Grief and Relationships: Why We Repeat the Same Patterns After Loss

he Courage to Remember: A Story of Love, 9/11, and Healing

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69c9efce-aeb8-8324-a0d9-b00275256c28-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-69c9efce-aeb8-8324-a0d9-b00275256c28-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-100" data-turn="assistant"> Our grief tells the story of our love. When we share our stories with people who truly listen, we keep that love alive—and remind one another that even after profound loss, hope is still possible. In this episode of Tendrils of Grief, I sit down with author Neil Adams for a moving conversation about love, courage, loss, and the lasting impact of sharing our stories. Neil shares the remarkable life of Michael Dorian—a veterinary technician, first responder during the September 11 attacks, and a man who chose to serve others despite living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing the risks to his own health, Michael entered Ground Zero to help firefighters and rescue workers, demonstrating extraordinary courage in one of America's darkest moments. As Michael's partner and later his biographer, Neil reflects on the privilege of preserving Michael's story and the profound grief that followed his passing. Together, we explore how storytelling becomes an act of remembrance, why sharing our grief can be a gift rather than a burden, and how honoring someone's life keeps their legacy alive. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation is the reminder that our stories are precious. They deserve to be shared with people who will receive them with compassion, respect, and care. In grief, telling our story isn't about reliving our pain—it's about allowing love to continue making an impact. Whether you've experienced the loss of a partner, a family member, or someone whose life changed yours forever, this episode offers hope that love continues through the stories we choose to tell. 🔑 What We Talk About * Michael Dorian's courageous service during 9/11 * Living with grief after the loss of a partner * Why our stories deserve to be honored * The healing power of sharing memories * Love, legacy, and remembrance * Finding meaning after traumatic loss * Turning personal tragedy into hope for others 🔗 Resources Neil Adams * 📖 Biography of Michael Dorian (discussed in this episode) New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Healing isn't only emotional—it can also happen through movement, connection, and community. If you're looking for a supportive place to reconnect with yourself, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland, and surrounding Montgomery County. * 📅 Book a class: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Join me on the path toward healing, hope, and moving forward—one step at a time.

Moving Forward Without Leaving Love Behind

The memories aren't in the walls. They're not in the furniture. They're not even in the house itself.They live in our hearts, our stories, and the lives we've built together. And while we may leave a place behind, we never leave the love behind. I share a deeply personal chapter of my grief journey: putting the home my husband Paul and I built together on the market after 22 years. This house has been far more than a place to live—it has been the backdrop for our marriage, our family milestones, the raising of our children, and countless everyday moments that became a life. As I prepare to say goodbye to this home, I reflect on the complicated emotions that come with letting go of a space that holds so many memories. Grief has a way of resurfacing in unexpected ways, and this experience has reminded me once again that there is no timeline for grief. Even years after a loss, certain transitions can bring emotions rushing back with surprising intensity. In this episode, I share how I've been moving through this process, including a practice of walking through each room with gratitude—honoring what each space provided for my family, my marriage, and my own personal growth. I talk about the difference between the memories we carry and the physical places that hold them, and how we can honor both while still moving forward. This conversation is for anyone facing a major transition after loss—whether it's selling a home, moving, downsizing, or letting go of something deeply connected to a loved one. It's a reminder that grief and gratitude can coexist, and that carrying our memories forward doesn't require us to stay in the same place forever. Continue Your Healing Journey Grief touches every part of our lives—our hearts, minds, bodies, relationships, and sense of purpose. Whether you're navigating the loss of a loved one, facing a major life transition, caring for an aging pet, or simply learning how to move forward after difficult experiences, healing is a journey that deserves support. If you're looking for a place to reconnect with yourself through movement, mindfulness, and community, I invite you to explore New Ways Barre. At New Ways Barre, we believe healing happens not only through reflection, but also through movement. Our classes are designed to help you build strength, reduce stress, improve well-being, and reconnect with your body in a supportive and welcoming environment. 🩰 New Ways Barre Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County. * Class Information & Booking: https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Join me on the path toward healing, strength, resilience, and moving forward—one step, one breath, and one day at a time.

