In this episode, we welcome Laing as she recounts the cherished moments with her sister Ginna and confronts the irony that lay in her professional expertise in medical devices, contrasting sharply with Ginna's untimely death with sleep apnea.

We discuss the transformative power of rituals and creative expression in the face of mourning. Our conversation takes a turn towards finding solace amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laing shares her inspiration into nature poetry with "Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection," and the emotional relief it provided. The talk serves as a gentle reminder of the varied avenues through which we seek comfort, whether through counseling, the arts, or the company of others who have walked similar paths of sorrow and healing. As we conclude the episode, the discussion sheds light on the contrasting experiences of anticipatory grief and sudden loss, emphasizing the unique paths we walk through the wilderness of sorrow.

In This Episode:

(0:09:46) - Impact of Sleep Apnea

(0:25:27) - Navigating Different Types of Loss

(0:35:21) - Creative Outlets for Grief

(0:47:10) - Morning Leaves

(0:57:06) - Coping Strategies for Stressful Situations

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. Find out more here.

Connect with Laing:

Instagram: @morning_leaves_and_poet

LinkedIn: Laing Rikkers

Facebook: Author Laing Rikkers

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast