Transforming Grief - When I Lost My Only Child | Phil Cohen | TEDxYoungCirclePark

[@dw5294]

The pain is unbearable. Just when I had begun to heal from losing my 21 year old son 10 years ago from an asthma attack, my 26 year old daughter was killed on 10/30/22 by a drunk driver. I'm in the twilight of my life now and I long to be reunited with my children and husband.

[@shimmyshim2318]

💔💔 I know your heartache. I'm so sorry. I feel the very same as you

[@jenniedevereaux2696]

Dear Lord, I can't imagine the pain your enduring. I pray you will be reunited one day. This world is horrific

[@jclilstar1973]

Praying for you. I loss my 33 yr old son in nov 2022. He took his own life.

[@teresa4786]

I don’t know why we must endure such losses. I too have lost my husband and son. I don’t know you survive, lady. Praying you get the support you need. Hugs

[@suzydiaz5054]

My 31 yr old son also died the same day 😭🙏💔

[@apostlemzsithole1610]

I lost my son of 23 years just on the 3rd of July 2024, he was knocked down by a car and died in the scene. I still can't believe I have buried him. I keep hearing his voice saying "I am sorry dad, it's going to be fine." May we all find comfort in God and the hope that we will see them in Glory Land. Thank you brother for this words wisdom and for sharing your own story.

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

I couldn’t imagine. I do have faith in a soul afterlife with a Divine. But the loss is horrific. I’m not a strong person.

[@frankfinkelman2465]

My daughter died yesterday from a brain bleed my only child is gone my pain is unimaginable

[@vj7857]

❤

[@lss74]

❤️

[@judyjohnson6794]

Blessings - SO sorry to hear that! J

[@linm9598]

Sending love & prayers during this tragically sad time. 🙏💜

[@eringreene-rettig4818]

I’m so sorry!💔 My son also Died!

[@rogeriodamata6641]

I so needed to watch this, thank you. I lost my beautiful, smart, strong, joyful, 19-year-old daughter, to a car accident 5 weeks ago, and the world just collapsed. I have a 14-year-old daughter, and a wife, that need me, and my search for the strength to be here for them will continue on.

[@sekaizvandaziva]

I also lost my 19 year old sonon the 4th of April 2024 he just collapsed i can't cope

[@veeherreraJanecka]

@@sekaizvandazivaI’m so profoundly sorry. Lost my wonderful son 9 months ago. It’s excruciating. 💫💙🙏🏽✝️ Timmy s mom

[@maggiemontelongo3127]

My 16 yr old daughter Arianna passed in at a psychiatric facility due to a medication they gave her she had been gone for over 8 hrs before they realized she was gone . I died that day with her .

[@renrick]

My only child drowned in the ocean a year ago. Coast guard searched for 21 hours. I am right here with all these thoughts. He was 17.

[@janinepettit2019]

I’m so sorry for your loss. What a terrible cross to carry. You are in my prayers. ❤️🙏

[@maryruth8851]

😔

[@julesfarrell5724]

Oh I’m so sorry. Please remember you’re not alone. I know your grief and I’m sending a big hug and prayer.💗💗💗

[@louiseanders535]

I lost my 17 year old son in July last year .I will be here for you

[@wendyhall6609]

​@@louiseanders535 I lost my only 17 years old son in July (2021). I will never completely be well until I go with him😢

[@just-4-meImworthit]

5:55 ‘Grief doesn’t always end at acceptance’. I really needed to hear this today.

[@philcohen9282]

Comments like these make my day! Thank you for sharing!

[@ameliarose3142]

7 years after losing my best friend and love, I refuse to accept it. I understand what happened. I understand he's never coming back. But I cannot accept what was done to him. And then I'm back at the anger phase, multiplied by a trillion.

[@fieldsendart]

I lost my beautiful 29 y.o. son to suicide, and I don't know if I can ever heal from this. My heart and soul are shattered.

[@Fufux0rs]

This comment section should be empty. I hate the fact i need to search videos like this to understand and ease my pain. I lost a 2yo daughter 5months ago. Its unbelievable hard but I will fuking keep going for the sake of her twin sister. Stay strong fathers.

[@mr.jaborstudios1922]

I lost my 21 year old daughter March 24, 2022 to lupus! As a father I feel I’m slowly losing my battle each day. I feel alone! This video gives me hope! Such a helpless feeling!

[@Hansel783]

You will see her on the other side one day. Don't despair. Our loved ones are waiting for us. Meanwhile, I hope you get a dream visitation from her 🙏

[@veeherreraJanecka]

I’m so sorry for your profound loss. I just lost my son 5 months ago to lupus- he could no longer eat and was so weak. It’s the most painful thing. I just pretend it’s not true. I know it s true but I can’t feel it all. 🙏🏽 Sending love ♾💙🕯🕊🙏🏽💫 Forever loved

[@JessicaZuniga420]

I lost my 24 year old in 2021. Just hours after I got married. All in one day, the most devasted day of my life. She died in a horrific car accident.' I didn't know how to feel other than Broken, I couldn't believe she was gone. I kept thinking she was going to come to my house and say, "mom, I'm here, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. By the grace of God am still here and I can tell other ppl that God is faithful he's never left me or forsake me and I also know that I don't deserve his love but I know it's because of his grace and love that he has for us we are still here and one day I know I will see her again.

[@beckygail9454]

I know for me after loosing my son I want to live the rest of my life honoring his life.I will do more to give and help others.Donate my time.

[@nereida116]

My heart joins every heart from every comment posted here.🙏🏽

[@samanthahanks7921]

I lost my son 6 days ago in a work incident...he was 19 yrs old...idk how im even typing this...he has a baby on the way...my sweet grandbaby...thank you for this..💔🙏

[@Poole2gether]

I lost my 23 yr old six months ago too. He also had a baby on the way. Lord, have mercy on our boys. Lord, have mercy on us.

[@samanthahanks7921]

@Poole2gether bless you sweetheart 🙏 I am praying for you and your family ❤️🙏 I am so so very sorry! You will see your son in your grand baby. Mine will be here in 4 weeks..

[@carissahullfish415]

As a mother I love you and I don't know you because we shared the same loss. I lost my 17 year old son a week ago.

[@clivec10]

To everyone who is in pain (I certainly am), keep searching for comfort in such links . Our loved ones would want us to find peace with them in our hearts ❤

[@pearlsams7064]

I need this to hear someone that has gone through this. Lost my son in a car accident in 2021. My sister was shot on her job in 2022. Hard to process living without them

[@christinecervantes3722]

I lost my daughter on July 4, 2023. I will never recover

[@lifeafterourloss]

I know this pain. Only another grieving parent can describe this so well. We lost our only child in March of 2021.

[@rexthsenconde4583]

I lost my 16 month old daughter , one year and a half last Thanksgiving in 2022. First time father… my only daughter… my life shattered thru my eyes… she was precious and beautiful… she stopped breathing in the morning, still pending on the toxicology reports for the cause of death… doctors are shocked and do not know her cause of death yet. Her medical records were clear and she was a healthy toddler. I’m devastated.. my parents are devastated my spouse is devastated .. I’m trying my best to keep pushing… but wow this pain is just unbearable..

[@bumlb54]

I am on threshold of acceptance. It’s been one year since I lost my 18 year old daughter to fentanyl. I’ve gone through all of those stages of grief. And I’m starting to really realize. I will never get over it. But learning to live with grief is what I have to do. She would want me to live the best life I could. Because I know she is telling me. I’ll see her again. Cherishing all those great memories of her personality and what she brought to everyone will keep me going everyday. I’m getting there. One day at a time.

[@traceybohannon9123]

My youngest son of 3- shot and killed himself 3 months ago. My heart has been ripped from my chest and I really don’t want to take my next breath

[@justjoie2]

Thank you so much for the clarity on this very sensitive moment for all of us who have lost their child no matter what age they were when they were taken from us. My daughter was murdered by her fiancé in a domestic violence incident on January 26, 2022. She had just turned 49 in December. My heart shatter that day and I continue picking up the tiny pieces💝💝💝

[@AngelinaX23]

My heart skipped a beat when I read your comment. My 48 year old daughter was killed by her fiance in a domestic violence incident that occurred on June 4, 2022! They had an argument and he pushed her to the floor and sat on her (he is 6'6"/300lbs.) until her heart stopped. He claims to have attempted CPR, but her brain was without oxygen for 25 minutes. She was on life support for 4 days until the doctors determined that she was brain dead and I agreed to have her removed from the machines. She died a few minutes later at 9 p.m. As the days have passed I have come to learn that this man is not the "great guy" my daughter tried to make me think he is. She was a vibrant, beautiful woman with hundreds of friends who are mourning her loss. I don't live in the same town so it's a little more challenging for me to keep after the police and prosecutors on the case. Thank God for her good friends who are helping me. How are you doing? Please contact me if you want to share your story. I'm amazed at how similar our situations are.

