Podcast: Opening to Grief

There are a lot of cultural assumptions about what grief should look like. But it’s important to recognize that grief can appear different from what you might expect to see.

On the latest episode of the “Living Forever, Not an Option” podcast, host Mary Crowe welcomes on Claire Willis, who is the author of “Opening to Grief.” The book is drawn from experiences in both her professional career and personal life.

Claire has spent decades working in oncology with a special interest in end-of-life care and serious illness. She is the co-founder of “Facing Cancer Together,” which offers support services for those being treated for cancer, as well as grief support for families who have suffered a loss.

In their conversation, Mary and Claire talk about grief being a natural response to loss, and not something that needs to be “fixed.” They discuss the value of grief being normalized and encourage those who have experienced a loss to open up about what they’re feeling.

During the pandemic, most Americans have had some sort of loss, whether it’s the death of someone they know or the loss of the way of life they once had. Claire hopes a greater public dialogue we’re all having about grief will help us in the coming years.

Throughout the half hour discussion, Mary and Claire discuss "ambiguous loss", which is also known as "invisible loss." And Claire offers advice on the best gift you can offer someone who is grieving.

“Living Forever, Not an Option” is produced by the Care Dimensions Learning Institute, which educates the public and professionals about end-of-life care issues.

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