How does one survive losing a child

I’m not here because life went according to plan.

I’m here because it didn’t.

I’m a father. I’m a loss dad. I’m an author and a podcast host learning how to live, grieve, and grow—all at the same time.

There are days I’m strong.

There are days I’m not.

But every day, I show up.

After losing my son, everything changed—how I see the world, how I connect with people, and what actually matters. This space isn’t about pretending to have it all figured out. It’s about having real conversations that most people avoid.

I created my podcast as a place for honesty—about grief, healing, fatherhood, and finding purpose after loss. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying something heavy that no one else understands… you’re not alone.

This is me, showing up as I am.

And if that resonates with you, I’m glad you’re here.

🎙️ Listen to the podcast:

https://nickmendelke.podbean.com/

#griefclub #grieffather #childlossgrief #

3/26 Edited to

... Read moreLosing a child is a profoundly life-altering experience that changes your world forever. From my own journey and from listening to many others, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t follow a linear path—it comes in waves and varies from day to day. What helped me the most was allowing myself to feel every emotion without judgment, whether it was sadness, anger, confusion, or moments of peace. One important step in surviving this kind of loss is finding a community or safe space where your grief is understood—not just by words but through shared experience. Joining support groups, like #griefclub or connecting with fellow grieve fathers under #grieffather, can provide comfort and lessen the isolating feeling of carrying a heavy burden alone. Another key aspect is creating meaningful rituals that honor your child’s memory, whether through writing, talking about them openly, or preserving their legacy in creative ways. This practice not only keeps their presence alive but also helps you acknowledge your continuing love and connection. Podcasting has been an incredibly valuable tool for expressing raw emotions and hearing others’ stories, which brings hope and reduces stigma around talking about grief openly. Listening to discussions on healing and fatherhood after loss offers strength and practical advice on navigating complex feelings and rebuilding a purposeful life. Finally, it’s critical to be gentle with yourself. There is no “right” way to grieve or timeline to follow. Some days will be stronger, others harder, but showing up for yourself consistently—just as you are—is a powerful act of resilience. Remember, grief transforms how you see the world and what truly matters, and through this transformation, growth and healing are possible even in the darkest times.

Related posts

How to survive school air as a vanilla girly 🍦✨🫧
Wanna smell like vanilla girly 🫧✨m Sorry for not posting been busy!! But what are some vanilla products you guys use ( SMELL WISE ) 🫧 #totally a vanilla girl #vanillaproducts #perfume #vanillagirlessentials #if you are a vanilla girl #lemon8beauty #smells like vanilla #lemon8chal
Naida

Naida

11.9K likes

⭐️How to survive college⭐️
Here are some tips on how to survive college! #lemon8diarychallenge #college #freshman #collegestudent #collegetips #tips #student #studenttips #mentalhealth #advice
Vale Mejia 🎀

Vale Mejia 🎀

1910 likes

💙💛Inner Child Healing💛💙
#healingjourney #traumahealing #innerchild #lemon8partner #growth
Jessica Irene

Jessica Irene

1896 likes

An overhead view of several people's feet in blue scrubs and white sneakers, standing in a circle on concrete. The text overlay reads 'HOW TO SURVIVE NURSING SCHOOL'.
A person in blue scrubs takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, holding a phone. Text overlay states: '#1- KNOW THAT YOU GOT ACCEPTED FOR A REASON!!! YOU ARE CAPABLE TO DEAL WITH THE STRESS AND WORKLOAD THAT COMES WITH IT!'
A green, red, and white 'Children's' medical helicopter is parked outdoors under a blue sky. Text overlay advises: 'IMMEDIATELY START TRYING TO MAKE FRIENDS... STUDY GROUPS ARE AMAZING FOR SOME!'
HOW TO SURVIVE NURSING SCHOOL🩺
you’ve got this! #school #nursing #nursingstudent #nursingschool #nursingjourney
kaley! :)

kaley! :)

3488 likes

How to survive Nursing school?!🍋🫶🌸✨
#nursingstudent #nursingjourney #nursing #nurse💉💊 #medicalstudent
Vera love study

