Between Pages and Pain: Writing the unthinkable in STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU

Grief and Light Podcast

What would you do if your only sibling, your sister, was diagnosed with a terminal illness the day after giving birth to her second child?
In this heartfelt episode, we embark on an intimate conversation with the remarkable Dr. Kelly S. Thompson, delving into the intricacies of her military upbringing and the unique sisterhood she shared with Meghan.
Kelly candidly shares the challenges of navigating a relationship affected by her sister's addiction, estrangement, and ultimately, the looming shadow of death following Meghan's terminal diagnosis.
Dr. Thompson is a retired military officer who holds an MFA and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing, and has been published in Chatelaine, Maclean’s, the Globe and Mail, and more.
Her debut memoir, GIRLS NEED NOT APPLY, was named a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book, and was an instant bestseller. She works as a mentor for the University of King’s College MFA in Creative Nonfiction.
Her second memoir, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, was released in 2023, and was also an instant bestseller in Canada. At once funny, raw, and heartbreaking, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, is a story about addiction, abuse, and tragedy, but above all, it is a powerful portrait of an enduring love between sisters.
In this emotional and personable discussion, we'll reflect on the enduring love between sisters, the impact of Meghan's diagnosis, and how Kelly crafts stories that resonate deeply with the universal human experience.
Get in touch with Dr. Kelly S. Thompson via:

• Website: kellysthompson.com
• Email: [e-mail]
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter (now X)
• Pre-order STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU (available in the US in 2024)

BONUS! Check out her bull terrier, Ham, on Newsweek and follow him on Instagram! (He's kind of a big deal 😜)
Nina Rodriguez Social & Website:

• Instagram: @griefandlight
• Threads: @griefandlight
• Website: griefandlight.com
• Ways to Work with Me
• 1:1 Heart-to-Heart 12-week Grief Support
• Subscribe to my newsletter

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Chapters

1. Introduction & Background (00:00:00)

2. The messy dynamics of addiction in the family (00:06:47)

3. Understanding the nature of addiction (00:10:52)

4. The shift in relationship after Megan's child is born (00:13:29)

5. Watermelon juice and my "grief place" (00:15:55)

6. Great news, Terrible news (00:19:11)

7. Just "Be With" (00:24:47)

8. PhD in Grief (00:29:28)

9. Please include the "ugly parts" (00:34:39)

10. You can touch humanity (00:37:17)

11. Meghan's legacy (00:38:29)

12. Pot Roast, the "other meat" (Meghan's bull terrier) (00:42:04)

13. Kelly the writer (00:44:06)

14. The gift of hospice (00:49:55)

15. The gift of dark humor (00:54:48)

16. Real love is being truly known (00:55:47)

17. Caregiving and the gift of motherhood (00:58:14)

18. Permission to come undone (01:00:09)

19. How to contact Dr. Kelly S. Thompson (and Ham the Bull Terrier) (01:01:07)

20. What's next for Kelly? (01:01:58)

21. What does grief mean to you? (01:03:32)