Episode Introduction:

What happens when grief, purpose, faith, and creativity come together to birth something bigger than both pain and legacy? Sometimes, the very thing we carry in our hearts is meant to become a healing tool for others.

In this episode of Redefining Grief, I sit down with my dear sister and childhood friend, Belina Buisson Wright, a Florida-based artist, illustrator, teacher, and creative visionary of Haitian-American descent. Together, we share the powerful story behind our new children’s book, “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” and how this project became a meaningful expression of grief, healing, culture, and purpose.

Belina and I go way back, all the way to childhood, and this conversation is deeply personal. What makes this episode so special is that it is not simply about launching a book. It is about honoring history, family, faith, community, and the God-given gifts that have been inside of us since we were children. While I found my voice through talking, Belina discovered her purpose through drawing, and now years later, those very gifts have come together to create something that will help children and families talk about grief in a gentle, honest, and healing way.

Belina opens up about what illustrating this book taught her about grief in her own life. She shares how the story helped her understand that grief is not only connected to death. Grief can also come from dreams deferred, disappointment, change, and the things in life that do not happen the way we hoped they would. She explains why leaning into difficult emotions matters and how healing begins when we stop avoiding what we feel.

We also talk about the deeper intention behind “Mommy, What’s That Feeling?” This book was created not only for children, but also for adults, educators, parents, caregivers, and professionals who support young people through life’s many losses. It gives language to emotions, creates space for honest conversations, and reminds us that children’s feelings deserve to be seen, heard, validated, and processed in safe spaces.

This conversation is rich with legacy. We reflect on the people who poured into us growing up, the power of honoring our ancestors, and the beauty of creating work that will outlive us. This episode is a reminder that sometimes grief can be transformed into something meaningful, educational, and life-giving. Join us as we talk about art, healing, Haitian heritage, faith, and what it means to use your gift to serve others.

About Our Guest:

Belina Buisson Wright is a Florida-based artist, illustrator, and teacher of Haitian-American descent who loves creating colorful art inspired by different cultures and everyday life. A self-taught artist, Belina believes her artistic talent is a God-given gift. She enjoys telling stories through paintings and books that help children learn, imagine, feel connected, and express themselves in their own unique way.

Over the years, Belina has grown into a creative force whose work is rooted in culture, heart, and purpose. Through illustration, visual storytelling, and community-centered artistic expression, she uses her gift to inspire others and make meaningful impact. Belina is also passionate about helping young creators honor their individuality and embrace the talents placed inside of them.

In this episode, Belina shares her journey into art, how she discovered illustration as part of her purpose, and what it meant to collaborate on Mommy, What’s That Feeling? a children’s book created to help children and adults better understand grief and emotions.

Episode Quotes:

“I was really surprised that grief is not only death.” - Belina W.

“I learned that I will be okay.” - Belina W.

“Healing is not about forgetting. It's about learning how to carry love, loss, and hope together.” - Herdyne M.

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom (P.O.W.) Questions:

Q. If today was your last day on Earth, what would be three words you would like people to remember you by?

A. She was genuine.

Q. When life gets to lifing, and as you know grief comes in many forms, what song carries you through?

A. A worship song about how if God watches over the lilies of the field and the sparrows, how much more will He care for you.

Q. What have you learned about yourself since redefining the grief in your life?

A. I learned that I will be okay. I can still make it. I can still endure, and it’s okay to let things go. I’ll be okay because God’s got me.

Episode Time-Stamps:

[03:16] Introduction to Belina Wright and her creative background

[05:19] The story behind Mommy, What’s That Feeling?

[07:49] What the book taught Belina about grief

[08:47] Realizing that grief is more than death

[10:27] Herdyne reflects on childhood struggles, reading, and legacy

[11:49] Belina shares how she discovered her gift for art

[14:10] The beauty of collaborating with people you love and trust

[20:32] Why the book is also a teaching guide for adults and educators

[22:09] What families can expect inside the book

[23:16] Honoring ancestors, literacy, and generational legacy

[25:17] Why the launch date holds deep personal meaning

[26:25] Belina reflects on the responsibility of using her God-given gift

[28:19] Belina answers the Pearls of Wisdom questions

[31:12] How to connect with Belina and support her work

[34:03] Herdyne’s closing message on healing, hope, and purpose

Reference Links:

Book Mentioned:

Mommy, What’s That Feeling? - https://herdyne.com/mommy-whats-that-feeling/

Event Mentioned:

Cultures Around Us

May 3

Leesburg, Florida

3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Book Your Dream Trip with Creole Adventures: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

Connect with Belina:

Website: www.bwrightart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bwrightart

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Herdyne:

Website: www.herdyne.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/herdynemercier

Email: [email protected]