Vera love study

1554 likes

✨ How to Survive Second Semester ✨
The apps: 🤍 Bear ✨ Flora 🤍 Brainscape ✨ Noji 🤍 Crash Course ✨ Brainly 🤍 Hamster Inn ~ Can android also download? 🤍 Bear ~ no ✨ Flora ~ yes 🤍 Brainscape ~ yes ✨ Noji ~ yes 🤍 Crash Course ~ yes ✨ Brainly ~ yes 🤍 Hamster Inn ~ yes ✨ ALL apps should be FREE #sch
e m m a ☁️✨🪻

e m m a ☁️✨🪻

784 likes

A woman in coral scrubs takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay "Essentials that help me survive a 12hr shift as a CNA⚕️" and "SWIPE". A "Please Wash Your Hands" sign is reflected in the background.
A woman in blue scrubs and a face mask takes a mirror selfie, with a list of essentials including hair ties, hand cream, foldable clipboard, pens, water bottle, coffee, candy, toiletries, and hair brush.
A woman in a dark green top and black pants smiles while taking a mirror selfie, with a list of essentials including blue light glasses, watch, powerbank, tote bag, Airpods, comfy shoes, lunch bag, and compression socks.
How I survive a 12hr shift as a CNA⚕️
ESSENTIALS✨ •Foldable Clipboard📋: You can get these from amazon I got mine for like $16 and I’ve been a CNA for a year now and it’s still good! •Pens & markers🖊️: I love using colorful pens and markers when Im getting report and when Im writing down some reminders or notes, it just makes
Kateleen🧸

Kateleen🧸

591 likes

I wonder every day how I would survive losing my child.
I often wonder how I would survive the loss of one of my children. Doctors have told us their disorder should have already taken them — and that if we’re “lucky,” they may live to 16. As each day passes and they grow older, I feel my heart cling tighter. The thought of life without their prese
Julia Erman

Julia Erman

12 likes

How to Survive Bad Mental Health Days 💗
We’ve all been there, when you wake up feeling emotionally and mentally overwhelmed, drained, or simply off, making daily tasks difficult or exhausting to do. While everyone experiences bad mental health days differently, they’re often accompanied by feelings of isolation, lack of motivation, a
mindofieva

mindofieva

498 likes

How I survive study sessions without losin my mind
1) ✨ Study Space Vibes = Productivity BoostCreating a study space that cooks is half the battle. I set up near a window for good lighting bc natural light = instant mood boost. I also keep my desk minimal—just my laptop, a notebook, and my fave plant. To stay in the zone, I make study playlists—l
emilie.studygram

emilie.studygram

104 likes

A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a necklace and pink bow accessories, winks at the camera. The image is overlaid with the title text: 'How to survive a school shooting from a survivor'.
A street scene featuring buildings and the Big Ben clock tower in the background. Overlay text advises knowing school layouts, classrooms, and exits for survival during an emergency.
The London Eye Ferris wheel stands against a sunset sky. Overlay text suggests staying quiet, locking doors, and turning off lights to avoid detection by a shooter.
How to survive a school shooting from a survivor
#saftytips
Lemon8er

Lemon8er

1180 likes

How to survive nursing school 101
Imagine paying thousand of dollars to go to nursing school just to realize your teachers are not the one that you learn anything from. Teachers will reiterate to you over and over again that they are there to just do overview and it’s your job to make sure you learn the material. it’s extremely dis
Nurse Radiance

Nurse Radiance

178 likes

How to survive Middle school
I hope this helps 🤍middle school was tuff 🤍 if have a crush please confess u will regret not and if he don’t like u remember he was ugly anyway 🤍 also don’t spend all of ur time on a guy study hard
Amy Martinez

Amy Martinez

67 likes

Homeschooling does not need to be expensive!!
You absolutely have the supplies at home already!! Also step outdoors, preschool is all about being curious and playing. Staying consistent and teaching routine and recognition is a great stepping stool✨ #lemon8diarychallenge #startinghomeschool #homeschoolbeginner #homeschooltips #prescho
Jocelyntapiaa

Jocelyntapiaa

214 likes

A desk setup with a stack of books, a digital clock showing '01:55', and an open laptop. The image has a text overlay that reads 'How to survive exam season (a study guide)'.
A checklist titled 'Things to avoid ❌' during exam season, including not getting enough sleep, studying without a clear schedule, neglecting oneself, and not taking breaks.
A checklist titled 'The evening before an exam...' suggesting activities like doing something enjoyable, light revision, packing essentials, and relaxing to aid sleep.
📚 How to Survive a Stressful Exam Season
Exams piling up? 😰 Here’s your survival guide to stay calm, focused, and healthy during crunch time! 1️⃣ Reframe Mistakes as Progress 🌱 ""I can do this!"" Start with positive self-talk. ➔ Don’t fear mistakes—they’re proof you’re pushing yourself! ➔ Write down 3 things you di
My Study Corner

My Study Corner

446 likes

How to survive boring lectures 📚🙇
Boring lectures can be like torture, speaking from experience… 💀 However, we all will survive it, but to make it easier I’ll share some tips that I learned during my 5 year at university! Beforehand: If the lecture content is relevant, PAY ATTENTION. Anyways, here are some alternatives:
Mindstudyio

