Susan, your host, welcomes Pierce Freelon. Pierce is an accomplished musician, producer, and educator from Durham, North Carolina. He is the co-creator of Beat Making Lab, an Emmy Award-winning PBS web series, and is the writer, composer, and co-director of the PBS animated series The History of White People in America, an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival. His Grammy-nominated children's music has been featured on The Today Show, NPR, and MSNBC, as well as in Rolling Stone.

 

In today’s episode, Susan and Pierce discuss grief from a different angle, from the gratitude and love implied in being together and caring for someone moving out of this life. Pierce wholeheartedly shares his loving memories with his father and how he experiences life without him by his side.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Pierce shares his grief journey that started when he lost his father in 2019.

• Pierce talks about how his father’s diagnosis with ALS made them experience a series of losses in its progression.

• Pierce compares the care given to a newborn to the care of a terminal patient; the first is on its way into this life, and the other is moving out of it.

• Grief is the price we pay for love.

• Susan highlights the value of compassion, especially during grief.

• Pierce organized a group where people get to honor their loved ones who passed, telling their stories through their puppets.

• We can connect with the lost people however possible; Susan shares how she asks for signs, and Pierce talks about what “Lasagna” meant for their family.

• Signs come naturally and organically; they will be powerful and moving.

• Pierce talks about his book Daddy & Me: Side By Side.

• Grieve gently and tenderly, hold space for you, and stay compassionate.

 

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

If you find this episode helpful, please donate

 

Meet Pierce Freelon

Pierce’s Website

Pierce’s Instagram

Daddy & Me, Side By Side

Where Our Spirit Resides, a puppet show.