In this heartfelt interview, Suzy McNamara shares her profound journey through the grief of losing her husband to early onset Alzheimer's and her sister unexpectedly. She explores the nuances of ambiguous loss, caregiver burden, and finding love and purpose amidst profound grief, offering valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar paths.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below. Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

The Silkworm, the Magician, and the Sister Tree

Book by Suzy McNamara

Pre-Sale now and everywhere books are sold June 2, 2026

Connect with Suzy:

Suzy McNamara: suzymcnamara.com Instagram: mcnamara.suzy , LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/suzymcnamara

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Daiana and Cassandra, with special guest Lee Horton-Carter, retired psychotherapist, explore the concept of ambiguous loss and family estrangement, shedding light on the psychological and emotional impact of living with estrangement. We would like to mention that today’s conversation does touch on the subject of sexual abuse and could be triggering to some listeners. It is not the overall focus but we wanted to be mindful of everyone’s experiences.

The conversation delves into the experience of estrangement, the impact on identity, and the journey of finding belonging and healing outside of the family system. The conversation delves into the complexities of estrangement and its impact on relationships, identity, and resilience. Lee shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and growth associated with estrangement from family.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community. Lee would also love to hear from you if her story resonated with you!

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com

Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com

Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com

Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.

If you've ever wondered why the second year of grief feels harder than the first, or how to survive the holidays after a loss, this episode is for you.

Daiana and Cassandra reunite to explore the complex grief tied to holidays, traditions, and milestones. They dive into the "quiet losses" we often overlook and offer a guide to supporting yourself and others through these heavy transitions.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "first holiday" myth and how shock protects us initially, versus the reality of the second-year slump. We also explore how to process anticipatory grief and the necessity of creating new traditions when old ones evoke pain. Finally, we break down the difference between acute and disenfranchised grief while learning the art of holding space for others without trying to "fix" the pain.

Healing requires patience, grace, and the permission to redefine your journey.

Remember: Grief is a journey with no fixed timeline. Be gentle with yourself and seek support when needed.

Join the Community: We’re building a space where every loss is seen. Have a 'Living Loss Lesson' or a topic you’d like us to explore? Email us your story. If you have an experience you’d like us to share on the air, let us know, we are always happy to share your stories anonymously to keep this a safe space for our community.

Instagram: @thelivinglosspodcast

Email: hello@livinglosspodcast.com

Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, follow, share and leave a review. It helps us reach others who need to hear that their grief is valid.

If you’re interested in a consultation for individual therapy with Daiana Bernard, please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: healing@meaningfultherapyfl.com Website: MeaningfulTherapyFL.com Location: Riverview, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in a consultation with Cassandra Harris-Towner please reach out via email or visit the practice website below.

Email: Cassandra@firststridezcounseling.com

Website: firststridezcounseling.com Location: Ocala, FL, In-Person, and Telehealth serving clients throughout Florida.

Disclaimer: While we are Licensed Mental Health Counselors, listening to this podcast or reaching out for a consultation does not replace professional therapy or establish a therapist-client relationship. This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call or text 988 or head to your nearest emergency room.