[@trishjohnson2389]

my daughter was the same age as yours and she was murdered too. .this was very interesting and i never realised i really did need to give myself permission to grieve properly. our hearts will always be broken. my daughter died 2018.

[@justjoie2]

@@trishjohnson2389 Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss💔

[@jclilstar1973]

Im so sorry for your loss. Your in my prayers. My 33 yr old son took his life in nov 2022

[@trishjohnson2389]

@@jclilstar1973 so sorry to hear that. i hope you can find some moments of peace and calm in some of your days. i think the death of a child, no matter how old they are is the worse loss . bless you, so pleased you found this video

[@lorijeanne7670]

I lost my only child dec. 2022. Thank god I listened to this video. I’ve felt so alone. The pain is unbearable. Friends say”he’s in a better place”. I still can’t go into his bedroom. I would protect my son to the bitter end. That’s how I’m dealing with his passing. I’ll feel this pain for him to be in the “better place”. I’ll never be the same.

[@michellemitchell9487]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I lost my daughter December, 2022. I am still trying to figure out what I am supposed to do now. I send my deepest condolences and support. One day at a time.💚

[@ronirave]

My daughter tells me every night she is here and she is OK,. It's been one year and I am in intense grief 75 % of the time. I don't see the like at the end of this tunnel but I hope if I watch enough of these I might.

[@cynthiablandford6213]

You are loved and you are not alone dear.

[@Mou808]

I lost my two child.. My 5 years son in 2016, April& my 5 years dauther in 2023,march.. I am all alone.. I dont have anyone in my life..there is no reason for life..bt i still alive, dont know why.. This pain is endless..

[@KumariKumari-fw7nc]

Please look after yourself...

[@opeyemiojomu6694]

Pls stay strong. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs, love and light 💖 ❤️

[@lyjuslyjus2201]

I lost my son , 24 two months before. The last sentence is so beautiful. Those of us who lost our kids …. Our search has just started . The pain is terrible.

[@rozakunakuzina5531]

I lost my daughter. Send you my love.

[@tonyatjoseph5801]

Thanks for this encouragement. I loss my only daughter 5/13/2021. Still dealing with this grief🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@meganveronica5155]

My heart is with you

[@tonyatjoseph5801]

@@meganveronica5155 thank you so much🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@meganveronica5155]

@@tonyatjoseph5801 You have forever with her after this pit stop on earth. Shes never gone. She surrounds you.

[@tonyatjoseph5801]

@Sarina Singh 🙏🙏🙏

[@Me-lolahernandez]

OMG, my condolences!

[@rizkyp]

Lost my oldest son 16 years old on 26 october 2022, i never knew this another level of sadness and grief even exist. I envy that he can talk about his experience without crying i know he is devastated inside like i do.

[@dolly-lolly]

To never know what really happened must be so painful. I can’t imagine.

[@diwaleathercrafts7213]

I needed this. In the beginning, I thought I wouldn't relate because your son is 14yo and mine is only 13 days old. I was never able to hold him since he was in the NICU nor make so much memories - but the love of a parent is the same. Less than a month since his passing, I had a similar dream... He told me to stay put, keep it together, it will all be OK, and we will see each other again. I needed this, thank you. 💙

[@taylornoren642]

My daddy and I will be together again😢

[@therealbellasantarosa]

I know that moment too well.... wanting to find some joy in life and being scared of the possible judgement because of grief. Thank you Phil

[@therealmyyt]

I understand that totally.

[@joaniehowan8321]

So much to take on. I was dieing about 10 years ago from kidney failure. I saw a bright light to the left. My mom and 2 sisters visited me at this time. In a dream. I did not see Jesus or Heaven. My peace was so beautiful. I believe we will see each other again. I also believe we will see loved ones that help us on our journey. Much love and prayers to you.

[@Len-yy3ox]

We are born to die.Our first breath is the beginning of life and the eventuality of our death.Everyday is precious and our life has meaning.We are not here by accident ,each and everyone of us has a purpose.Our pain is to remind us that suffering is the price we pay for life.All of us go home to God's eternal embrace,God's time is not our time.Try to have gratitude for all we have for the moment.All who are suffering at this moment ,you are not alone.We are all vulnerable and wanting.For the moment try to think of a happy moment ,celebrate your life and your loved one's life.Continue your journey for yourself and your loved one.God bless us all.

[@norapharper]

I like this idea of transforming grief instead of processing it. I think that implies you deal with it and just move on but anyone who has lost someone unexpectedly knows you never get over it.

