Mary Robinson of Imagine: A Center for Coping with Loss

I had such a great discussion with Mary Robinson for this episode. Mary is the founder of Imagine: A Center for Coping with Loss, which is in Mountainside and Newark, New Jersey. Mary lost her dad when she was 14 years old, and she struggled for many years after. She got into children’s grief work, she says, “to make sure other kids don't lose years of their life to unresolved grief." Mary was honored as a 2019 CNN Top 10 Hero for her work in the field of children’s grief. Some topics Mary and I discuss include: Stepping up around the house while her dad was ill and after he died; Misunderstanding when her mom told her it would take a miracle for her dad to come home from the hospital; The importance of using plain language when talking with kids about illness and death; How she started skipping school and quitting activities after her dad died; How she was in her 40s the first time someone said “tell me about your dad;” Starting to get involved in children’s grief work through volunteering; All about Imagine’s programs at their centers in New Jersey; How grief is different from mourning; Why every room at Imagine has an elephant somewhere in the décor or artwork; Why she believes the world is driven by unresolved grief; Why she says that the saying “time heals all wounds” is a myth; Why telling your story is so important for the mourning process; Her tips for widowed parents regarding Father’s Day; Messages that grieving kids need to hear from the adults around them; and Receiving the CNN Top 10 Hero Award from Anderson Cooper, who lost his own dad when he was just 10. I hope you enjoy my discussion with Mary Robinson. -=-=-=-=- Thank you sponsors & partners: Audible: Get a FREE audiobook and 30-day free trial: www.audibletrial.com/widowedparent -=-=-=-=-

Om Podcasten

Experiencing the profound loss of a spouse while navigating the intricate realm of "only-parenting" is a challenge unlike any other. Remember, though, you’re not journeying alone. Jenny Lisk, who stepped into solo parenting following the devastating loss of her husband to brain cancer, established the Widowed Parent Institute to shine a light, extend a hand, and share vital resources. The Widowed Parent Podcast embodies that commitment, providing a mix of hope, practical wisdom, and shared experiences. On The Widowed Parent Podcast, listeners will find: - Expert perspectives from the vanguard of grief and loss research, tailored distinctly for widowed parents. - Heartfelt stories from those who walked through childhood after the death of a parent, granting unique perspective and hope. - Candid conversations with widowed parents, unveiling both the strengths they've discovered and the hurdles they've faced. Whether you're trying to connect with a young child's emotions, navigate the maze of teenage years, or simply seeking a community that truly understands, this podcast speaks directly to widowed parents of children at every stage, from infancy through college. Plug in during a peaceful walk, your daily commute, or in quiet reflection, and discover inspiration, empowerment, and a community that hears and understands. Proudly presented by the Widowed Parent Institute, a beacon of practical guidance, invaluable resources, and steadfast support for mothers and fathers raising grieving children and teens.