Estranged Parent, Grieving Parent: The Pain No One Talks About

What does it really feel like to be an estranged parent while also carrying deep grief? In the first episode of Laugh, Cry, Scream, Chris Workman and Joe Sassmen share their stories of child loss, estrangement, shame, guilt, and healing. They introduce the heart behind the podcast and share the deeply personal stories that brought them here. They talk about child loss, parental estrangement, guilt, shame, healing, and what it means to keep going when life changes you forever.This conversation covers:what it feels like to be an estranged parentthe grief of losing a childhow shame and self-blame can take overthe difference between boundaries and avoidancehow grief impacts the whole familylearning to give yourself gracewhy honest conversations matter in healingThis is not a polished version of pain.This is not toxic positivity.This is real life, real grief, real estrangement, and the hard conversations most people avoid.If you are navigating grief, estrangement, family loss, or trying to figure out how to move forward without losing yourself, you are not alone here.Like, subscribe, and share to help us reach more people who need these conversations.Follow along for more episodes, guest conversations, live discussions, resources, and support.Important links: Our Website: www.laughcryscream.comEstranged Parent Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lettingitgolifeafterestrangement00:00 Welcome to Laugh, Cry, Scream01:18 Why this podcast needed both a male and female perspective03:00 Clearing up rumors and why this is not about money04:27 The age gap jokes and setting the tone05:38 Grief and estrangement are never one emotion06:30 Chris shares the loss of her son09:08 Losing both parents in 202011:32 Her wedding day and the turning point with estrangement14:35 Shame, blame, and realizing you are not 100% at fault17:12 Missing grandchildren and living with the ache19:42 Joe shares his backstory and family history22:06 Losing his son in a car accident23:55 The text that changed everything with his daughter26:40 Was it a boundary or was it avoidance?28:02 How grief fed guilt, shame, and self-destruction30:14 When grief and estrangement collide32:15 Giving yourself grace after loss33:55 Why this podcast exists35:05 Understanding both sides of estrangement36:30 Why tough conversations matter37:42 Resources, Facebook group, Zooms, and where to connect39:05 Final encouragement and closing