Send us a message! We love hearing from our listeners.

In this episode of The Day After, hosts CJ Infantino and Ashley Infantino sit down with guest Nickey to delve into the profound and often challenging topic of anticipatory grief and loss. Nickey opens up about her intense five-year journey of preemptive grieving before the eventual passing of her mother. This journey was marked by the unpredictability and stress of receiving urgent medical calls and her efforts to manage her mother's care while living far away.

Throughout the conversation, CJ shares parallels from his own life, recounting his experiences with his wife's battle with cancer. The trio explores how grief manifests in unexpected ways, such as through anxiety, obsessiveness, and an altered perception of time. Nickey candidly discusses the complexity of emotions, ranging from anger and guilt to eventual acceptance and coping strategies, like therapy and writing.

As the episode progresses, the discussion touches on the importance of creating rituals and finding meaningful ways to connect with the memory of loved ones. Nickey shares touching anecdotes about her mother’s love for bingo, Journey's music, and cherished family traditions she continues to honor.

This episode provides a raw and relatable exploration of grief, highlighting the importance of community, understanding, and the capacity to live through and with grief. It's a poignant reminder that while grief is deeply personal, sharing stories can provide solace and a sense of connection.

Listeners are left with a heartfelt appreciation for the strength found in vulnerability and the timeless impact of love and memories.

--

A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music