Beautiful Tragedy

Carrie spoke with Sherrie Barch about her wonderful book called “Heaven’s Bell.” It is a story of two teenage best friends. They have a special friendship and are inseparable until one of them becomes ill. Then Ashley has to confront what her life will be like without Cody.
Here are some of the Amazon Reviewer’s Comments: “It’s a Comforting Hug in a Book.” “A comforting story for all ages.” “Gives you the language you need...”

This book can help facilitate conversations about:
● Helping children and families deal with grief
● Encouraging the sharing of memories of loved ones
● Facilitating difficult conversations
● Sherrie’s inspiration and her author journey

For more information about the book, you can go to:
www.heavensbell.com

In this episode, Carrie talks with Melissa Cottner about the death of her 24 year old daughter Chelsea. She died of an accidental overdose and Melissa wanted to tell Chelsea’s story so that people who have misconceptions about mental illness and overdose can know that not everyone who overdoses is someone who has had a terrible upbringing. Chelsea was very loved but she struggled with chronic pain from health issues. Joni shares her perspective as her sibling and talks about how her teenage children really struggled with the death of their aunt.

Carrie talks with Julie Johnson, who works for Integrate Trauma-Informed Network. Julie defines what trauma informed care and how it can help anyone, but this discussion is focusing on grievers. Julie shares about how reiki, trauma informed yoga and mindfulness techniques can help to calm the nervous system after experiencing trauma. Julie Johnson shares her own experience with trauma and how reiki and trauma-informed care, which puts the person in charge of their care and gives them choices, can help anyone and especially grievers. Julie has a wealth of knowledge and experience and really shares how important it is for practitioners to use trauma informed care.

Julie’s Bio:
Julie is an Instructional, Trainer and Curriculum Designer and Education Consultant. She also
holds an M. Ed in Special Education with a specialty in Accessibility and Curriculum Design
and Instruction. Additionally, Julie has over 150 hours of continuing education in Adult
Learning Theory, Universal Design for Learning, Trauma-Informed Education and Instructional Design. Julie has over 8 years of experience as a freelance instructional designer working with adult learners with companies such as Generation Mindful, Joy of Yoga, Special School District of St. Louis County, Integrate Trauma-Informed Network and Gentle Season. Julie is passionate about co-creating inclusive and approachable learning opportunities for all types of adult learners in the educational, small business, and not-for-profit sectors.
Additionally, Julie is also a Reiki III Professional/ Trainer and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT
500) and facilitates classes and adult learning opportunities in the practices of Usui Reiki and
Trauma-Informed Yin Yoga.

Carrie shares how the book, “You Are The Mother Of All Mother’s” helped her when she was desperately seeking words of comfort. She reads the book and gives this book 5 stars for bereaved parents.

Carrie talks about hoping that people will become more comfortable with bringing up
her child’s name, even though they are no longer physically here. She realizes that people are
nervous and don’t know how to deal in this scenario.

Carrie shares how writing has helped her in her journey with child loss. She benefitted from a free online writing group with Meghan Riordan Jarvis offered through www.griefismysidehustle.com

In this episode, Margaret and Alvin, bravely shared the story of their son, Addison, who took his life in November 2019. They shared how they have coped and books that helped them in their journey. They talk about how suicide needs to be more openly discussed.

They shared books that were helpful and how they have used their pain to help teens express their creativity.

It’s Ok that You’re Not Ok by Megan Devine

Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore

Time Lived, Without Its Flow by Denise Riley

When Death Takes Something from You Give It Back: Carl's Book by Naja Marie Aidt

Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise DeSalvo

No Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining for Gifts in Illness and Loss by Teri Dillion

Suicidal by Jesse Bering

The Suicidal Mind by Edwin S. Schneidman

Carrie talks with Elizabeth about Gentle Parenting and how she has done so much
work and has explored her own needs so she knows what she needs to do to be the best mom
to her children. She learned this through her own work with a therapist and lots of reading and self-development.

Elizabeth is a stress coach for moms. She has 4 kids, 3 boys and 1 baby girl. Elizabeth has
been married for 13 years and is super passionate about mental health and emotional wellness in motherhood. She helps overwhelmed moms reduce the mental stress so they can respond with patience and calm with their kids. She teaches proactive ways to be less stressed, how to prioritize needs and ways to regulate emotions when feeling triggered.

Carrie shares her experience with books and how they helped her son when he was experiencing anxiety. They were all therapist recommended and have helped both Carrie and her young son to be able to better deal with his emotions. 

Link to the list of books discussed: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1CPIYEEL7DDP0?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_wnCpm5G Zqt0uX 

Carrie shares several books that have helped her young son who was 3 when his
brother, who was 7 died. These books are most beneficial for children ages 3-7 and were all
therapist recommended.

Link to the books discussed
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ILDB54OGU6B4?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_1ekugEaaK