Podcast
Tendrils of Grief
Hosted by Susan Ways · EN
Grievers and grief professionals share their personal stories and describe what was helpful for them or their clients in working through grief. This podcast will outline steps to have hope and build meaning into your life.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Hidden Financial Challenges of Widowhood
3d ago00:37:09Tap to summarizeGrief doesn't just change our hearts—it changes the way we see our future. Learning to navigate money after loss isn't about replacing the life you had. It's about building the confidence to care for yourself, honor your loved one, and move forward with hope, one decision at a time. In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Daniel Kopp, a fee-only financial planner, financial therapist, Air Force veteran, widower, and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, for a conversation that every grieving spouse needs to hear. After losing his wife, Sarah, Daniel experienced firsthand how grief can impact every financial decision. Simple tasks suddenly became overwhelming, and the emotional weight of loss made it difficult to think clearly about money, planning, and the future. That experience ultimately led him to combine financial planning with financial therapy, helping widows and widowers navigate not only the practical side of finances but also the emotional side of financial decision-making. Together, we explore why money is often one of the biggest sources of stress after the death of a spouse and why it's completely normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or afraid of making the "wrong" decision. Daniel explains how grief changes the way our brains process information, why it's important to slow down before making major financial choices, and how financial healing begins by addressing both our emotions and our financial reality. We also discuss financial therapy, survivor's guilt around money, creating a new financial identity, and practical steps widows and widowers can take to regain confidence while honoring their loved one's legacy. Whether you're newly widowed, supporting someone through loss, or simply looking to build a healthier relationship with money after a major life change, this conversation offers both practical guidance and compassionate encouragement. 🔑 What We Talk About Daniel's personal journey through widowhood How grief affects financial decision-making What financial therapy is—and why it matters Managing financial anxiety after losing a spouse Common financial mistakes people make while grieving Rebuilding confidence around money Creating a new financial identity after loss Practical guidance for widows and widowers Finding hope and stability one decision at a time 🔗 Resources Daniel Kopp Fee-Only Financial Planner | Financial Therapist | Founder, Wise Stewardship Financial Planning 🌐 https://wisestewardshipfp.com/ 🎙️ Widow Life and Money Podcast: https://widowlifemoney.libsyn.com/ 💜 Financial Therapy Association: https://financialtherapyassociation.org/ 💜 Wings for Widows: https://www.wingsforwidows.org/ 💜 Savvy Ladies: https://www.savvyladies.org/ 🌿 Continue Your Healing Journey Grief changes every part of life—including the relationship we have with our bodies, our minds, and ourselves. If you're looking for another way to reconnect through movement, mindfulness, and community, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and surrounding Montgomery County. 📅 Book a class: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Join me on the path toward healing, hope, and moving forward—one breath, one step, and one day at a time.
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How Faith Carried Us Through the Loss of Our Son
1w ago00:43:23Tap to summarizeSometimes the shortest lives leave the deepest footprints.Noah's story reminds us that a life isn't measured by its length, but by the love it gives, the lives it touches, and the hope it leaves behind.Even though we grieve… we can still choose love. Even though life changes… we can still choose hope. Even though loss hurts… we can still move forward. Today I'm with with Matthew Efird—author, entrepreneur, podcast host, and co-founder of Even Though, We Will—to share the deeply personal story of his son Noah and the journey that forever changed his family's life. When Matthew and his wife Hannah learned that their unborn son had Trisomy 13, they were faced with heartbreaking decisions and unimaginable uncertainty. Instead of allowing fear to define their journey, they chose to embrace every moment they were given with Noah, celebrating his life while preparing for the grief they knew would come. Their son lived just 57½ hours, but his life continues to leave an extraordinary impact. Matthew shares what it was like to receive a terminal diagnosis during pregnancy, how his faith sustained him through profound loss, and why grief and hope can exist together. He speaks openly about the tension of weeping while worshiping, the beauty of loving fully despite knowing goodbye is coming, and the lessons Noah's life continues to teach their family. Together, Matthew and Hannah founded Even Though, We Will, a nonprofit organization that provides practical care packages—called "Arks"—to families walking through a terminal prenatal diagnosis. Their mission is to ensure that no family has to navigate this heartbreaking journey alone. This conversation is one of remarkable honesty, unwavering faith, and enduring love. Whether you've experienced the loss of a child, are supporting someone through unimaginable grief, or are searching for hope in your own difficult season, Matthew's story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, purpose can still emerge. 🔑 What We Talk About Receiving a Trisomy 13 diagnosis during pregnancy Navigating anticipatory grief as parents Cherishing every moment with a terminally ill child The role of faith during profound loss Weeping and worshiping through grief Finding purpose after child loss Supporting families facing terminal prenatal diagnoses Building hope through the ministry of Even Though, We Will 🔗 Resources Matthew Efird 🌐 https://matthewefird.com 🌐 https://eventhoughwewill.com 📖 Even Though, We Will (available on Amazon) 🌿 Continue Your Healing Journey Healing looks different for everyone, but none of us were meant to walk through grief alone. If you're looking for another way to reconnect with yourself through movement, mindfulness, and community, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and surrounding Montgomery County. 📅 Book a class: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Join me on the path toward healing, hope, and moving forward—one breath, one step, and one day at a time.
