Reese’s mom was diagnosed with early-on set Alzheimer's when Reese was 21, and passed away when Reese was 28. It was in the depths of her grief when she first picked up her pencil and began to write about her mother, the journey of Alzheimer's they took together and the journey of grief she now walks alone. You can find Reese’s spoken poetry album,…

Robyn's mother died from stage 4 lung cancer when Robyn was 15 years old. Robyn’s mom had 10 miscarriages before Robyn, and while Robyn was a triplet in the womb, she was the only baby to survive. They had an incredibly intense relationship, as her mom didn’t understand how to handle her own emotions and put a lot of pressure on Robyn. Robyn shares…

Melissa's mom died at the end of 2019 after a long journey with breast cancer. Melissa's parents divorced when she was young and it was just Melissa and her mom growing up together. Her mom had health issues and Melissa grew up always worried about her mom's health and well being. Melissa and her mom had a special bond and even though she's not phy…

Ashmeeta’s first grief was when her mom died in 2008.Then her husband died from pancreatic cancer in 2019, and then her father in 2022. These life events pushed Ashmeeta deep into self-reflection and discoveryand she is now an educator, grief support advocate/expert and author. Here is where you can find Ashmeeta: Website: http://www.storyoutellyou…

Crystal’s mom died suddenly in September of 2021. After her mother's sudden and tragic death, she made the difficult decision to leave her stable employment to pursue dreams of living life on her own terms, prioritizing her well-being and honoring her grief while taking the road less traveled. Here is where you can find Crystal and the work she isd…

This episode was originally aired in October 2021. It's important for men to have a place to share their stories too, and all are welcome here. This episode is the story of Southofthe49th's journey with his wife after her diagnosis of a brain tumor. He does not share his identity, due to the privacy of his kids, but has learned how to use TikTok as…

Kristen’s moms death left them with more questions thananswers. Their family dynamic has been deeply changed and it leaves Kristen wondering what went wrong during her mom’s illness. Here is the Andrew Garfield video Kristen mentions. Hetalks about his mom starting at 4:21: https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/andrew-garfield-late-show-interview-on-g…

Laura's mom died when she was 2. She has no memories of her. She reached a breaking point when she outlived her mom and her son was the age she was when her mom died. Laura's Take-Away: I'd like to dedicate my episode to Ruby, the 4-year-old daughter of my friend who recently died. Ruby, I’m thinking of you and your mother. All of our stories are i…

Yvonne was the first woman to share her story on the podcast. She was told as a child that her mother wanted nothing to do with her. As she got older, she learned a different story. If you enjoy her story, you can go to find her follow up interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NjOj6XuqfMjyrn1GljN1j?si=b4kqb3NKQ_icz2rZh5KS3w Yvonne's take…

Dallas was an only child and had a very close relationship with her mom. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Dallas chose to channel her grief through writing during her mom’s time in hospice, her passing, and the year that followed. Dallas published herbook, I’ll Keep Her Fork, on July 24th, 2023 which was the one-year anniversary o…

Welcome to the 2024 season of the DWOM podcast! I can’t believe this is the 4th year. I’m so thrilled that you are here and listening. Today I will share my thoughts on healing. That you have to feel to heal. It has been on my heart to encourage others to do the hard work of feeling your grief. I’d love to hear your thoughts once you listen! Please…

Alisha’s mother is living, so she shares a different perspective on what it is like being a daughter without a mom. Due to mental health issues, her mother left the family when Alisha was 9 months old. Alisha was raised by her dad and paternal grandmother, until her grandmother died when Alisha was 11. That loss triggered the additional feelings of…

Isabelle’s mom died in 2016, just 11 days after receiving a diagnosis. Her mom, Greta, entered hospice and Isabelle became her primary caregiver. When someone is sick, you take care of them so they can get better. How do you nurse someone not back to health… but to death? Isabelle and her mom had just entered the part of their relationship where Is…

Do you self-sabotage? Have you ever thought about the stories you tell yourself? Have you ever questioned if they are TRUE? Today I share reflections from my own journey and provide a tool for reflecting on your own grief journey. Gary John Bishop on the Ed Mylett Show: https://www.edmylett.com/podcast/garyjohnbishop Previous DWOM episodes that may…

Maddie’s mom died from a rare form of breast cancer when Maddie was 13 years old. Her episode is bring released on the 20-year anniversary of her mom’s passing. Maddie feels like she has finally begun to grieve after avoiding it for so long. Maddie’s Take-Away: Be compassionate with yourself. There is no right way to grieve. Feeling numb is normal.…

Leylani’s mom died from pulmonary failure when Leylani was 7 years old. She never had the opportunity to get to know her mom in depth or know her stories. She’s dealt with grief and closure for the past 21 years, but feels like sometimes it can get harder and harder. Leylani’s Take-Away: If you are dealing with mother or pregnancy loss, you learn h…

