for the other side of the story.  All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Dallas was an only child and had a very close relationship with her mom. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Dallas chose to channel her grief through writing during her mom's time in hospice, her passing, and the year that followed. Dallas published her book, I'll Keep Her Fork, on July 24th, 2023 which was the one-year anniversary of her mom's passing. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Welcome to the 2024 season of the DWOM podcast! I can't believe this is the 4th year. I'm so thrilled that you are here and listening. Today I will share my thoughts on healing. That you have to feel to heal. It has been on my heart to encourage others to do the hard work of feeling your grief. I'd love to hear your thoughts once you listen! Please leave a comment on Instagram or Facebook or send me an email. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com.

Alisha's mother is living, so she shares a different perspective on what it is like being a daughter without a mom. Due to mental health issues, her mother left the family when Alisha was 9 months old. Alisha was raised by her dad and paternal grandmother, until her grandmother died when Alisha was 11. That loss triggered the additional feelings of losing her mom. Alisha's Take-Away: There was not a resource like this for me when I was younger, and it's a less common thing for the mom to leave, so I wanted to share the things that helped me get through a unique parental situation: • Really great friends that are like family • Your situation does not have an impact on what you are able to do. You can still have what you want in life • Look to who you do have, instead of focusing on who you don't have All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Isabelle's mom died in 2016, just 11 days after receiving a diagnosis. Her mom, Greta, entered hospice and Isabelle became her primary caregiver. When someone is sick, you take care of them so they can get better. How do you nurse someone not back to health… but to death? Isabelle and her mom had just entered the part of their relationship where Isabelle looked at her mom more than just simply her mom, but as a woman and a friend. Isabelle's Take-Away: When the social worker came to go over the business of death, it made everything real. At that time, my mom said, “You know, I've never done this before.” Recently, I've realized how applicable that saying is to my grief. I've never done this before. Neither have you. We should all give ourselves some grace in our grief. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Do you self-sabotage? Have you ever thought about the stories you tell yourself? Have you ever questioned if they are TRUE? Today I share reflections from my own journey and provide a tool for reflecting on your own grief journey. Gary John Bishop on the Ed Mylett Show: https://www.edmylett.com/podcast/garyjohnbishop Previous DWOM episodes that may be helpful: Season 1 Episode 43: High-Functioning Codependency https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-high-functioning-codependency/id1538554333?i=1000539755914 Season 2 Episode 2: Letting Go & Holding On https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-high-functioning-codependency/id1538554333?i=1000539755914 Season 3 Episode 17: You are Worthy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-17-you-are-worthy/id1538554333?i=1000611431399 All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Maddie's mom died from a rare form of breast cancer when Maddie was 13 years old. Her episode is bring released on the 20-year anniversary of her mom's passing. Maddie feels like she has finally begun to grieve after avoiding it for so long. Maddie's Take-Away: Be compassionate with yourself. There is no right way to grieve. Feeling numb is normal. And then if one day you no longer feel numb, and that is overwhelming and scary, please know you will make it through. These are a few of the things that have helped Maddie begin to process her grief: EMDR Therapy The Dinner Party (www.thedinnerparty.org) Empower (www.weareempower.org) All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Leylani's mom died from pulmonary failure when Leylani was 7 years old. She never had the opportunity to get to know her mom in depth or know her stories. She's dealt with grief and closure for the past 21 years, but feels like sometimes it can get harder and harder. Leylani's Take-Away: If you are dealing with mother or pregnancy loss, you learn how to live with it. You have to learn how to talk about how you are feeling too. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to me and we can talk. Leylani's email: lani.hdez@gmail.com Leylani's Instagram Photography accounts: Pets: @barkingmomentsrd Pregnancy: @leylaniphotostudio All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Since this is Episode 44 (IYKYK) I wanted to share thoughts I've had lately on being a Mom Without a Daughter. I've been considering what it would be like for my mom to miss out on the love I have for her. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Azande's dad had HIV and died when she was 1. Her dad infected her mom, and Azande's mom died when she was 16 years old. As a child, Azande developed an anxious attachment to her mom and her mom put her in therapy. She has continued with therapy into adulthood and was able to recommend a few things she's learned that have been helpful: Communicating feelings, instead of bottling them up Acknowledging and communicating feelings even to myself Prayer has been the greatest thing for me, more than anything else All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Laura's mom had health problems ever since she was in middle school and being in and out of the hospital wasn't unusual. In high school they finally put her on hospice and she died when Laura was 18. Laura held her grief in for many years, and 8 years later, she still struggles with feeling like sometimes her mom's death is not real. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Tarren is a DWOM, even though her mom is still living. Tarren's mom is a narcissist and Tarren has been on her own since she was 16 years old. She has no idea what having a mother or any family at all is like. Her mom-sized hole is all she knows and she feels like she's spent her entire life trying to fill it. Thank you, Tarren, for sharing your heart with us. May you continue to grow in the love and peace within you. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Sana's mom had high blood pressure and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. She was bed ridden for 14 years and died from breast cancer in 2021. When Sana's mom had her stroke, the first thing the doctor said to them was that they need to remain strong together because something like this can make or break a family. They took that advice seriously and were able to remain a strong family through the 14-year journey of her mom's illness. Sana's take-away: Guilt is a completely normal feeling. It is up to us on how we react to it or control it. Dealing with an illness as a family really affects the caregivers. They should remember to take care of themselves as well. Communication with one another is key in order to minimize bottling up anxiety. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This is Shaelyn's 2nd time on the podcast. She's only 2 years into her grief journey and wanted to share about adjusting to life in a new city, breaking up with someone for the first time without a mom, and learning to grieve on her own.  You can listen to Shaelyn's story of being a daughter without a mom in Season 2, Episode 42. You can find all things Shaelyn at these social media accounts: Instagram: @shaelynavalon Twitter (X): @shaelynavalon Facebook: Shaelyn Avalon TikTok: @shaelynavalon Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ShaelynAvalon?si=WzKW_by0MK27U9_i Spotify: https://spotify.link/CbtBOe1PyDb Toulouse's Instagram: @toulousebop_pup All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Johanna is an only child and it was just her and her mom growing up and they were incredibly close. Johanna's mom died in 2021 from colorectal cancer when Johanna was only 29 years old. Navigating life since her mom's death has left Johanna feeling lost, empty, and trying to pave a path for who she's supposed to be now. Here is the link to the podcast where Johanna's mom shared just a month before she died: https://spotify.link/YIExcwpemDb Johanna's Take-Away: When her mom Melanie shared on a podcast she was asked how might you want to be remembered? She encouraged listeners to celebrate the temporary. Everything is temporary, the good and the bad, and it all needs to be celebrated. In memory of Melanie, go light the world and put a smile on someone's face. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Aldon's mom Alva died from breast cancer in 2003 when Aldon was 7 years old. Her mom's journey was not a secret to Aldon, even at her young age, and she remembers that her mom did not let cancer take her pride. The battle was on her timeline. Aldon's Take-Away: Now at the age of 28, I realize that grief is a never-ending circle. Don't feel like you are on a timeline. No one will every understand it so don't feel like you have to confirm your story for someone. It's your story. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Sohini lost her mom when she was 10 years old and her dad when she was 20. She realizes that from a very young age she had to understand and take responsibility for a lot of things that other people her age do not have to. She also recognizes that she reacts to things very differently because of her situation of losing both of her parents at a very young age. Sohini's Take-Away: No matter how hard days are, you have to go on and believe in yourself. You have to keep on surviving. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Please choose another episode if suicide ideation will be unhelpful to your own grief journey. Joy's mum died when she was 16, a month before her birthday. She worked in the hospital and died from Covid. It was hard because Joy never expected it to be her who would experience loss from Covid. Her mom was her best friend, but her faith, family and friends pulled her through. Joy spoke about the verse Isaiah 57:1, and recommends the movie Human Resources on Netflix. She says Season 1 Episode 9 captures how we should be willing to except grief and see it as part of the healing process. Joy's Take-Away: The grieving process is never going to end; emotions happen and it might be any little thing that brings grief back and that's normal. I was ready for the process to end and I realized that grieving is normal. I was then able to move on with my life when I realized that it is normal. Being a Christian helps with the grieving process. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Platitudes are phrases that are widely used and regarded as a safe thing to say to someone who is hurting. In reality, these phrases normally have the opposite effect.  Listen to hear what fellow grievers have to say about platitudes, and how they made them feel. Then, continue listening to hear words that were received as loving, caring and supportive. This is not to make people for bad for the things they've said, as I don't believe people are trying to minimize grief. These are well known, commonly used phrases. This podcast will provide the opportunity to think ahead and plan for the next time we offer our condolences. Please share this podcast so we can spread awareness.  

