Grief Is Not A Dirty Word Growing Up Without a Father and Living With Grief with Michael Graham - Episode 18
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WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:
Anyone who lost a parent at a young age, or who struggles with unresolved grief and longing for connection.
WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:
Insight into childhood grief, the challenges of growing up without memories of a parent, and the lifelong process of healing and resilience.
DESCRIPTION:
In this powerful episode of Our Dead Dads, host Nick Gaylord sits down with longtime friend Michael Graham to explore his experience of losing his father to cancer at only five years old. With virtually no memories of his dad, Michael shares how grief shaped his childhood, his sense of identity, and his relationships. Nick guides him through the difficult emotions of feeling cheated by loss, while also reflecting on the positive traits Michael carries forward from his father. Together, they discuss the influence of mentors, the role of family, and the ways grief impacts life across decades. Michael also opens up about therapy, marriage, and the challenges of processing grief after later losses. This deeply vulnerable conversation highlights the courage it takes to speak openly about pain, and the healing that comes from telling our stories.
This episode answers:
- What is it like to lose a parent at only five years old?
- How does childhood grief affect identity and relationships later in life?
- What role do family stories and memories play in healing?
- How can therapy and partners support long-buried grief?
- Why is it important to speak openly about loss and vulnerability?
Key Takeaways:
- Childhood grief often leaves feelings of being cheated or robbed of memories.
- Mentors and in-laws can help fill father-figure roles.
- Family stories and photos can connect us to parents we barely remember.
- Therapy and supportive partners help break cycles of silence.
- Talking about grief openly transforms vulnerability into strength.
MICHAEL'S LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.graham.777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egghawk/
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