This episode delves into the profound experiences of grief faced by parents of special needs children, particularly focusing on the journey of a father who lost his son. It explores the complexities of grief, the societal expectations placed on men, and the importance of community support in the healing process.
The discussion highlights the creation of a legacy through grief, the unique grieving processes of fathers, and the impact of loss on family dynamics. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for open conversations about grief and the importance of emotional expression.Chapters:
00:00 The Grief Journey of Special Needs Parents
03:21 Creating a Community for Grieving Dads
10:52 The Role of Counseling in Grief
16:39 Authenticity in Grief Expression
22:09 Understanding Male Grief Dynamics
28:50 Navigating Grief: The Initial Response
29:50 Zachary's Journey: Understanding His Condition
38:52 Impact on Family: Coping with Loss
43:58 Different Paths of Grief: A Family's Experience
51:19 Advice for the Newly Bereaved: Embracing Grief
53:32 Building a Community: Support for Grieving Parents
About the podcast guest:
Jason Tuttle is a married father of two kids with multiple mental and physical disabilities (some rare). He was a Stay at Home Dad for 12 years until his son suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from issues related to his needs on 01/28/22.
Since the day his son passed, Jason has created a website, FB blog, and community (Letters To Zachary) that details his raw, unfiltered and open grief journey from a male's/father's perspective. His focus is to make it a place where men can feel vulnerable enough to share their emotion, empower women to help the grieving men in their lives and see that is OK to share vulnerability through his example.
Jason's community is open to all grievers and you can connect with him through the following platforms.
Website: www.LettersToZachary.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letters2zachary
About the podcast host:
Dr. Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is a speaker, coach, special needs parent, podcaster, author, and strategy lecturer. She runs the Special Needs Parent Podcast because she aims to help special needs parents feel valued, connected, and supported. Please subscribe, and send in your requests about topics you'd like the podcast to address.
Join the Special Needs Parent Space (a free community for parents like us) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsparentspace
Get Marcia's Amazon bestselling book, Lighting the Path, at https://books2read.com/lightingthepath
Find Marcia (and many resources to support your special needs parenting journey) on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MarciaNB8/ and on Instagram @specialneedsparentjourney.
Every month, she runs a free training session through her profile, and you'd be welcome to attend.