Since this is Episode 44 (IYKYK) I wanted to share thoughts I've had lately on being a Mom Without a Daughter. I've been considering what it would be like for my mom to miss out on the love I have for her. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen. All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share,please send an email to daughter…

Azande's dad had HIV and died when she was 1. Her dad infected her mom, and Azande's mom died when she was 16 years old. As a child, Azande developed an anxious attachment to her mom and her mom put her in therapy. She has continued with therapy into adulthood and was able to recommend a few things she's learned that have been helpful: Communicatin…

Laura's mom had health problems ever since she was in middle school and being in and out of the hospital wasn't unusual. In high school they finally put her on hospice and she died when Laura was 18. Laura held her grief in for many years, and 8 years later, she still struggles with feeling like sometimes her mom's death is not real. All of our sto…

Tarren is a DWOM, even though her mom is still living. Tarren's mom is a narcissist and Tarren has been on her own since she was 16 years old. She has no idea what having a mother or any family at all is like. Her mom-sized hole is all she knows and she feels like she's spent her entire life trying to fill it. Thank you, Tarren, for sharing your he…

Sana's mom had high blood pressure and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. She was bed ridden for 14 years and died from breast cancer in 2021. When Sana's mom had her stroke, the first thing the doctor said to them was that they need to remain strong together because something like this can make or break a family. They too…

This is Shaelyn's 2nd time on the podcast. She's only 2 years into her grief journey and wanted to share about adjusting to life in a new city, breaking up with someone for the first time without a mom, and learning to grieve on her own. You can listen to Shaelyn's story of being a daughter without a mom in Season 2, Episode 42. You can find all th…

Johanna is an only child and it was just her and her mom growing up and they were incredibly close. Johanna's mom died in 2021 from colorectal cancer when Johanna was only 29 years old. Navigating life since her mom's death has left Johanna feeling lost, empty, and trying to pave a path for who she's supposed to be now. Here is the link to the podc…

Aldon’s mom Alva died from breast cancer in 2003 when Aldon was 7 years old. Her mom’s journey was not a secret to Aldon, even at her young age, and she remembers that her mom did not let cancer take her pride. The battle was on her timeline. Aldon's Take-Away: Now at the age of 28, I realize that grief is a never-ending circle. Don't feel like you…

Sohini lost her mom when she was 10 years old and her dad when she was 20. She realizes that from a very young age she had to understand and take responsibility for a lot of things that other people her age do not have to. She also recognizes that she reacts to things very differently because of her situation of losing both of her parents at a very…

Please choose another episode if suicide ideation will be unhelpful to your own grief journey. Joy’s mum died when she was 16, a month before her birthday. She worked in the hospital and died from Covid. It was hard because Joy never expected it to be her who would experience loss from Covid. Her mom was her best friend, but her faith, family and f…

Platitudes are phrases that are widely used and regarded as a safe thing to say to someone who is hurting. In reality, these phrases normally have the opposite effect. Listen to hear what fellow grievers have to say about platitudes, and how they made them feel. Then, continue listening to hear words that were received as loving, caring and support…

Pooja lost her mother at the age of 10. This meant she had to step up and shoulder responsibilities for her younger sister, who has autism and can neither walk nor talk, and struggles with her hearing. While the weight of her past can sometimes overshadow her aspirations for the future, Pooja strives to radiate positivity and strength, even when th…

This episode is an interview with my niece, Jenna, that originally aired 2 years ago. She became a DWOM in January, 2020 when her mom, my sister Amy, passed away after a long battle with cancer. We've talked a lot about how Amy always made decisions for her. It felt like a topic that others may have experienced as well. Her advice for making decisi…

Today you'll meet my husband Brian. This podcast was published on our 25th wedding anniversary in 2021. I ask him to share his perspective on what it is like to support someone on their grief journey. Where I have lost all of the people in my family of origin, his parents and brothers are still living. We have both learned things about each other o…

Amanda’s mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 42, and died 3 years later when Amanda was 15. Amanda was her mom’s shadow, and they had a unique and special bond. Amanda is now a mom herself, and even after 18 years, she still feels a hole in her heart from missing her mom. Amanda's Take-Away: I hope that other members of this club are …

Eden was 20 years old when her mom died. She's 40 now, a relatable age because she's closer to the age her mom was when she died. She went through depression, suicidal ideation, and everyday was a struggle. But the last 19 years have shown her that she will make it, and that she did make it, by the grace of God. Eden's Take-Away: I’m so thankful th…

Please choose another episode if hearing about addiction will be unhelpful to your grief journey. Nikole's mother was an addict for the first 12 years of her life, and she felt as if she lost her mom emotionally during this time. After becoming clean for 10 years, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and relapsed on her sobriety. While trying to get …

Tayvia's mom died from pancreatic cancer on December 26th, 2022. Less than 2 months later, her grandmother died from COPD. Tayvia was raised by these 2 women and is an only child. Despite the loss, she knows her mothers have given her every tool to be successful in life, and a village of mama bears who love and guide her. Tayvia says that she would…

