In today’s Q&A episode, I answer a question from a listener who wasn't able to attend a funeral and wonders if it’s too late to reach out to a grieving friend.

Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing or reopening wounds, but does grief have an expiration date when it comes to offering support?

I explore the hesitation that often holds us back, the impact of belated but sincere gestures, and how to connect in a way that feels meaningful rather than awkward.

Whether you've been in this situation yourself or worry about reaching out to someone who is grieving, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and practical ways to show you care—no matter how much time has passed.

Tune in to hear:

💭 Why we sometimes hesitate to reach out after a loss.

🕰️ Does timing really matter when offering support?

📩 Simple, thoughtful ways to reconnect without feeling awkward.

This podcast is always ad-free and listener supported. I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company

Bibliography

ExperienceCamps.org Founded in 2009, is a national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Our one-week, overnight summer grief camps, year-round programs, and content help to reframe the experience of grief, and empower kids with the necessary coping skills to move forward with their lives. Through compassion, connection, and play, Experience Camps allows grieving children to embody a life full of hope and possibility.

In this episode, I explore the often overwhelming experience of the first year after losing a loved one. When grief is fresh, it can feel like you're simply muddling through, unsure of what’s normal or how to move forward. I begin by sharing an excerpt from my grief memoir, reflecting on the emotions and challenges of that first year.

From navigating milestones and daily responsibilities to understanding how grief shows up in unexpected ways, I walk through what many experience in those early months. Finally, I close with a discussion on self-care—what helped me, and what might support you or someone you love in the tender space of new grief.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🖋️A Personal Reflection – An excerpt from my grief memoir, offering a

window into my journey.

📅The “Firsts” After Loss – How major milestones and small daily moments shift after losing someone.

💡The Day-to-Day Realities of Grief – Balancing emotions with the

practical aspects of life that don’t pause for grief.

🌿How Grief Shows Up – The unexpected ways grief manifests physically, mentally, and emotionally.

💖Self-Care in the First Year – Ways to support yourself through fresh loss, from practical strategies to emotional nourishment.

Resources & Links:

This podcast is listener supported. I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a division of Junius Recording Company.

Podcast Disclaimer

Michelle is not a licensed therapist. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.

In this special episode, I answer listener questions or share YOUR stories about grief and loss.

Today's question comes from listener who has a friend who is dealing with both fresh grief and multiple losses and they want to know: is it too soon to refer their friend to the podcast?

if YOU have a question, dear friends, please feel free to reach out to me at Ask@thegriefcurator.com. You can choose to be anonymous, or you can have your first name or initial and city or state or province read out loud.

This podcast is listener supported. I’d love to hear from you—connect with me!

1. Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
2. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
3. IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/
4. Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/

Music

Intro and Outro: Nylon String Theory by Candelion | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound