Good Grief

Episode Summary

In the inaugural episode of The Pink Elephant podcast, Dr. Debbie Akerman shares her personal journey of loss and resilience after her son Baruch's battle with brain cancer.

She is joined by Susan Rubin, a friend who also lost her son, Andrew, to the same illness. They discuss their experiences with grief, the challenges of finding support, and the importance of remembering and honoring their children's memories.

Key Takeaways

• Grief is a deeply personal process with no right or wrong way to navigate it. Finding meaning in tragedy, creating rituals, and connecting with others who understand can help in the healing journey.

• Remembering and mentioning the names of loved ones who have passed can bring comfort to those grieving.

• Acknowledging their presence and sharing memories can make a significant difference.

• Engaging in meaningful activities or supporting organizations that honor the memory of lost loved ones can provide a sense of purpose and healing. It's essential to find ways to remember and celebrate their lives.

• Grief comes in waves, and healing is a nonlinear process. It's okay to have good days and bad days, and it's essential to give oneself permission to feel and express emotions as they come.

Notable Quotes

'No matter what the outcome is, nobody wants anything to do with us. If the outcome is good, there's such trauma. If the outcome is bad, there is such trauma that nobody wants to even go near us again.'

'You never get over it. It's like putting a ball of dirt in water and you can't pull it out. It's there always. But you can pour so much more water in that it comes to the top and goes out.'

'Nothing's worse than the actual loss, to me. But it feels good to know that I'm not the only one who remembers him.'