The Weight of Friendship: Hannah Rumsey on Grieving Those We Cherish

 "When a friend passes away, you often question—what was our relationship? Do I own this grief? Were we actually as close as I think? But grief doesn't work like that. The love was real, and so is the loss."

In this episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos engages in a heartfelt conversation with Hannah Rumsey, a writer, performer, and podcaster based in Chicago. After the unexpected death of her close friend Lauren in 2015, Hannah has turned her grief into art, creating a one-woman show and hosting the podcast Friends Missing Friends, where she explores the often overlooked grief of losing a friend. Together, they delve into the complexities of friendship and grief, discussing how societal norms can invalidate the depth of platonic love and the unique challenges faced when mourning a friend.

Rebecca and Hannah share their personal experiences of grief, highlighting the struggle to feel permission to grieve for friends, and the guilt that can accompany such losses. They also discuss the the need for open conversations about grief in all its forms. This episode serves as a reminder that the grief of losing a friend is just as valid and deserving of acknowledgment as any other loss.

Join them as they navigate the intricacies of friendship, loss, and the power of storytelling. This episode is a beautiful testament to the bonds we share and the importance of honoring those we’ve lost, no matter the nature of the relationship.

Connect with Hannah Rumsey:
● Podcast: Friends Missing Friends
● Website: friendsmissingfriends.com
● Friend-Loss Grief Group Interest Form
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Follow for more resources:
● Instagram: @grieveleave
● Website: grieveleave.com
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