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you for watching and commenting Nora! You're 100% spot on.

[@keara7657]

I lost my 11month old daughter 6 months ago an I've already knew grief due to my son's father getting shot. But this one hit different. Most days I feel like I'm living in a fantasy, but when I feel that ache in my chest the illusion disappear and I feel like I'm dying mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I'm trying for my 4 year old but some days I wish dying was an option. I also have dreams about my daughter and she looks happy, but it doesn't make this ache or sadness any less painful.

[@EllaArmstrong25]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@anthonym5646]

I sincerely hope that you make it to the other side of this. There's just no clear path forward.

[@keara7657]

@@anthonym5646 Thank you, I believe one day it won't ache as much it's a matter of time

[@ladeniaboxley337]

I lost my only child june 2022 He was MURDERED. He just graduated from college. It's still devastating to me. Somedays I cant believe he's gone. I will never be the same😢 Only GOD helping me day by day🙏

[@amihitesh]

So sorry anout your loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@allsmiles222]

I'm so sorry for your loss! My nephew was murdered in June 2021, only 23 & my sister has never been the same! She's still having a very very hard time! She's so angry & dedicates her everything into keeping his name alive! I would love some advice on what things you do to soothe the pain?

[@ladeniaboxley337]

@@allsmiles222 To tell you the truth..theirs nothing to sooth the pain of Losing a child. Keep praying for GOD to help you deal with it in your every day life. I went to family therapy and trama therapy. Trama therapy helps. It give you tools to use during every day life. It also helps how to control triggers that's going to happen very often. One thing help me was praying to GOD and crying, screaming, hollering the pain. That help me alot. Trust me prayer HELPS. GOD LISTEN AND HEAR YOUR PAIN🙏

[@allsmiles222]

@ladeniaboxley337 Thank you so much for replying! I will continue to pray that God gives my sister the strength to live! I will suggest trauma therapy to her! I will also add you to my prayers for your strength..Thanks again❤️

[@rabiasalas7410]

Eloquently spoken with pure honesty and wisdom.

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you Rabia!

[@margaretstrom]

This is so heart breaking, I cannot imagine the pain this man is going through, bless him and hope for peace!

[@ChannelofRK]

Thank you for sharing. I am going through a really tough phase of my life and listening to you gives me a ray of hope that I too can recover.

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you Rohit! I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through a tough phase of life. I realize that I have no idea what you're experiencing, just know that you can make it through. It all comes down to what you're focusing on. Where focus goes, energy flows. When the sun shines, it covers vast amounts of Earth. We can stand almost anywhere under it and feel as though we’re being wrapped in a warm blanket. Yet, when we take a magnifying glass and focus its energy on a small area, we can create fire. I believe the same is true of the thoughts that we choose to focus on.

[@jensjfriedemann]

I once read something about how you need to find meaning or purpose in a traumatic event in order to process it. I think it's safe to say Phil has done that here, and I thank him for it.

[@jacksallyvision8924]

I lost my only child, my son, at 14 weeks old in January. He never came home from the hospital to get to see his room.

[@LeJulesHi]

My heart breaks for you and your family, I'm just so sorry and I hope you are doing as 'well' as you can be 🌻🙏❤️

[@christopherscotellaro]

My entire being, to my marrow, stands with any parent who lost a child. All love ❤️ for ALL of you. Peace ✌️ n’ blessings

[@corinnehunter3234]

Thank you so much for this. I lost my son to suicide this week and the pain is unbearable. This give me hope.

[@alejandroczerwinski9165]

I LOST MY OLDEST SON SAME WAY, 4/28/23 HE WAS 33

[@julzhiyas365]

I too lost my 17 yr old 8 years ago .. he took his own life.

[@pambennett4859]

I lost my son to suicide in 2017. The pain never goes away. I lean on Jesus to help me cope.

[@kasperean]

"Just on the other side of acceptance, I found subtle optimism" I definitely teared up a bit, hearing how hard he was on himself during the process. What a beautiful man.

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words!

