Amanda Miller is Shawna's big sister and one of her surviving siblings. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and shares about losing Shawna in a sudden car crash on January 19, 2024. Shawna was 30 years old, pregnant, and the mother of an eight-year-old son. Amanda speaks as a surviving sibling and describes their relationship as close, with both care and conflict. The same crash also killed Shawna's partner, Jett's father. In a single moment the family lost Shawna, her unborn baby, and Jett's dad.

The episode focuses on sibling loss, family roles, and the practical and emotional demands that followed the death. Amanda talks about taking on caregiving and decision-making tasks for her family, including helping with guardianship for Jett, Shawna's son. She also discusses surviving sibling loss in the context of a blended family, grief counseling, and why both kids and adults need bereavement support.

In this episode you will:

Hear how Amanda took on a big-sister and caretaker role for Shawna, and how that shaped their bond.
Learn how the family handled guardianship and other immediate responsibilities after the crash.
Gain insight into the impact of sudden death on siblings, parents, and children.
Explore how grief counseling and family grief resources supported Amanda and Jett.
Understand the ongoing practical tasks involved after a death, including probate and the sale of Shawna's house.
Discover how Amanda and her family keep Shawna present in everyday life.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sudden death by car accident, pregnancy loss, and the death of multiple family members in a single event. Resources are located below.

Episode Resources:

In the US:
- Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text your 5-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U), or contact a peer support warmline.
- For more immediate crisis, call 911 or 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

International:

In the UK: Cruse Bereavement Support, a bereavement charity with a helpline
International crisis lines and warmlines

Mentioned in this episode:

Brighter Days Family Grief Center - aTwin Cities nonprofit offering family bereavement support and grief programs
FamilyMeans - Stillwater, MN nonprofit offering grief counseling and family support services, formerly the Center for Grief
The Compassionate Friends - an international organization with chapter and online support groups, including a dedicated sibling group
Camp Erin - a free bereavement camps for grieving children and teens ages 6 to 17, offered nationwide through the Eluna Network

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If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.

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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR

🐺Tony's Little Sister

Credits:

The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss is produced by Not Done Here Media.

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
Written by Joe Mylward and Brian Dean
Performed by Fuji Sounds featuring Joe Mylward
Courtesy of Not Done Here Records
Licensed for use by The Broken Pack

Full song: https://fujisounds.music