"My child died. I don't need advice. All I need is for you to gently close your mouth, open wide your heart and walk with me until I can see color again." Angela Miller
There is no greater loss than the loss of a child.
Wendy Lavin knows this all too well.
This week I speak with Wendy, whose daughter Jennifer Still was stabbed to death in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania in 1999. Jennifer was a happy child. She loved people and would do anything to help them. She also loved music and the theater, especially Broadway plays such as Cats, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.
She was murdered 2 days after her 20th birthday. A life stripped away by an evil killer much too soon.
This episode will touch you in many ways. We talk about how everybody grieves differently. And what is really important is that you reach out for help and do NOT compare yourself with other people.
Wendy speaks from the heart of her tragedy and healing and advises this: Take everything that you can get that is offered to you. If it's counseling ... counseling works for some. If it's a hug. If it's a random phone call or if you call someone and they take 5 minutes out of their day to listen to you. You can't fix it, you just have to let us reach out and get help and work on our grief OUR way because everybody does it different.
There is a content warning for this episode as it contains graphic information about how Jennifer was murdered. The hope is that other parents and loved ones can gain hope from hearing her story and the resources that she has leaned on and utilized to help her get through each and every day without Jennifer.
For more information on local support groups and about the many services that are available, see the following links:
https://pomc.org
https://www.victimservicescenter.org
Dr. Yvonne Kaye
A survivor of the Second World War, Dr. Yvonne Kaye uses her experiences in working with people in emotional pain, grief and loss, believing in the spiritual power of humor as a healing tool.
Dr. Kaye has been in the field of human service for many years, encountering extraordinary people whose courage has amazed her. Her passion is offering enrichment in life, mentally and emotionally, to those who have no concept of their own creativity.
This weekly podcast will include everything from laughter roaring to covering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)...anything goes.
you to Colin Kaye for providing the musical soundtrack of our show!
To learn more about Dr. Kaye, visit https://www.yvonnekayewisdom.com
If there is a topic you would like her to address or for any questions you may have, you can e-mail her at yvonnekaye33@gmail.com.
Buckle up and get ready for the rollercoaster ride with the badass therapist that you can't help but adore!
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This podcast would not be possible without the support of the Twilight Wish Foundation. I am deeply grateful for helping me to check a big one off my bucket list!
More information can be found about the organization at the link below
https://twilightwish.org