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The Courage to Remember: A Story of Love, 9/11, and Healing
2w ago00:33:30Tap to summarize*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69c9efce-aeb8-8324-a0d9-b00275256c28-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-69c9efce-aeb8-8324-a0d9-b00275256c28-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-100" data-turn="assistant"> Our grief tells the story of our love. When we share our stories with people who truly listen, we keep that love alive—and remind one another that even after profound loss, hope is still possible. In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with author Neil Adams for a moving conversation about love, courage, loss, and the lasting impact of sharing our stories. Neil shares the remarkable life of Michael Dorian—a veterinary technician, first responder during the September 11 attacks, and a man who chose to serve others despite living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing the risks to his own health, Michael entered Ground Zero to help firefighters and rescue workers, demonstrating extraordinary courage in one of America's darkest moments. As Michael's partner and later his biographer, Neil reflects on the privilege of preserving Michael's story and the profound grief that followed his passing. Together, we explore how storytelling becomes an act of remembrance, why sharing our grief can be a gift rather than a burden, and how honoring someone's life keeps their legacy alive. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation is the reminder that our stories are precious. They deserve to be shared with people who will receive them with compassion, respect, and care. In grief, telling our story isn't about reliving our pain—it's about allowing love to continue making an impact. Whether you've experienced the loss of a partner, a family member, or someone whose life changed yours forever, this episode offers hope that love continues through the stories we choose to tell. 🔑 What We Talk About Michael Dorian's courageous service during 9/11 Living with grief after the loss of a partner Why our stories deserve to be honored The healing power of sharing memories Love, legacy, and remembrance Finding meaning after traumatic loss Turning personal tragedy into hope for others 🔗 Resources Neil Adams 📖 Biography of Michael Dorian (discussed in this episode) New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Healing isn't only emotional—it can also happen through movement, connection, and community. If you're looking for a supportive place to reconnect with yourself, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and surrounding Montgomery County. 📅 Book a class: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Join me on the path toward healing, hope, and moving forward—one step at a time.
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Moving Forward Without Leaving Love Behind
3w ago00:26:19Tap to summarizeThe memories aren't in the walls. They're not in the furniture. They're not even in the house itself.They live in our hearts, our stories, and the lives we've built together. And while we may leave a place behind, we never leave the love behind. I share a deeply personal chapter of my grief journey: putting the home my husband Paul and I built together on the market after 22 years. This house has been far more than a place to live—it has been the backdrop for our marriage, our family milestones, the raising of our children, and countless everyday moments that became a life. As I prepare to say goodbye to this home, I reflect on the complicated emotions that come with letting go of a space that holds so many memories. Grief has a way of resurfacing in unexpected ways, and this experience has reminded me once again that there is no timeline for grief. Even years after a loss, certain transitions can bring emotions rushing back with surprising intensity. In this episode, I share how I've been moving through this process, including a practice of walking through each room with gratitude—honoring what each space provided for my family, my marriage, and my own personal growth. I talk about the difference between the memories we carry and the physical places that hold them, and how we can honor both while still moving forward. This conversation is for anyone facing a major transition after loss—whether it's selling a home, moving, downsizing, or letting go of something deeply connected to a loved one. It's a reminder that grief and gratitude can coexist, and that carrying our memories forward doesn't require us to stay in the same place forever. Continue Your Healing Journey Grief touches every part of our lives—our hearts, minds, bodies, relationships, and sense of purpose. Whether you're navigating the loss of a loved one, facing a major life transition, caring for an aging pet, or simply learning how to move forward after difficult experiences, healing is a journey that deserves support. If you're looking for a place to reconnect with yourself through movement, mindfulness, and community, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. At New Ways Barre, we believe healing happens not only through reflection, but also through movement. Our classes are designed to help you build strength, reduce stress, improve well-being, and reconnect with your body in a supportive and welcoming environment. 🩰 New Ways Barre Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County. Class Information & Booking: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Join me on the path toward healing, strength, resilience, and moving forward—one step, one breath, and one day at a time.
