From Sister to Mother: Kylie’s Story of Guardianship & Grief

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses addiction, overdose, sudden death of a parent, and self-harm.

When Kylie was 21, she got the call every child of an addict dreads: her mother had overdosed. While her mother eventually found sobriety, her sudden passing in 2024 left Kylie with a choice that wasn't really a choice at all. Within 48 hours, she had to fight the state of Massachusetts to keep her 12-year-old brother, Josh, out of the system.

This isn't just a story about grief; it's about the "invisible" work of stepping up. From hunting down death certificates in different cities to explaining to a judge why a newlywed couple is the best place for a grieving teenager, Kylie’s journey is raw and unfiltered. Later in the episode, Josh joins us to share the perspective we rarely hear—the teenager’s side of loss and what it’s like when your sister becomes your "mom."

Connect with Guest: kyyliee13

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