Mindstudyio

270 likes

How I Survive College: ADHD Edition 🎓💥
Hey friends! 👋 College life can be overwhelming, and if you’re like me and have ADHD, it can feel like the world’s moving faster than you can keep up with. 😅 But over time, I’ve found strategies and tools that help me stay on top of my game, and I’m sharing them with you today! Let’s talk about how
Stella Luna🌈

Stella Luna🌈

380 likes

How to survive your first apartment
The time has come where I am saying goodbye to my first apartment. For the past year, I have created my own home and discovered more about myself than every though possible. Here are some tips I have to help guide you in leading a successful first apartment life. 1. You are alone even when you are
Chels

Chels

1088 likes

A woman in scrubs stands on a stack of books, holding a graduation cap, with text overlay 'How to survive respiratory therapy school'. She smiles in front of large golden doors.
Medical equipment, including a mannequin head, tubes, and a stethoscope, on a wooden table. Text reads '01. ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS' about material and equipment.
A laptop, coffee cup, and pen on a desk with an outdoor view. Text reads '02. STAY ON TOP OF ASSIGNMENTS AND STUDYING' by reserving time for tasks.
HOW TO SURVIVE RESPIRATORY THERAPY SCHOOL🫁🩺
If you have questions, feel free to message me!🩺🫁🫶🏼
Kayla Ann

Kayla Ann

78 likes

A memorial display featuring a framed photo of a smiling young woman, a maroon graduation gown and cap, and a diploma cover. A banner below the photo identifies her as Zamiyanique Zavori Boone, with dates November 11, 2006 - March 3, 2025.
A memorial display featuring a framed photo of a smiling young woman, a maroon graduation gown and cap with a gold tassel, and a diploma cover. A banner below the photo identifies her as Zamiyanique Zavori Boone, with dates November 11, 2006 - March 3, 2025.
A close-up of a framed photo showing a smiling young Black woman with curly hair, wearing an off-the-shoulder black top and a pearl necklace. A banner below the frame reads "Zamiyanique Zavori Boone November 11, 2006-March 3, 2025".
losing a child the bestie thing in the world
RIP ZZ MOMMY LOVES U ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 💘 💌 Brand:💵 Price:
diamond 💎 🔸️ poo

diamond 💎 🔸️ poo

959 likes

how to survive a locked freezer 🥶
#story #storytime #fyp #trending #zachdfilms
Zach D Films

Zach D Films

19 likes

A couple embraces in an airport, with the title "How I Survive Long Distance" and a heart icon, representing the theme of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
A couple smiling on a beach, illustrating the first tip for long-distance relationships: "ALWAYS KNOW THE NEXT TIME YOU'LL SEE EACH OTHER," emphasizing planning future visits.
A couple hugging in the ocean, illustrating the importance of "communication" in a long-distance relationship, including daily texts, video calls, and open dialogue.
How I Survive Long Distance
Listen, long distance is DEFINITELY not for the weak. We have been doing long distance for over a year and have made it work pretty smoothly. We do our best to feel involved with each others lives, even when we’re in different countries. Keeping solid communication with eachother is SOOO key. There
audreycariveau

audreycariveau

138 likes

A tablet screen displays various Roblox game tiles, with the title 'How to survive 99 nights in the forest' overlaid in pink text, suggesting a game-related guide.
A Roblox game screenshot shows a character near a campfire and garden. Overlay text advises collecting coal and wood for fire, indicating early game survival steps.
A Roblox game screenshot features a 'MISSING KID LOCATIONS' board with 'FOUND!!!' signs. Overlay text explains finding kids extends game days and the need for medicine.
How to survive 99 nights in the forest
#99 nights in the forest hope this helps you guys out 🐨🐦‍⬛🍂🪙
Teaganlovessemi380

Teaganlovessemi380

25 likes

How to balance work and motherhoodwithout losing i
The key to keeping your sanity is planning it out - a daily routine (even if it isnt followed to a tee), meals, making time for self care & chores 📆👶🏽📄 #fulltimeworkingmum #busymommy #momlife #momhacks
Modern Matriarch