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The Tomb of Your Grief is actually a womb waiting for your rebirth
Jun 100:31:59Tap to summarizeToday in Tendrils of Grief, host Susan welcomes guest Ted Neil, an author and advocate who shares his deeply personal and transformative journey through grief. Together, they explore the complex emotions of loss, the often-unspoken aspects of male grief, and the healing power of storytelling. Ted opens up about how writing helped him process the pain of losing loved ones and how grief has reshaped his perspective on life, purpose, and connection. This episode offers an honest and insightful look into how we carry grief, how it evolves over time, and how we can find meaning and hope even in the darkest moments. Whether you're in the midst of loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation will resonate deeply, reminding you that you're not alone. Episode Highlights Grief and healing Male grief and vulnerability Storytelling as therapy Ted Neil author interview How to navigate loss Writing through grief Emotional resilience after death Tendrils of Grief podcast Coping with the death of a loved one Grief support resources Mental health awareness 2025 Transforming grief into purpose Connect with Ted Neil TedNeilFacebook Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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Healing, Addiction, and Answering the Hard Questions
May 2500:39:38Tap to summarizeHealing starts when we stop avoiding the hard questions and start telling ourselves the truth. Because growth doesn't come from pretending the pain never happened— it comes from learning what to do with it. Today with Army veteran and author Devin Fish for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, addiction, self-worth, and the difficult questions we're often forced to confront after pain and loss. Devin shares his journey from a childhood marked by poverty, instability, self-hatred, and generational trauma to serving nearly a decade in the Army as a cavalry scout and career counselor. Along the way, he faced addiction, emotional struggles, and the internal battles that many people carry silently. We talk about how unresolved pain shapes identity, relationships, and the choices we make—and how healing often begins when we stop running from the hard questions and start facing them honestly. Devin also opens up about the lessons he learned through military service, personal growth, and writing his book, Answering the Hard Questions. His story is one of perseverance, accountability, and learning how to rebuild yourself even after years of struggle. This conversation is about trauma, healing, resilience, addiction recovery, and personal transformation—and the reminder that your past does not have to define your future. 🔑 What We Talk About Growing up with poverty and instability Generational trauma and emotional pain Addiction, self-hatred, and rebuilding self-worth Military life and the lessons learned through service Healing through honesty and self-reflection Why facing hard questions is necessary for growth Turning pain into purpose 🔗 Links & Resources Devin Fish 📖 Answering the Hard Questions New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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How to Help Your Pet Live Longer: The Truth About Pet Longevity and Aging
May 1800:34:36Tap to summarizeWe can't stop time. But we can change how our pets age.And sometimes, the greatest act of love is learning how to care for them before something goes wrong. I sit down with Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM—known as The Longevity Vet—to talk about something every pet owner wishes they had more of: time. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kevin has become a leading voice in veterinary longevity medicine, helping pet owners understand how to support not just a longer life for their pets—but a healthier one. We talk about the difference between lifespan and healthspan, why so many pets develop preventable chronic diseases, and how veterinary medicine is still lagging behind modern human longevity science. Dr. Kevin shares practical, evidence-based ways pet owners can better support their aging dogs and cats through early diagnostics, nutrition, supplements, and proactive care. This conversation also explores the emotional side of loving animals—the deep bond we share with them, the fear of losing them, and the helplessness many people feel when facing illness or aging in their pets. Dr. Kevin brings both compassion and honesty to this discussion, challenging outdated approaches in veterinary care while empowering pet owners with actionable steps they can take now to help their pets live healthier, fuller lives. This episode is about pet health, aging, grief, prevention, and the love we have for the animals who become family. 🔑 What We Talk About The difference between lifespan vs. healthspan in pets Why many chronic illnesses in pets are preventable Early diagnostics and proactive veterinary care Pet longevity science and modern aging research Nutrition, supplements, and metabolic health for pets Cancer prevention and navigating illness in aging pets The emotional impact of caring for aging animals 🔗 Links & Resources Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM 🌐 https://HelpingPetsLiveLonger.com 🌐 https://TheLongevityVet.com 📖 The Pet Longevity Playbook New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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The Gift You Leave Your Family After You're Gone
