This week's guest is Michelle Vignault, who opens her heart about the unimaginable journey of losing both her brother to suicide and her husband within just six months. Michelle shares how she was suddenly thrust into solo parenting two daughters, ages 2 and 4 while navigating her own overwhelming grief. 

With raw honesty, Michelle reveals how writing became her lifeline—beginning as simple notes and evolving into heartfelt letters to her best friend before ultimately becoming her book, "Hold Back the Rain," titled after a meaningful Duran Duran song that resonated with her struggle to withstand life's torrential challenges. 

Despite eight years passing since these profound losses, Michelle vulnerably shares her recent unexpected grief relapse, reminding us that healing isn't linear, and even when we feel strong, grief can suddenly knock us off our feet. 

Our conversation tenderly explores how Michelle has broken generational patterns by creating space for open communication with her daughters. She uses honest, distraction-free moments to help them process their feelings while allowing herself to express her own sadness and anger authentically and openly. 

The poignant image on her book cover—capturing Michelle with her daughters as they release her husband's ashes—symbolizes their transformed family and the quiet strength they've discovered together. It offers listeners a touching testament to how families can find their way forward through devastating loss with love, honesty, and resilience. 

Michelle's story reminds us that while we cannot hold back the rain of grief, we can learn to dance in it, finding moments of connection and growth even in our darkest hours. Her journey inspires us to embrace vulnerability as strength and to recognize that healing happens in community—whether through writing, honest conversations, or the simple act of showing up for ourselves and our loved ones day after day. 

RESOURCES:

• Book, Hold Back the Rain
• Book,

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• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
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This episode is sponsored by Do Grief Differently™️, my twelve-week, one-on-one, in-person/online program for grievers who have suffered any type of loss to feel better. Click here to learn new tools, grief education, and the only evidence-based method for moving beyond the pain of grief.

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