In this heartfelt episode, Leslie Colburn opens up about her journey of motherhood after losing her mom to cancer. She shares how her mother’s influence shaped her parenting, and the struggles of grieving while raising children. Leslie introduces her powerful GRIEF framework—Grieve, Remember, Invite, Encourage, Empathize, and Faith—as a guide for moms navigating loss. Through writing love letters to her daughters, she honors her mother’s legacy while offering hope and healing to women walking a similar path and guidance on mothering without your mom. This conversation is a reminder that even in seasons of loss, faith, community, and connection can carry you forward.
Takeaways
- A mother’s influence continues to shape us even after loss.
- Grief is not linear—healing takes time and grace.
- Inviting others into your grief journey helps lighten the burden.
- Community support is essential for moms facing loss.
- Leslie’s GRIEF acronym offers practical steps to process pain.
- Remembering loved ones can bring comfort and meaning.
- Encouragement and empathy strengthen relationships during grief.
- Faith provides hope and direction through the hardest seasons.
- Writing letters to your children can be a healing legacy practice.
- Sharing your story creates space for others to find hope and healing.
Chapters
00:00 The Influence of a Mother
03:37 Navigating Loss and Identity
06:56 Finding Faith in Grief
10:08 Understanding Grief: The GRIEF Acronym
16:33 The Importance of Remembering
19:59 Inviting Community into Grief
23:35 Encouragement and Empathy in Grief
26:49 Writing Love Letters and Legacy
