Wed Jul 17 2024

This week, Sarah opens up about her father's life, death, and their evolving relationship since his passing seven years ago. Raised in a small town within a devout Catholic family, her father wrestled with feelings of inadequacy despite outward successes and a wide circle of friends, keeping his deepest emotions hidden. Sarah found a deep connection with him in her 30s through collaborative projects, transitioning their relationship from parent-child to a more equal footing. While she admired his talents, she also witnessed his harsh self-criticism, which was difficult to reconcile with his outward achievements. In the months before his passing, Sarah observed her father weighed down by feelings of shame rooted in his upbringing and environment. This episode of Wholey Schmidt is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, vulnerability, and the healing power of shared experiences, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the complexities that shape them.