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In the poignant episode, hosts Ashley and CJ delve into a heartfelt conversation with Heather about the devastating loss of her 11-year-old daughter, Parker, to a rare pediatric cancer. Heather recounts Parker’s journey, diagnosed at nine, filled with hope and struggles, and the aftermath of navigating life without her.

Heather shares the profound impact of grief on her family, transitioning from five to four members, and how each copes differently. She emphasizes the importance of keeping Parker’s memory alive, integrating her spirit into daily life, and learning to live with a new family dynamic. Heather discusses grief misconceptions, noting that time alone doesn’t heal and underscores the necessity of actively processing grief alongside supportive individuals willing to discuss and remember Parker.

A yoga teacher, Heather finds solace in teaching and channels her energy into the Little P Project, a nonprofit founded in Parker's memory. The organization advocates for better research, treatments, and vital support for children fighting cancer and their families, reflecting Heather’s commitment to creating meaning from loss.

The episode also critiques the language surrounding cancer, highlighting the challenges of living with the disease beyond survival. Personal stories shared by Heather and CJ underscore the hidden struggles and traumas experienced in the shadow of illness.

Ultimately, Heather’s journey is one of resilience and enduring love, offering listeners insights into the complexities of grief and the courage to honor loved ones in moving forward. Her story conveys a powerful message of strength, hope, and the significance of community and remembrance in the healing journey.

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A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music

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In this episode, Yesenia joins host CJ to discuss the recent passing of her older brother, Uriel, who struggled with alcoholism. Yesenia opens up about the impact of his death on her family and the Hispanic community, where alcohol-related issues are prevalent. The conversation delves into the emotional journey of grief, the struggle with boundaries, and the cultural aspects of family and addiction.

Yesenia shares how her experience with grief has been profound, revealing the complexity of emotions she faces, including guilt, hopelessness, and the challenge of moving forward. CJ, who has experienced similar familial struggles, offers empathetic insights and parallels from his own life.

Throughout the episode, Yesenia and CJ explore the strength found in acknowledging one's grief, the hope for reconciliation, and the idea of finding gifts within tragedies despite the pain involved. They also discuss the influence of cultural background on their grieving processes and the importance of setting healthy boundaries for self-preservation.

The episode is a heartfelt exploration of Yesenia's journey through grief, family dynamics, and the ongoing process of healing and acceptance.

Unfortunately, co-host Ashley was unavailable for this episode due to the time difference.

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A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music

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In this episode of The Day After, hosts CJ Infantino and Ashley Infantino sit down with guest Nickey to delve into the profound and often challenging topic of anticipatory grief and loss. Nickey opens up about her intense five-year journey of preemptive grieving before the eventual passing of her mother. This journey was marked by the unpredictability and stress of receiving urgent medical calls and her efforts to manage her mother's care while living far away.

Throughout the conversation, CJ shares parallels from his own life, recounting his experiences with his wife's battle with cancer. The trio explores how grief manifests in unexpected ways, such as through anxiety, obsessiveness, and an altered perception of time. Nickey candidly discusses the complexity of emotions, ranging from anger and guilt to eventual acceptance and coping strategies, like therapy and writing.

As the episode progresses, the discussion touches on the importance of creating rituals and finding meaningful ways to connect with the memory of loved ones. Nickey shares touching anecdotes about her mother’s love for bingo, Journey's music, and cherished family traditions she continues to honor.

This episode provides a raw and relatable exploration of grief, highlighting the importance of community, understanding, and the capacity to live through and with grief. It's a poignant reminder that while grief is deeply personal, sharing stories can provide solace and a sense of connection.

Listeners are left with a heartfelt appreciation for the strength found in vulnerability and the timeless impact of love and memories.

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A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music