This episode originally aired in June of 2021, but since today is July 4th it seemed appropriate to share again. Chief Jim Leary was our local Police Chief for 10 years, until his recent retirement. In 2019, his wife Martha died from ALS. Chief had 46 years of police service, and also served in the US Army. However, none of this training or experie…

Today, June 27, 2023 marks 40 years since my mom's death. It hurts to even write those words. It seems impossible. Yet, here we are. To honor her today, I wanted to share some things I've come to believe about grief, and a few things I've learned. Everyone's grief journey is different, but for today, this is mine. I love you Mom, and miss you more …

Warning: Pratima's story contains elements of homicide and abuse. Please choose another story if these details will be unhealthy for your own grief journey. Pratima's mum died when she was 3, and she witnessed the whole thing. The memory is still very vivid for her. Her father abandoned her shortly after that, and she was raised by her maternal gra…

Kera lost her mom unexpectedly in June of 2023. She channeled her grief and all the things she's craving to hear from her mom into a guided journal so that we can leave behind advice, love and support for our loved ones. You can find her journal, Legacy Letters, on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Letters-Leaving-those-remain/dp/B…

Burt lost his mom in 2016 after a 23-month battle with stage IV lung cancer. They traveled as much as possible, enjoyed picnics in the park and maintained healthy eating and exercise habits to keep her as strong as possible before transitioning to pain management.Burt's Take-Away: Being a male in our society I didn't feel that it was okay to cry. T…

Sierra's mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 35, when Sierra was just 1 year old. After a four-year battle, they lost their mom in 1999 when Sierra was 5 and her brother was 8. Sierra's Take-Away: To anyone that listens, you are loved. Love is the fabric of our existence; please use that love to buffer some of the pain. Th…

Amy's mom died when Amy was a senior in college. She had a brain aneurism, and Amy and her brother never got the chance to say good-bye as she died unexpectedly. Amy's dad had trouble handling the loss and soon remarried. Amy feels like she lost her mom and her dad at the same time. Amy's Take-Away: It's important to find a connection and support f…

Today, May 16, 2023, is the 50th anniversary of Amy's mom's death. Her mom died when Amy was 5. Her dad died 6 years later when Amy was 11. That left Amy and her 2 older brothers. Amy shares how her brother is the hero of her story. Amy's Take-Away: I'd like to say thank you to the women who stepped into my life and cared for me: Mrs. Polignone, Mr…

This is a recording from the 2021 Mother's Day Circle hosted by myself, Rebecca, Lauren and Patricia. We are 4 daughters without moms who have very different stories. Beth: Lost my mom as a teenager, developing self-love in her absence Patricia: Recent loss of mom, motherless mother of 3 children (Patricia shared in Episode 15 of Season 1 on the po…

This episode originally aired in August of 2021. In this episode, I share my thoughts about worthiness, and some of the things I've done personally to strengthen my foundation of self-worth. In the podcast, I also share the names of a few of my favorite authors and podcasters: Brené Brown, Susan David, Jim Kwik and Dr. Daniel Amen. All of our stori…

Cate's mom died 17 years ago. Cate was 24 at the time, the youngest of the 4 sisters. Being a motherless mom has been her biggest grief so far. She feels like she experiences the loss of her mom over and over. Cate's Take-Away: It took being a mom to really understand my mom. Even though I don't have her here anymore, my heart talks to her all the …

Maria's mom died when she was 2 years old. For nearly 3 decades, Maria tried many different approaches to interact with and share her grief. She learned that people need to better understand how to navigate grief – either that of others or their own. That, paired with the impacts of the pandemic, and Philotimo Life was born! Philotimo Life works to…

Lot lost her mother to metastatic breast cancer when she was 22. Then she experienced another life event and, as Lot says, "the lid was off!" At 32 years old she has given herself space for her grieving process. Her grieving process has resulted in the mission to make grief more and more negotiable and to be an example of how it can be done. Lot is…

Janet's mom Cass died from breast cancer the day Janet graduated from high-school. It was 1995 and she was 18, right at the start of my adult life. Her entire world shattered the day her mom died. In 2020 she started the Motherlove Project to honour the 25th anniversary of her mom's death and give other motherless daughters a space to tell their st…

Veronica and her mom are estranged because of her mom's intense struggles with mental health that subsequently resulted in abuse. Veronica has been grieving her mom every day, for her whole life. Veronica didn't have a specific take-away but shared 2 nuggets that I really connected with: "Sometimes people we love belong on a shelf. I felt that way …

Katie's mom was diagnosed with cancer when she was thirteen and passed when she was sixteen. Katie then helped raise her brother and watched her dad grieve while trying to get back to normal life. Katie put her own grief on the backburner to make sure everyone else was ok. She has finally found the space to allow herself to grieve, almost a decade …