[@daniellelevine9638]

Grief holds gifts 100% true I just lost my brother to suicide three days ago and I find that there are moments that I have with God that are so beautiful that I can’t describe them in this comment but this is a true statement

[@suzannejambo1254]

On Thursday 5th May 2022 my 21 years old and only child, my son Dri went missing. It’s been the most agonising 8 days searching for him. We found him dead. I lost my son Dri, the light of my life, my anchor and the source of my joy. I’ve a hole in my heart. I miss him in ways I can’t describe. Pray for my son to RIP, pray for me to endure the pain of his loss. He loved soccer passionately, he was excellent at it. He had dreams. He loved helping others. He was a very balanced kid. Too kind if I may say. He went to college worked super hard and always supported me in every way. He loved me beyond description. He was my world. I’ll always love you Dri with all of me, dance with the angels my Angel Dri😭😭😭🤲🏽🙌🏽🥰🤗❤️🙏🏾

[@huggiewashere]

Praying for you Suzanne, thank you for sharing your heart and your son

[@cynthiablandford6213]

I send you my deepest love.

[@suzannejambo1254]

@@cynthiablandford6213 thank you. Please keep praying for me❤️🙏🏾

[@suzannejambo1254]

@@huggiewashere thank you for reaching out. Please pray for me❤️🙏🏾

[@cynthiablandford6213]

@@suzannejambo1254 You bet l will,l know what your going through,only others that have gone through this can understand your pain.He is always by your side,please know that.He will always show you my dear,always.

[@mbords01]

I have listened to inspiring talks on grief; they usually make me feel less alone; the emotion of grief though continues..... I own it till the day of eternity.

[@leahbel25]

I understand how isolating it is to be engulfed in grief. You are not alone. I will miss my son forever. Hugs to you.

[@mistyn380]

I’m in the same boat. Grief is now my shadow and I’ve accepted it. And like you, I’ve listened to so many podcasts and even group therapy, it just makes me feel “less alone”. I too will own it till my day of eternity( I love this phrase. Will have to steal it 😉)

[@user-hx5xq6tl9f]

It’s going to be 9 years!!!! in August 2nd 22.. It’s a rollercoaster still. You think you’ve pulled it all together, there’ll always be something that takes you back to that pain, you always feel their loss but that raw, excruciating pain and that gaping hole in your life, loss of purpose.. it’s such a loss that it’ll never be found, that hole never gets filled… you change, accept it, you learn to live. But, you will never be the same person you were when you were their mum, physically chasing about, washing, chatting, laughing……all gone! Yeah.. 9 years in 2 weeks, the sound of summer, the summer itself is always a little empty now and I know it’s coming, that knock at the door.. and it strips me if my armour.. and I’m back to square one all over again. But, on my better days I do smile and focus in the love we had, how lucky I was to have had him as my son!! It only lasted 17 years in this world but I was honoured.

[@katec9893]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You are a wonderful writer, your words really paint a picture. I can imagine reading your story in a book so I hope you might consider writing one.

[@user-hx5xq6tl9f]

@@handmade-g5m Aww, I’m glad you found something in my comment. Sending big hugs!! I’m sorry you lost your boy… I think it’s the worst possible thing a parent can go through, it’s mentally, emotionally and physically traumatic and I don’t think it’s something you ever ‘get over’, it’s like a physical part of you has been amputated. It does get easier, I promise. I hope you’re keeping ok. Xx

[@handmade-g5m]

@@user-hx5xq6tl9fyes, that’s exactly how it is ..I hope your ok too xx

[@mistyn380]

I’m almost at my 2yrs mark and it’s only gotten worse. My son and only child was only 13yrs old when he passed. I’m sure my journey will just be like yours until I see him again. People want me to go do therapy as if we all have to heal. I’ve tried it only makes it worse. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, I needed to see that some parents never healed and continue on with grief to know I’m not alone. Praying we’ll get to see our kids soon so then true life and happiness can start back for us again.

[@user-hx5xq6tl9f]

@@mistyn380 I’m so sorry you’re going through this my friend. I’ve found that only time has helped.. I tried therapy and I also felt it wasn’t for me, and I hated talking about my most vulnerable feelings to a stranger… it’s easy here on YT. My doctor put me on anti depressants and anti psychotics.. despite me not being depressed or psychotic, these meds turned me into a total zombie, I felt brain dead like I no longer had the capacity for thought. Due to the meds I put on nearly 8 stones on weight.. I did cold turkey, took myself of the meds then my doctor accused me of ‘refusing treatment’ when I said I didn’t want the pills… I wasn’t sick, I was grieving 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve found there’s no magic solution or pills, only time. I wish you all the best. X

[@pamelacole3960]

Thank you Phil for sharing your experience. Like you, I lost my only child eight years ago and life has never been the same. In a way I am healing and and at the same time making the life of my 26 year old son count. Thanks

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you, Pamela, for taking the time to watch my talk. I hear when you say that life has never been the same and you're taking action to make his life count. This is one of the reasons I decided to deliver this talk. There's so much more I wanted to share but I was allotted 10 minutes for my talk. I'd love to hear about what you're doing to honor your son's memory.

