Episode 216: Grief, Healing, and Hope with Hope Reger

Trigger Warning: For listeners who wish to avoid Hope’s account of how she lost her son, Justin, please skip the audio between [0:02:31] and [0:08:46].

The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful emotional experiences any of us can go through. And how we process a loss is unique to every individual. Yet societal expectations can often leave the bereaved feeling that they are somehow grieving incorrectly, even when there is no right or wrong way to experience a loss. 

Our guest today is on a mission to change these expectations and help others along their unique journey of grief. Hope Reger is the founder of Grief 2 Hope, a virtual grief support group that assists individuals on their grief journey with authenticity and kindness. Please note that this episode discusses child loss, so please listen with care. 

In our conversation Hope shares her grief journey and how she came to found Grief 2 Hope. She describes the details of their 7-week program along with an overview of what to expect from each session. She also reflects on the healing power of helping others and the connection she feels with other parents who have lost a child.

Hope’s journey has not been an easy one. It takes immense courage for a mother to find healing and hope after such a devastating loss. But through her desire to help others, Hope has helped build a supportive community where we can all begin to heal and experience connection and kindness. We hope you’ll join us for this reflective conversation on grief, life, and healing.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• An introduction to today’s special guest, Hope Reger.
• How the shock you experience after the loss of a loved one affects your ability to process information.
• Some of the logistical decisions Hope was confronted with shortly after she lost her son.
• The helpful counseling and support Hope received after her loss.
• The moment that made Hope live by the words “be kind”.
• Hope shares her journey of grief and how her outlook has changed.
• How to honor everyone's unique journey of grief.

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Hope Reger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-reger/

Grief 2 Hope: https://www.grief2hopesupport.com/

Grief 2 Hope on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grief-2-hope/

Grief 2 Hope on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grief2Hope2020/?ref=page_internal

Grief 2 Hope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grief2hope2020/

Grief 2 Hope: A Mother's Memoir of Devastation to Determination: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/

Sharon Spano:

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The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/