Living with Grief During a Time of Celebration

In this episode, Brenda Stephens and Erica Sirrine talk about loss and keeping memories alive. Brenda’s daughter Emily died of cancer at age 23. Brenda discusses navigating the first year after Emily died, the ways her family keeps Emily’s light alive, and being mentored by other parents through the journey. Brenda and Erica emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to feel, creating new traditions, and continuing to tell Emily’s story and celebrate her life. Brenda encourages other grieving parents to turn grief into love and give to others.

A special thank you to our moderator, Erica Sirrine, social work director at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Brenda Stephens.

Learn more about grief and bereavement on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/26/24.