Female Voices: Life and Loss

Episode 5 ~ Navigating Sudden Loss: A Sister’s Story of Grief, Strength, and Justice with Julie Swaney (part 1)

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Grief isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about

navigating everything that follows.

In this deeply moving episode, Teresa Reiniger sits down with Julie Swaney to share the heartbreaking story of losing her sister, Betsy, in a sudden and tragic event. Julie opens up about the complexities of grieving within a family, the emotional toll of navigating a high-profile legal case, and the profound responsibility of stepping into support for her nieces. She reflects on the ongoing nature of grief, the importance of accepting help, and finding ways to keep the spirit of Betsy alive while moving forward in life. Through raw emotion and heartfelt insights, Julie’s journey is a testament to the resilience found in love, loss, and the unwavering strength of family.

 Topics Discussed:

  • The shock of sudden loss and how it disrupts the grieving process
  • The importance of community support in healing
  • How grief impacts every aspect of life—physically,
    • emotionally, and financially
  • Creating meaningful traditions to honor a loved one
  • The role of faith, meditation, and personal reflection in coping with loss

    • Key Takeaways:

    • Grief is not linear—especially when justice is unresolved.
    • Having a strong support system can make all the difference.
    • Everyone grieves in their own way; there’s no “right” timeline.
    • Honoring a loved one’s memory can be a powerful part of the healing journey.

      • Key Quotes:
      "I had to be strong for my nieces, but I also had to learn to grieve for myself." "We made a choice to focus on Betsy’s life, not just her tragic passing." "Having a place to remember her—like the tree at the tennis courts—helped us all heal." ~ Julie Swaney

      Resources & Mentions:

      Our Lady’s Inn –https://ourladysinn.org/

      The Betsy Tree – A memorial tree that serves as a place for healing and remembrance
      Faith & Meditation – Julie’s pastor played a key role in guiding her through grief

      Tune into hear Julie’s inspiring story of resilience, love, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

      Connect With Us: Have a story to share?  Interested in being a guest?  Need Support? 

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      Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @ Female Voices: Life and Loss Podcast

      Email: [email protected]

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      Female Voices: Life and LossBy Teresa Reiniger with Living After Grief and Wayna Berry with Allberry Coaching
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