Pooja lost her mother at the age of 10. This meant she had to step up and shoulder responsibilities for her younger sister, who has autism and can neither walk nor talk, and struggles with her hearing. While the weight of her past can sometimes overshadow her aspirations for the future, Pooja strives to radiate positivity and strength, even when the journey feels overwhelming. Pooja's Take-Away: You have the ability to ask questions for yourself, and you have the ability to look for solutions as well. You will see changes if you do that. If you would like to reach out to Pooja you can find her on Instagram @poojakhannaa All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This episode is an interview with my niece, Jenna, that originally aired 2 years ago. She became a DWOM in January, 2020 when her mom, my sister Amy, passed away after a long battle with cancer. We've talked a lot about how Amy always made decisions for her. It felt like a topic that others may have experienced as well. Her advice for making decisions without mom: Write out the question at hand. Make a list of pros and cons, and then consider what your moms answer would be, and write that out too. This process has helped her in her own decision-making journey. All of your stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, ⁠www.yourgriefjourney.com⁠.

Today you'll meet my husband Brian. This podcast was published on our 25th wedding anniversary in 2021. I ask him to share his perspective on what it is like to support someone on their grief journey. Where I have lost all of the people in my family of origin, his parents and brothers are still living. We have both learned things about each other over the past 25 years. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Amanda's mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42, and died 3 years later when Amanda was 15. Amanda was her mom's shadow, and they had a unique and special bond. Amanda is now a mom herself, and even after 18 years, she still feels a hole in her heart from missing her mom. Amanda's Take-Away: I hope that other members of this club are able to eventually find closure and peace. I encourage you to look for signs, that they are out there if you are ready to receive them. I don't think our mothers ever leave us, they continue to guide us. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Eden was 20 years old when her mom died. She's 40 now, a relatable age because she's closer to the age her mom was when she died. She went through depression, suicidal ideation, and everyday was a struggle. But the last 19 years have shown her that she will make it, and that she did make it, by the grace of God. Eden's Take-Away: I'm so thankful that I am now able to say that there are blessings that come from the loss of a mother. One thing's for sure I would not be the woman I am if it wasn't for the lessons of grief. I am proud of the woman I've become. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, ⁠www.yourgriefjourney.com

Please choose another episode if hearing about addiction will be unhelpful to your grief journey. Nikole's mother was an addict for the first 12 years of her life, and she felt as if she lost her mom emotionally during this time. After becoming clean for 10 years, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and relapsed on her sobriety. While trying to get clean again, she passed of a subdural hematoma a few years later when Nikole was 24. Nikole's Take-Away: Take in all of the signs and let them resonate and think of it as the person that you love and miss. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Tayvia's mom died from pancreatic cancer on December 26th, 2022. Less than 2 months later, her grandmother died from COPD. Tayvia was raised by these 2 women and is an only child. Despite the loss, she knows her mothers have given her every tool to be successful in life, and a village of mama bears who love and guide her. Tayvia says that she would not be surviving this grief without these women in her life. Tayvia's Take-Away: For a woman, there's nothing more important than building nurturing and healthy relationships with other women, because these are the people who will show up for you as true life partners. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome!  For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com. 

