Unpacking Grief (2024)

18/10/2024

About last night…

Impromptu glass of wine and appetizers with my love at our favorite spot.

These Spinny Fries are 🔥!

15/09/2024

My wife and I just completed our first ever upcycle, purchased at our local Goodwill. Removed wires and lighting hardware then added a vintage ruby red daisy hummingbird votive cup. It casts a lovely glow!

30/08/2024

Today, Deanna found this under the silverware holder in our kitchen. 🥹

Notice the date at bottom… 🤯

Mom was a prolific note writer, and was always “a step ahead” (at least!).

Finding this now, as we prepare to move, was especially potent! I know what I’ll be doing next August! 🥰

We are and

27/08/2024

A resounding call for all of us to seize the day!

I recently lost a close friend. His death was unexpected and came out of nowhere. Having known him since the fifth grade, his passing left me reeling.

04/08/2024

If you are living through grief, some of these suggestions may hit home. I’d love to hear some of your own guidance or advice on engaging with those in .

1. Be authentic and trust your instinct. If you find yourself typing the words “there are no words”, perhaps reconsider your timing or method of contact. Most of us will not judge you on the basis of whether or not you could attend a service or summon the courage to reach out. We understand some losses hit closer to home than others.

2. Don’t assume the worst, but be mindful that everyone processes grief in different ways. If you text and don’t hear back, don’t ask if your message was received. That makes it about you, not us. We appreciate the concern and are likely struggling to find words of our own.

3. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. “Let me know if you need anything.” is one common expression of support but if you make an offer of time, please follow through. Especially in weeks immediately following a loss, you can’t imagine how much we may be looking forward to getting out of the house, catching up with a friend or family, and setting down the burden of grief, even if only for a few hours.

4. Don’t redefine a relationship. With the passage of time, you may not realize how much of a relief it is to hear from people in context and NOT have them ask “how are you”. Truth is, we will never be the same… and that is our struggle. but you can still be the same person to us after our loss as you were before.

5. Be able and willing to just listen. Given the challenges associated with approach of a loved one in grief, set no expectations. If you can simply be present and meet us where we are, you are helping us more than you know.

07/05/2024

Today, I invite you to read my latest

Thoughts and feelings around the topic of parting with personal effects of loved ones who have passed.

For many, time and external factors has informed how they define this idiom. Quiet reflection on the last few weeks spent lovingly preparing Mom’s clothing for donation and parting with Zachary’s curated treasures brought me to a powerful realization. Something I’ve known for a while, but ha

19/04/2024

The Unpacking Grief Podcast explores the nuances of grief and techniques for healing and growing. By reframing our relationships, connecting with our loved ones, trusting our intuition, and embracing the mystery of life, we can find solace and growth in the grieving process.

If you have any suggestions or would like to share your own experiences, please reach out to us here or on Instagram ().

Remember, you are not alone in your grief journey.

Please Like, Follow, Subscribe and Share🙏🏼

Reframing relationships with our dearly departed and mindful intentions toward grief.

18/04/2024

The first installment of “Unpacking Grief”, a limited series podcast dealing with grief and healing dropped on 8/7/22…

At the time, my intention was to illuminate a path to healing for others living with loss. I was divinely supported in every aspect of this passion project from initial conception to the final production.

This six installment body of work is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and other popular platforms to anyone who needs it, whenever they may need it, for time immemorial. Additionally, I will post episodes and excerpts here to reach a new audience. Wherever you watch or listen, please Follow, Like, Share and/or Subscribe. 🙏🏼

I’m heartened to know those who may have really needed resources in a time of sorrow could find us.

For those with whom it has resonated most, I’ve been blessed to learn a little about their loved ones and provide a doorway to peace they’ve yet to realize existed before hearing my story.

Drew Maristch explains the intricacies of healing from his grief after the untimely passing of his 20 year old son, Zach.

17/04/2024

1. Be authentic and trust your instinct. If you find yourself typing the words “there are no words”, perhaps reconsider your timing or method of contact. Most of us will not judge you on the basis of whether or not you could attend a service or summon the courage to reach out. We understand some losses hit closer to home than others.

2. Don’t assume the worst, but be mindful that everyone processes grief in different ways. If you text and don’t hear back, don’t ask if your message was received. That makes it about you, not us. We appreciate the concern and are likely struggling to find words of our own.

3. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. “Let me know if you need anything.” is one common expression of support but if you make an offer of time, please follow through. Especially in weeks immediately following a loss, you can’t imagine how much we may be looking forward to getting out of the house, catching up with a friend or family, and setting down the burden of grief, even if only for a few hours.

4. Don’t redefine a relationship. With the passage of time, you may not realize how much of a relief it is to hear from people in context and NOT have them ask “how are you”. Truth is, we will never be the same… and that is our struggle. but you can still be the same person to us after our loss as you were before.

5. Be able and willing to just listen. Given the challenges associated with approach of a loved one in grief, set no expectations. If you can simply be present and meet us where we are, you are helping us more than you know.

11/09/2022

https://youtu.be/mOHVirjPt80

Astrologer Scott Tejerian from TheWeeklyTransit.com shines light on Drew’s late son Zach’s astrological chart as we learn more about Scott’s relationship to ...

04/09/2022

https://youtu.be/PNsOfwoXt9E

Artist Jeff "Nuisms" Newman walks us through his connection to Drew's late son Zach and his own grief in losing both parents that prompted immense reflection...

28/08/2022

https://youtu.be/SDcbLk0ngkY

In this episode we discuss how whether proactively or reactively, we will all have an opportunity to learn ways to work through processing the loss of loved ...