Heather Ross on Coping with the Loss of a Child to Addiction
I'm at peace with how I showed up for her...I knew that she needed to move out of the sober living, that the environment there wasn't healthy, but this time I wanted her to do it herself.
Imagine the heartbreak of losing a child to addiction. In this deeply moving episode of the Safe Home Podcast, Beth Syverson sits down with Heather Ross, a parent coach who recently faced this devastating reality when her daughter, Helena, passed away from fentanyl poisoning. Heather opens up about Helena's struggles with addiction, shedding light on the powerful role of genetics and trauma in her daughter's life.
Through clips from previous podcast episodes featuring Helena, listeners get a heartfelt glimpse into their journey together. Heather speaks candidly about the emotional toll of being a parent to an addicted child, touching on the stigma and self-judgment that often accompany this difficult path. She also emphasizes the critical need for self-compassion and community support for parents in similar situations. With a focus on the dangers of fentanyl, Heather underscores the importance of education and awareness to prevent further tragedies.
Her story is not just one of loss but also of resilience and hope, offering valuable insights into healing and honoring a loved one's memory. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of addiction and the profound impact it has on families.