Modern Matriarch

10 likes

A baby with an open mouth looks up, standing on colorful foam alphabet mats, with text overlay "surviving SUMMER WITH KIDS" and a sun emoji, illustrating the theme of summer with children.
Two children play with handmade crafts from toilet paper rolls and pipe cleaners on a foam mat, accompanied by text about creating a summer routine with activities like morning play and quiet time.
Children's feet are visible on colorful foam alphabet mats next to toys, with text encouraging to "Embrace the Mess" of sticky, sandy, and crumb-filled summer days with kids.
How to Survive & Thrive this Summer with Kids 🫶
Surviving Summer with Kids (and Keeping Your Sanity) ☀️ Summer with little ones is equal parts magic and mayhem. The long days, endless energy, and high temps can be a lot—but with a little planning and a flexible mindset, you can enjoy the season without losing your mind. ☀️ Create a Sum
Modern Mom | Shannon

Modern Mom | Shannon

28 likes

An adult Black woman in a white dress kneels, smiling warmly at a young Black girl also in white, symbolizing the article's theme of healing the inner child. The title 'Talking to Your Inner Child: A Guide to Healing the Little You' is overlaid.
Talking to Your Inner Child: A Guide to Healing U🍋
Talking to Your Inner Child: A Guide to Healing the Little You Posted at: The Hidden Porch Let me tell you somethin’ real. Inside every grown person walking this Earth is a little child still waitin’ to be held, seen, and heard. That little version of you? The one who got scared, shamed, overlo
The Hidden Porch ©

The Hidden Porch ©

61 likes

How to survive long roadtrips…
I feel like I have learned a thing or two about crazy long roadtrips… and moving across the country lol
Belle Grubb

Belle Grubb

7 likes

how to survive Term Exams
Percy Pages

Percy Pages

5 likes

Winter With a Toddler (Here’s How We Survive)
Winter with a toddler can feel long. The days are shorter, the weather keeps you inside, and somehow your child has unlimited energy while you’re just trying to make it to bedtime. This is your reminder that you don’t need elaborate plans or Pinterest-perfect activities to get through winter —
MJ | Motherhood Made Easier

MJ | Motherhood Made Easier

99 likes

My Tips to Survive College!
College can be overwhelming and scary but the best advice I can give is to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME! 🌸 Find a study method that works for you! Mine are: Quizlet and torturing my boyfriend with questions! 🌸 Be open minded Some people will think you’re dumb for not knowing everything right o
Faeryn Tuttle

Faeryn Tuttle

210 likes

💪Ultimate Apps I wish I knew to Survive College💯
💯Otter Transcribe your lectures in real-time! Otter converts spoken words into text, allowing you to review lectures and take notes effortlessly! 💯Hibay Hibay is perfect for girls with social anxiety! Practice oral English in 100+ scenarios with an AI partner to boost confidence and excel in s
Rosalie🦋

Rosalie🦋

130 likes

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR VACATION💗
This past week, I witnessed a drowning on my vacation and many more I did not see occurred. Now my July Mission is to educate people of their favorite vacation spot and the dangers that exist!! So here are a few tips for flag meanings and how to escape a rip current! 🌞 Day 1: July Diary Locati
Destiny:)

Destiny:)

15 likes

A vibrant outdoor scene with green leaves and white flowers against a clear blue sky, featuring the title "ALLERGY SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE HOW I DEAL W SEASONAL ALLERGIES."
A person's arm showing the results of an allergy skin test with multiple small red reactions, illustrating the importance of getting an allergy test to identify specific triggers.
A graphic displaying a "15 Day Allergy Forecast" chart and a "Pollen Breakdown" for tree, grass, and ragweed pollen, emphasizing the tip to check allergy forecasts.
HOW TO SURVIVE SPRING ALLERGIES 🌿🦋💐
My seasonal allergies are HORRIBLE. It actually makes it so some days I feel sick :/ but over the past few years, I've been able to manage them so much better! Here are my BEST tips: 1. Get an allergy test! KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING! There are so many different things blooming in the spring
Sarah Jolie 🌸

Sarah Jolie 🌸

45 likes

A flat lay shows maroon medical scrubs, white headphones, and small cosmetic items on a white surface, with the overlay text 'HOW TO STUDY FOR microbiology'.
A microscopic view displays blue-stained biological samples on a white circular field, with a pointer. The text reads 'read the lab manual not the textbook (if you had to choose one)'.
A microscopic view shows blue-stained biological structures on a white circular field, with a pointer. The text reads 'draw out everything and use graphs and tables'.
how to survive microbiology
Microbiology is definitely not an easy class. Here are two tips I used to pass microbio! 1. Read the lab manual instead of the textbook (if you had to choose one). The manual had more information and included pictures, which helped my understanding. 2. Draw out everything and use graphs and t
BETHANY

