Sibling Series: Annie Howard, Ashley Howard's sister, Christi Howard's daughter: Ep26

Warrior Moms: Surviving Child Loss

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

What a beautiful interview we had with Anna Howard, lovingly referred to as "Annie" in her early years. Her wisdom is beyond her twenty-three years and shares important advice for other siblings who have lived losing their beloved sibling. For Annie, she lost her best friend, Ashley.
This episode Annie, a successful, young hairdresser, tells her grief journey weaving threads of loss, remembrance, and healing.
Annie shares what helped her through the first 3-5 years, one being Kate's Club, a safe place for kids who have lost a sibling or parent to share their sorrow as well as learn how to cope...knowing they are not alone. Here, Annie discusses the transformation grief forces a child to go through; for her, the traumatic boat accident and loss of Ashley turned her "into a shell of herself." Yet, now years later, Annie is once again outgoing and finds strength in her own voice.
We are so thankful to Annie and how she bravely peels back the layers of her personal struggles with faith, her protective instincts in times of trauma, and the way loss entwines with everyday interactions—be it with family or clients in her hairdressing chair.
Annie's courage offers a hope to us moms, wanting to hear what helps our surviving children. She also offers clear advice to other siblings that it is "ok to cry" and shares her belief in the subtle signs that keep the memory of Ashley ever-present, from digital frames to conversations with her nephews to noticing butterflies or a "fat bird" nearby.
Join us for a heartfelt testament to the enduring impact of sibling loss and Annie's profound comfort found in Ashley's continued presence.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope in telling of our losses, it may help someone on their own grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals.
We'd love to hear from our followers!
Website: https://www.warriormoms.me/
Facebook: Warrior Moms-The Club No One Wants to Be In
Instagram: WarriorMoms.SurvivingChildLoss
With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Chapters

1. Remembering Ashley (00:00:00)

2. Grief Journey and Support Through Loss (00:08:18)

3. Healing and Celebrating Lost Loved Ones (00:20:12)

4. Healing Through Remembrance and Signs (00:26:35)