This episode originally aired in June of 2021, but since today is July 4th it seemed appropriate to share again. Chief Jim Leary was our local Police Chief for 10 years, until his recent retirement. In 2019, his wife Martha died from ALS. Chief had 46 years of police service, and also served in the US Army. However, none of this training or experience prepared him for the grief after losing his wife. He's brutally honest and vulnerable about the grief experience he's had (and continues to have) and also shares tips on ways to honor yourself in the process.  All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a daughter to share your story. All are welcome!  For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com. 

Today, June 27, 2023 marks 40 years since my mom's death. It hurts to even write those words. It seems impossible. Yet, here we are. To honor her today, I wanted to share some things I've come to believe about grief, and a few things I've learned. Everyone's grief journey is different, but for today, this is mine. I love you Mom, and miss you more than ever. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Warning: Pratima's story contains elements of homicide and abuse. Please choose another story if these details will be unhealthy for your own grief journey. Pratima's mum died when she was 3, and she witnessed the whole thing. The memory is still very vivid for her. Her father abandoned her shortly after that, and she was raised by her maternal grandparents. Pratima's Take-Away: Stop looking to fill the void of your mum's love - it is unfillable. But that doesn't mean that you are incomplete. Your mum is still there watching you and she is proud of you. We have managed to survive this long; we can go a little longer. Hang in there. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Kera lost her mom unexpectedly in June of 2023. She channeled her grief and all the things she's craving to hear from her mom into a guided journal so that we can leave behind advice, love and support for our loved ones. You can find her journal, Legacy Letters, on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Leaving-those-remain/dp/B0C1HZY9ZV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NWKSJROXDRVL&keywords=legacy+letters+kera+sanchez&qid=1686189702&sprefix=legacy+letters%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1 Kera's website: legacylettersjournal.com Kera on Instagram: @legacylettersjournal Kera's Take-Away: You need to find people who get it. You can't expect people that don't get it to get it, because you don't know what you don't know. It's possible to get to the other side where at least you can function again. You learn how to carry on and bring your loved one with you. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Burt lost his mom in 2016 after a 23-month battle with stage IV lung cancer. They traveled as much as possible, enjoyed picnics in the park and maintained healthy eating and exercise habits to keep her as strong as possible before transitioning to pain management. Burt's Take-Away: Being a male in our society I didn't feel that it was okay to cry. This journey has taught me that it's so important to allow those emotions to surface. If you suppress them, they will manifest in unexpected ways. There's no timeline for grief. You need to feel what you feel when you feel it. Allow people in because they are ready to be there for you. When you need them, let them in. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Sierra's mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 35, when Sierra was just 1 year old. After a four-year battle, they lost their mom in 1999 when Sierra was 5 and her brother was 8. Sierra's Take-Away: To anyone that listens, you are loved. Love is the fabric of our existence; please use that love to buffer some of the pain. There is always joy to be found in somewhat equal measure for the pain that we endure. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Amy's mom died when Amy was a senior in college. She had a brain aneurism, and Amy and her brother never got the chance to say good-bye as she died unexpectedly. Amy's dad had trouble handling the loss and soon remarried. Amy feels like she lost her mom and her dad at the same time. Amy's Take-Away: It's important to find a connection and support from people who have walked in the same shoes you have. It's always comforting to find someone to connect with. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Today, May 16, 2023, is the 50th anniversary of Amy's mom's death. Her mom died when Amy was 5. Her dad died 6 years later when Amy was 11. That left Amy and her 2 older brothers. Amy shares how her brother is the hero of her story. Amy's Take-Away: I'd like to say thank you to the women who stepped into my life and cared for me: Mrs. Polignone, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Crago, Mrs. Cadle, Mrs. Resig, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Zinn, my sister-in-law and her mother. Without these women guiding me and caring for me, I don't know what would have happened. I really appreciate and love them. 50 years is a long time and I miss my mom. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This is a recording from the 2021 Mother's Day Circle hosted by myself, Rebecca, Lauren and Patricia. We are 4 daughters without moms who have very different stories. Beth: Lost my mom as a teenager, developing self-love in her absence Patricia: Recent loss of mom, motherless mother of 3 children (Patricia shared in Episode 15 of Season 1 on the podcast) Rebecca: Complicated relationship with my mom, finding ways to know that I am loved (Rebecca shared in Episode 17 of Season 1 on the podcast) Lauren: Recent loss of mom, single, filling void with purpose (Lauren shared in Episode 6 of Season 1 on the podcast) All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

This episode originally aired in August of 2021. In this episode, I share my thoughts about worthiness, and some of the things I've done personally to strengthen my foundation of self-worth. In the podcast, I also share the names of a few of my favorite authors and podcasters: Brené Brown, Susan David, Jim Kwik and Dr. Daniel Amen. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Cate's mom died 17 years ago. Cate was 24 at the time, the youngest of the 4 sisters. Being a motherless mom has been her biggest grief so far. She feels like she experiences the loss of her mom over and over. Cate's Take-Away: It took being a mom to really understand my mom. Even though I don't have her here anymore, my heart talks to her all the time. And I'll take it! It's a beautiful way to connect with her. If your mom is still here, enjoy your mom while you have her. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Maria's mom died when she was 2 years old. For nearly 3 decades, Maria tried many different approaches to interact with and share her grief. She learned that people need to better understand how to navigate grief – either that of others or their own. That, paired with the impacts of the pandemic, and Philotimo Life was born! Philotimo Life works to modernize death policies and to normalize the conversation around death to create generational wellness. Website: www.philotimolife.com Instagram: @philotimolife LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/philotimo-life Philotimo Life is offering 3 listeners a free corporate grief training! To apply for this resource, please send an email to info@philotimolife.com and answer these 2 questions: 1. What is your organization? 2. Why do you think you can benefit from this type of workshop? Maria's Take-Away: Pay attention to kids experiencing grief and lead with love. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Lot lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer when she was 22. Then she experienced another life event and, as Lot says, "the lid was off!" At 32 years old she has given herself space for her grieving process. Her grieving process has resulted in the mission to make grief more and more negotiable and to be an example of how it can be done. Lot is a holistic life coach, mind-body practitioner and yoga instructor, and is passionate about using body work to feel and understand your grief. Lot's website: ⁠lotlogeman.com⁠ On Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/lotlogeman⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/lot-logeman-1b837b62⁠ Lot's Take-Away: I've learned how to stop being who other people wanted me to be and to be who I want to be. My word is trust. I lived a long time out of fear. As I learn to trust the things unfolding, life has been very different. Find your own way to grieve. All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com

Janet's mom Cass died from breast cancer the day Janet graduated from high-school. It was 1995 and she was 18, right at the start of my adult life. Her entire world shattered the day her mom died. In 2020 she started the Motherlove Project to honour the 25th anniversary of her mom's death and give other motherless daughters a space to tell their stories. Since launching the Project, almost 100 women from around the world have shared their stories. Motherlove Project website: www.motherloveproject.com To submit your story, email: janetgwilliam36@gmail.com Details about upcoming event in Ottawa: www.motherloveproject.com/events/motherlove-project-meet-up Motherlove Project on Instagram: www.instagram.com/motherloveproject Janet's Take-Away: Even though it feels scary and uncomfortable to face your grief, it's so worth it. Whatever that looks like for you, find an outlet. Find a way to connect with your grief because our grief lives with us, and that's okay! All of our stories are important! If you have a story to share, please send an email to daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! For more information on my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com