BETHANY

240 likes

How to Survive a Divorce
I stumbled across this shirt real-life story on YouTube and wow…. I was on the edge of my seat. If you love stories that pull you in and don’t let go, this one is for you. 👉 Copy and Paste the link into YouTube to listen: https://youtu.be/HebwbTK_Tv4?si=Tvj4k577GeJoJJnK #shortstories #stor
Tiffinee

Tiffinee

4 likes

Honoring Parents Without Losing Your Peace
I used to think that cutting off my father was sinful, but I realized something powerful: I can honor and love my father from a distance. God sees all and he calls fathers to raise their children properly. My father’s actions or failures are under his guidance and judgment, not mine. I am free to a
Kristen

Kristen

11 likes

Behind every “man-child” is a woman losing herself
He looked like a man… but acted like a boy. Behind every “man-child” is a woman slowly losing pieces of herself ,her peace, her dreams, her spark. Healing starts when you realize you deserve more than potential. ✨ Read How to Choose a Man, Not a Boy ,and start reclaiming your peace today.
HealingWithRoseCo

HealingWithRoseCo

16 likes

A cozy image showing a cat sleeping on a bed with bookshelves in the background, introducing tips to overcome a reading slump.
A hand holding a smartphone displaying an audiobook player for 'Hope This Finds You Well,' suggesting pairing books with audiobooks to aid focus.
An e-reader displaying 'The Blanket Cats' on a bed, illustrating the tip to reread comfort reads for enjoyment.
How to survive a bad reading slump
These have worked for me during slumps! Be kind to yourself #readingslump #tips #howto #getoutofaslump #audiobooks
Taylor’s Reads and Reviews 📚

Taylor’s Reads and Reviews 📚

17 likes

How To Survive College
Your first year of college is full of new experiences and finding out who you are as a person. You’re going to be stressed out to another level and you may struggle managing time between school and caring for yourself. As long as you make an effort to balance both you will find what works for you.
Havana

Havana

131 likes

A numbered list of 12 shadow work questions for healing the inner child. The questions prompt reflection on childhood memories, unmet needs, negative beliefs, caregiver influence, traumas, cravings, reactions to triggers, coping mechanisms, and ways to comfort and forgive the inner child.
12 Shadow Work Questions to Heal Your Inner Child
Make sure to answer as honestly as you can, it is the only way to get to the bottom of your trauma and heal from the things that may hold you back. #shadowworkhealing #healingpath #childhoodhealing #healingprocess
🦋 Mindset Alchemy 🦋

🦋 Mindset Alchemy 🦋

75 likes

I'm Loretta I'm just a country girl from Virginia.
#gettoknowme I'm a country girl from Virginia. im a black sheep in a family of Gods Chosen.but God lives the black sheep as much as he does the white. I love everyone. I don't have to like your ways but we hav3 to love eachothers souls if we want to make it to heaven to be reunited with
Loretta Stevens

Loretta Stevens

0 likes

How to survive in workout classes..
💌 Brand: @Starbucks
Betty Cooks

Betty Cooks

8 likes

The book cover for "Surviving Josiah: A Dark Paranormal Romance" by Tessa Stone, featuring a dark-skinned man with red eyes and a facial scar against a moonlit background. The title "Surviving Josiah" is prominently displayed in white and red text.
Surviving Josiah: A Dark Paranormal Romance Book 4
This book was so good; I think it’s one of my favorite Wintermoon stories. It’s a bit of a long book, but it’s worth it. Tessa Stone, this one was amazing. Josiah endured so much pain. My baby, ugh, this book made me emotional, laugh, and smile. She wanted a love story, but she got a monster wh
Lia32pride2.0🌟🍋

Lia32pride2.0🌟🍋

16 likes

A close-up of a history worksheet on Philippine Annexation, featuring a political cartoon with handwritten notes. The overlay text reads, "HOW I SURVIVE MY CONTENT HEAVY IB SCHOOL."
An overhead view of various craft supplies and tools on a pink surface. The overlay text advises, "Study with friends and take multiple days to do Your assignments rather than cramp it all at once."
A spiral notebook open to a document titled "The Formal Elements of Visual Analysis." The overlay text suggests, "Work in school hours if you can... but if you need a break that's okay."
How I survive my content heavy IB school
#studytips #lemon8challenge
Ariadne

Ariadne

15 likes

Nobody tells you THIS about losing someone you 💖
And why it changes everything... Grief doesn't just vanish. It sticks around until you're ready to face it. Here’s what pulled me back when I felt like I was sinking... Last year, I lost my best friend. I didn’t just lose touch. I lost them. For good. It wrecked me in ways I
Ania Halama | Holistic Mentor✨

Ania Halama | Holistic Mentor✨

6 likes

See more