When I thought about who I wanted as the next guest on my IG Live show, Mom Crush Monday, I found myself drawn to a guest whose story resonated deeply with not only myself but with anyone who is suffering a loss in their life or grieving a loved one.
Join me as we dive into the raw and profound conversation I shared with Kelci Jager, a registered nurse and grief/loss coach, whose resilience and wisdom serve as a beacon of hope for anyone in the chaos of grief.
How did I meet Kelci?
Before delving into Kelci's profound journey, it's essential to highlight our connection. It was through social media, specifically a Facebook group for moms, that our paths intersected. As my boys are getting older, they are becoming of the age where they feel they are "too old" for a babysitter (even though they are not). I thought, instead of a babysitter, what if I could find a responsible teen boy that was interested in doing the things they liked to do - fishing, playing basketball, talking sports and video games, who wanted to make some extra money hanging out with the kids. I posted this idea to the group to see if anyone had a son that would be interested, and that's when Kelci reached out to me that her son might be a great fit.
Little did I know, that this initial connection would blossom into a meaningful dialogue centered around grief, resilience, and the breathtaking coming together of community when we need help the most.
Kelci's Story: A Journey Through Grief and Resilience
Kelci's narrative is one marked by profound loss, resilience, and unwavering determination to find light amidst life's darkest moments. As a mother of four, Kelci's journey took an unexpected turn when her sons were involved in an accident, propelling her into the throes of chaos and uncertainty.
With the steely resolve of a nurse, Kelci sprang into action, triaging her children's injuries and navigating the complexities of medical care during a global pandemic. However, the tumult didn't end there. In the ensuing months, Kelci faced the heartbreaking diagnosis of her son's brain tumor and her husband's battle with aggressive leukemia that he so tragically lost his life to.
Amidst the grief and turmoil, Kelci found herself grappling with the profound emptiness that accompanies loss. Despite her best efforts to navigate the stages of grief, Kelci candidly shared the internal struggle of feeling hollow, despite outward appearances of strength.
Kelci's Message of Resilience Amid the Hurricane
In the face of unimaginable loss, Kelci's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through her own experiences of navigating grief, Kelci discovered a newfound purpose in helping others grieve and integrate the loss they've experienced. She teaches others to learn to walk with the grief. Not to sit in it 24/7, nor be distracted or run away, but to have a balanced relationship with grief as it comes in waves.
Combining her nursing background with a passion for life coaching, Kelci embarked on a mission to spread awareness about grief and offer support to those grappling with its weight.
Kelci's insights into the grieving process are both profound and enlightening. She challenges the notion that grief is something to be overcome, she acknowledges the coexistence of grief and joy.
Her message is a reminder that within the darkness of loss, there is still beauty to be found in life. The sadness will not disappear with this unimaginable loss, but our lives are not over. We must keep fighting and living for another day.
Embracing Grief with Compassion and Acceptance
As our conversation unfolded, Kelci offered invaluable advice for both grievers and their support networks. From the importance of specific offers of assistance to the necessity of allowing oneself to feel the depths of grief, Kelci's words serve as a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of loss.
A Glimpse Into Our Conversation
Although I highly recommend that you catch the full Mom Crush Monday episode HERE, here are the questions that I asked Kelci in our interview.
Q: How has the community shown up for you? Before and after your husband’s passing?
Q: How can you support someone who is grieving?
Q: How did the two years post-grief transform your life in terms of asking for help?
Q: What advice would you have for someone who is in the thick of their grief?
These questions offer a glimpse into the depth of our conversation and the wisdom Kelci shared with our audience.
Where to Find Kelci
For those seeking support and guidance on their journey through grief, Kelci can be found on Instagram @kelci.jager and her website risewithgrief.com .
With a wealth of resources and a compassionate heart, Kelci is dedicated to helping others rise above the depths of grief and embrace the beauty of life once more.
As I reflect on the profound conversation shared with Kelci, I am reminded of the transformative power of vulnerability and human connection. In a world often characterized by pain and sorrow, it is through stories like Kelci's that we find hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that even in our darkest moments, there is still light to guide us forward.
You can watch this powerful, full live episode on Instagram here.
XO,
Cecilia 💝
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