May 1100:33:45Tap to summarizeToday I'm with Bob Arrington, funeral director, Past President of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and a lifelong leader in funeral service, to talk about a topic most people avoid—but one that has a profound impact on the people we love. We talk about end-of-life planning, funeral pre-planning, and why these decisions matter long before they're needed. Bob shares insights from more than five decades in funeral service, offering a clear and compassionate perspective on how planning ahead can reduce both the emotional and financial burden placed on families during times of grief. This conversation breaks down what many people don't realize: when nothing is planned, families are often left making difficult decisions in the middle of shock and loss. And those decisions can be overwhelming. Bob explains how pre-planning gives families clarity, removes guesswork, and creates space to focus on what truly matters—grieving, honoring, and remembering their loved one. We also explore how conversations around death don't have to be morbid—they can actually be one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people you leave behind. This episode is about preparation, compassion, and protecting your family—and understanding that planning ahead is not about death, but about love. 🔑 What We Talk About What end-of-life planning actually includes Why funeral pre-planning matters The emotional and financial impact on families Common mistakes people make when they don't plan ahead How to start the conversation with loved ones Why planning ahead is an act of care, not fear 🔗 Links & Resources Bob Arrington / NFDA 🌐 https://nfda.org 🌐 https://rememberingalife.com New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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Grief and Relationships: Why We Repeat the Same Patterns After Loss
May 400:41:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards to explore how grief doesn't just affect our emotions—it shapes our relationships, our behaviors, and the patterns we carry forward in life. We talk about how loss can influence the way we connect with others, the unconscious patterns that show up after grief, and why so many of us find ourselves repeating the same emotional cycles without fully understanding why. Dr. Edwards brings a deeper psychological perspective to grief, helping unpack how our past experiences, attachments, and internal narratives influence the way we process loss and navigate relationships moving forward. This conversation goes beyond surface-level grief. It looks at what grief reveals about us—how it exposes patterns, challenges our identity, and pushes us to confront parts of ourselves we may not have fully seen before. We also explore how awareness is the first step toward change. Because when we begin to understand our patterns, we can start to shift them—and create healthier, more intentional relationships in our lives. This episode is about grief, self-awareness, and growth—and the opportunity to not just survive loss, but to understand what it's trying to teach us. 🔑 What We Talk About How grief impacts relationships Emotional patterns that emerge after loss Why we repeat certain relationship dynamics The psychology behind grief and attachment Self-awareness as a path to healing Moving forward with intention after loss 🔗 Links & Resources Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards 📖 Complimentary Chapters: The Venus Flytrap: Sex, Lies & Repercussion https://bit.ly/4tNJlBa 💬 Coaching & Counseling with Dr. Edwards https://vft23.com/coaching-and-counselling/?utm_source=Susan+Ways&utm_medium=Tendrils+of+Grief&utm_campaign=Podcast+Interview+-Susan+Ways 👉 Use code VFT23 for a discount 🌐 More Information: https://vft23.com New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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Healing Grief Through Plant Medicine: Mind, Body, and Spirit
Apr 2700:33:06Tap to summarizeI sit down with Robin Swan, plant alchemist and founder of Swan Apothecary, to explore a different perspective on grief—one that looks at healing through the lens of plant medicine, holistic health, and whole-body integration. Robin brings over 30 years of experience in holistic healing and cannabinoid medicine, blending ancestral herbal wisdom with modern science. Her approach goes beyond just physical healing—she focuses on the connection between the body, mind, spirit, and emotional experience of grief. We talk about how grief lives in the body, how it can surface in unexpected ways, and why true healing requires more than just time—it requires intention, awareness, and support. Robin shares her perspective on how plant medicine can help regulate the nervous system, support emotional processing, and create space for deeper healing. This conversation also explores the importance of ethical use, education, and personal responsibility when it comes to integrating cannabis and plant-based healing into your life. At its core, this episode is about grief, healing, and reconnecting with yourself—and understanding that healing isn't just about moving on, but about integrating what you've been through. What We Talk About How grief affects the body, mind, and nervous system The role of plant medicine in emotional healing Cannabis and holistic health: what people misunderstand Integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual healing Ethical and intentional use of plant-based medicine Why healing from grief is not linear 🔗 Links & Resources Robin Swan Founder of Swan Apothecary Plant Alchemist & Holistic Health Practitioner https://swanapothecary.com/ New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon Apple Spotify Audacy Deezer Podcast Addict Pandora Rephonic Tune In Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways Facebook:@ susan.ways Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!
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