165: A Mother's Christmas: Love, Loss, and Grace

In this heartfelt Christmas episode of the Single Mom MD Podcast, Dr. Gail Clifford reflects on the meaning of the season through the lens of parenthood, sacrifice, gratitude, and loss. Christmas celebrates the birth of a child—and the profound love and courage of the parents who made that miracle possible. Today, we explore what that story teaches modern mothers, especially those carrying more than their share.

Dr. Clifford shares the recent loss of her 38-year-old stepdaughter, the grief that surfaced, and the unexpected gratitude that followed. She also opens up about caring for her daughter through two traumatic brain injuries, supporting her recovery, and the sacrifices required to give her stability, safety, and hope for the future. Through stories of faith, overwhelm, and resilience, this episode reminds women that grief and gratitude can coexist—and that caring for yourself is essential when caring for others.

Whether you’re a single mom physician, an executive mom, or a woman navigating a difficult season, this episode offers comfort, companionship, and perspective. You are not alone. You are stronger than you realize. And you have so much still worth living for.

Includes end-of-episode reflection questions.

1. What moment or memory are you most grateful for this year, even if it came wrapped in pain or loss?
2. Where in your life are you being called to sacrifice—and how might that sacrifice also be an act of love?
3. Are you allowing yourself to grieve what you’ve lost without forgetting what you still have to live for?
4. What are you carrying alone that you might need help with in this season?
5. How can you create one simple moment of rest or self-care this week so you don’t lose yourself in the overwhelm?
6. What would it look like to shift your mindset—just one degree—toward gratitude today?
7. Of all the people in your life, who needs your presence more than your perfection right now?
8. How is your faith (spiritual, personal, or inner knowing) inviting you to trust that you are not meant to walk this season alone?