The Tomb of Your Grief is actually a womb waiting for your rebirth

Today in Tendrils of Grief, host Susan welcomes guest Ted Neil, an author and advocate who shares his deeply personal and transformative journey through grief. Together, they explore the complex emotions of loss, the often-unspoken aspects of male grief, and the healing power of storytelling. Ted opens up about how writing helped him process the pain of losing loved ones and how grief has reshaped his perspective on life, purpose, and connection. This episode offers an honest and insightful look into how we carry grief, how it evolves over time, and how we can find meaning and hope even in the darkest moments. Whether you're in the midst of loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation will resonate deeply, reminding you that you're not alone. Episode Highlights * Grief and healing * Male grief and vulnerability * Storytelling as therapy * Ted Neil author interview * How to navigate loss * Writing through grief * Emotional resilience after death * Tendrils of Grief podcast * Coping with the death of a loved one * Grief support resources * Mental health awareness 2025 * Transforming grief into purpose Connect with Ted Neil TedNeilFacebook [https://www.facebook.com/therealauthortedneill/] Did you enjoy today's episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

Healing, Addiction, and Answering the Hard Questions

Healing starts when we stop avoiding the hard questions and start telling ourselves the truth. Because growth doesn't come from pretending the pain never happened— it comes from learning what to do with it. Today with Army veteran and author Devin Fish for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, addiction, self-worth, and the difficult questions we're often forced to confront after pain and loss. Devin shares his journey from a childhood marked by poverty, instability, self-hatred, and generational trauma to serving nearly a decade in the Army as a cavalry scout and career counselor. Along the way, he faced addiction, emotional struggles, and the internal battles that many people carry silently. We talk about how unresolved pain shapes identity, relationships, and the choices we make—and how healing often begins when we stop running from the hard questions and start facing them honestly. Devin also opens up about the lessons he learned through military service, personal growth, and writing his book, Answering the Hard Questions. His story is one of perseverance, accountability, and learning how to rebuild yourself even after years of struggle. This conversation is about trauma, healing, resilience, addiction recovery, and personal transformation—and the reminder that your past does not have to define your future. 🔑 What We Talk About * Growing up with poverty and instability * Generational trauma and emotional pain * Addiction, self-hatred, and rebuilding self-worth * Military life and the lessons learned through service * Healing through honesty and self-reflection * Why facing hard questions is necessary for growth * Turning pain into purpose 🔗 Links & Resources Devin Fish * 📖 Answering the Hard Questions New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!

How to Help Your Pet Live Longer: The Truth About Pet Longevity and Aging

We can't stop time. But we can change how our pets age.And sometimes, the greatest act of love is learning how to care for them before something goes wrong. I sit down with Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM—known as The Longevity Vet—to talk about something every pet owner wishes they had more of: time. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Kevin has become a leading voice in veterinary longevity medicine, helping pet owners understand how to support not just a longer life for their pets—but a healthier one. We talk about the difference between lifespan and healthspan, why so many pets develop preventable chronic diseases, and how veterinary medicine is still lagging behind modern human longevity science. Dr. Kevin shares practical, evidence-based ways pet owners can better support their aging dogs and cats through early diagnostics, nutrition, supplements, and proactive care. This conversation also explores the emotional side of loving animals—the deep bond we share with them, the fear of losing them, and the helplessness many people feel when facing illness or aging in their pets. Dr. Kevin brings both compassion and honesty to this discussion, challenging outdated approaches in veterinary care while empowering pet owners with actionable steps they can take now to help their pets live healthier, fuller lives. This episode is about pet health, aging, grief, prevention, and the love we have for the animals who become family. 🔑 What We Talk About * The difference between lifespan vs. healthspan in pets * Why many chronic illnesses in pets are preventable * Early diagnostics and proactive veterinary care * Pet longevity science and modern aging research * Nutrition, supplements, and metabolic health for pets * Cancer prevention and navigating illness in aging pets * The emotional impact of caring for aging animals 🔗 Links & Resources Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM * 🌐 https://HelpingPetsLiveLonger.com * 🌐 https://TheLongevityVet.com * 📖 The Pet Longevity Playbook New Ways Barre by Susan Ways Proudly serving the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland and surrounding Montgomery County * 📅 https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg [https://classpass.com/studios/new-ways-barre-gaithersburg] * 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sueways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways] * 📘 https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/ [https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ways-Barre-61570706490968/] Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Don't forget to visit Tendrils Of Grief [https://www.tendrilsofgrief.com/] website and join for upcoming Webinars, Podcasts Updates and Group Coaching. Get involve and share your thoughts and experiences in our online community Tendrils of Grief-Survivor of Loss [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2708675396071194] To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Tendrils-of-Grief/dp/B08K584Y7M] Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/id1504765728] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3l0mutQR5aMF2WadITscPV] Audacy [https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief-36147] Deezer [https://www.deezer.com/en/show/1006722] Podcast Addict [https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/tendrils-of-grief/2794997] Pandora [https://www.pandora.com/] Rephonic [https://rephonic.com/podcasts/tendrils-of-grief] Tune In [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Health--Wellness-Podcasts/Tendrils-of-Grief-p1309127/] Connect with me Instagram: @Sue_ways [https://www.instagram.com/sueways/] Facebook:@ susan.ways [https://www.facebook.com/susan.ways] Email @susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Let me hear your thoughts!