What does grief really look like when the casseroles are gone, the paperwork is done, and your heart still feels cracked wide open?

In this episode of Wellness in Every Season, Autumn Carter sits down with Diandra Ford-Wing for a raw and deeply human conversation about loss, healing, and the long road of learning how to live after someone you love is gone. After the sudden loss of her mother, Diandra stepped away from her thriving career to give herself the space to grieve—an experience that eventually gave rise to her debut novel, Red Bird.

Together, Autumn and Diandra unpack the reality that grief is not neat, short, or something you simply “get over.” They talk about the emotional weight of losing a parent, the importance of giving yourself permission to pause, the role of therapy and support, and how creativity can become a lifeline in the middle of pain. Diandra also shares the meaning behind Red Bird, how her mother’s love continues to shape her life, and why protecting your peace matters so much when you are walking through heartbreak.

This episode is for anyone carrying grief, supporting someone who is grieving, or trying to understand how loss reshapes identity, purpose, and wellness. You can connect with Diandra and follow her work through her website and social media: booksbydiandra.com, Instagram @diandrafordwing, and LinkedIn under Diandra Ford-Wing.

For more wellness tips and exclusive content, join my newsletter! Sign up now at https://wellness-in-every-season.kit.com/5-days-to-mastering-mornings-and-evenings receive a free 5-day guide called "Awaken and Unwind: 5 Days to Mastering Life's Mornings and Evenings."