*Trigger warning* This episode speaks about death and loss. Monica & Carolyn are not trained in grief work or counselling and are speaking from personal experience. Please feel free to skip over this episode if it doesn’t feel aligned for you right now.
In this episode of Wander(HER)wild the podcast, hosts Monica and Carolyn speak about their emotional journey of navigating grief and loss as mothers. They share personal stories of significant losses, including traumatic experiences with their children and the passing of close family members. The conversation touches on coping mechanisms, the importance of seeking professional help, and the unique challenges of grieving while caring for young children. They also discuss how they have addressed the topic of death with their kids, emphasizing the importance of honesty and openness. The hosts share resources and experiences that have helped them through their difficult times, providing comfort and insight for listeners who may be going through similar experiences.
Key Takeaways From the Episode:
* Grieving as a mother is complex, layered, and deeply personal—especially when also caring for children.
* Loss can include not only death, but the fear of what might have happened, and the emotional trauma of near-losses.
* Both Monica and Carolyn experienced profound grief in 2024, including the loss of loved ones and trauma related to their children’s health.
* Grief often brings spiritual awakening and forces a reevaluation of values, priorities, and purpose.
* Children are highly intuitive and can sense and process loss in their own ways; honesty and presence are powerful tools when navigating grief as a family.
* Rituals, therapy, breathwork, time in nature, and community support can be powerful healing practices during grief.
* The grieving process is nonlinear; healing continues in small waves over time.
* Choosing what to believe about death can be empowering and bring peace, especially when conventional frameworks fall short.
Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Time Stamps
[00:00] Opening Reflections:Carolyn and Monica set the tone for a tender conversation about grief, motherhood, and personal loss.
[02:16] A Trigger Warning and Intentions:They acknowledge this topic may not be for everyone and clarify they are speaking only from personal experience.
[03:47] Monica’s Year of Grief Begins:Monica shares how her daughter’s medical emergency and ICU stay became the first of several life-shifting events.
[07:52] Losing Her Grandfather:Monica explains the synchronicity of her grandfather passing just as her daughter recovered, deepening the emotional weight of the season.
[10:36] Grieving Her Grandmother:She describes her grandmother’s vibrant spirit and the profound loss she felt after her unexpected passing.
[13:52] Carolyn’s Story: Watching Her Father Fade:Carolyn shares about her father’s undiagnosed neurological condition and the heartbreak of watching him suffer without answers.
[18:45] The Unknown & Surrender:The two reflect on how grief brings uncertainty and surrender, and how control must give way to trust.
[20:33] Signs, Energy & Post-Death Connection:They discuss powerful moments of feeling loved ones’ presence through energy, symbols, and synchronicities.
[24:15] Monarch Butterflies & Music Boxes:Carolyn and Monica share personal stories of symbolic signs from their fathers and grandparents after their passing.
[26:48] Choosing What to Believe:Grief becomes a doorway to defining your own beliefs about death, the soul, and spiritual connection.
[30:20] Coping in the Early Days:Monica recalls how stillness, rest, salt baths, and short walks helped her begin to emerge from paralysis after trauma.
[33:42] Releasing Trauma from the Body:They talk about using breathwork, movement, and sound to process grief stored in the body.
[36:18] Journaling & Therapy:Carolyn explains how journaling, therapy, and finally booking a medium reading became key parts of her healing.
[39:05] Grieving While Mothering:They reflect on the difficulty of grieving while also showing up as mothers—often without space to fully fall apart.
[41:16] Talking to Children About Death:Carolyn explains how she approached grief with honesty, clarity, and resources that helped her children feel secure.
[44:15] Shifting Priorities After Loss:Monica shares how grief reshaped her life choices, leading to more presence, simplicity, and time with loved ones.
[46:12] Love in the Midst of Grief:Carolyn ends with a reflection on how, even in heartbreak, she was surrounded by unexpected love and support.
Resources Discussed in this Episode:
* Intentional Living for Mothers Summit
* Dr. Becky: How to talk about death with your kids
* Book for children who have lost someone they love: I wish you could see by Colby Gaudette
* Podcast Episode: Magic Hour with Taylor Paige # 104 Spiritual Connection through grief and challenging times
Quick Links:
Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms
Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person Retreats
Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica
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