[@averyrothschild]

I love that this talk touched on the way men are socially conditioned not to cry, or share emotion. They are such out-dated qualities for men to have and just so detrimental in a grief related situation.

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you Avery! Pushing the pain down is like trying to hold a beachball underwater. It can be done but, eventually, it will find its way to the surface.

[@janiceglanders]

I am so, so moved by this. I needed to hear this, thank you Phil.

[@CPeetG]

I have 3 children and while they are all still here, my biggest fear is losing them. I honestly don’t think I could ever endure that type of pain and loss. I don’t understand how any parent lives after the loss of a child. I hope I never have to experience this and I pray for anyone that has to.

[@buildingexceptionalpeoplew4229]

Not something to wish for your worst enemy

[@Toodledooo]

Thank you

[@shimmyshim2318]

I hope you don't either. I have no idea how I can live now nor do I want to. I'm empty I have no desire to wake up. Waking up is the worst part

[@tamaramatthews7239]

Please don't say or think those thoughts...losing a child was always my biggest fear...I prayed on it I spoke on it...the boy that was responsible for killing my son in the passenger seat...such situations were voiced...I lost my youngest son who was a twin September 19 2022,he had just turned 20 And there is no greater pain and my life has been surrounded by death...a lesson I would have gladly forrgone.

[@donnadavis5544]

Thank you. I identified with a many things you said so keenly that it helped me understand and gave me hope. I lost my only child Benjamin 15 months ago. And yes my boy came to me and said, " its ok Mom" I'm good." The journey is strange. But yes I'm finding my way. I have many moments of hope and gratitude.

[@FlyingwithDreaallday]

Coming up on his 3rd angelvarsary and I feel more in a whirlpool of emotions and tears then ever! I'm not myself anymore. Not with out my son. And yes tgo I have 4 other children. The pain of losing 1 is equal to losing all 5. I am so shattered. So broken. When I use to be the strongest person in my children's eyes I have grown to be the weakest and most vulnerable they know.

[@oceandizzle7]

That's not true about what you stated about yourself. Upon commenting, I hope you're able to rewatch this video. Much love, healing, blessings, and condolences 🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@theluisquinn]

There is so much courage and resilience here, what an amazing man.

[@KatieKimball]

It was definitely time for that 60-year-old paradigm to be challenged and flipped sideways! Thank you for sharing your story, Phil.

[@sendoutcards100]

With almost, any devastation comes a reason to fight! Your "search," your "fight" is for you to own. And, you just proved that to yourself with this talk. Bravo...

[@philcohen9282]

Thank you Jeff!

[@janakichristophersloanjane615]

Wonderful talk Phil! So calm and confident and present. Your first line made me tear up. May it offer hope to many.

[@carlosHarris-pi7um]

THANK YOU, as a therapist helping grieving people this is priceless. & I'm so sorry 😢

[@timoguedon]

I have watched a few talks about grief and found varying new ways of dealing with loss but this one I think is the best. It allows you to acknowledge the grief and understand that it might never go away, but that doesn't mean you have to stay stuck in the most heartbroken stage. Thank you Phil.

[@keithmlawrence]

Such bravery, truly wonderful to see someone not let their grief and trauma consume them.

[@vindhyafernando8198]

I also lost my wonderful 19old son for cruel Crohn's disease.he was a super fighter and while suffering for 8 years he lit our lives with his light and knowledge and his morals. It's been only four months and I decline my grief by thinking that WE'RE ALL WAITING IN A TRANSIT POINT AND HE WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO TAKE THE FIRST FLIGHT ✈️ .❤️

[@CarolynHidalgo1111]

Loved your talk on how you transformed your grief on such an unfathomable tragic loss - especially appreciated your "permission slip post-its" & "no one size fits all" insight - thank you for sharing such a difficult vulnerable journey with your wisdom. Sending hugs and peace.

[@jds6964]

On Saturday October 23rd, 2021, I was called up by my best friends (he was so much more to me than just a best friend) husband to tell me that there was a family emergency and would I come over to pick up the dogs. When I got to the house the police were outside. I walked into the house and I was told that they had found him unresponsive in the morning and that by the time the paramedics arrived it was to late and he was gone. It has been two years and a little over three months since that date. I am still greifing and missing my friend. I feel like things will never be the same.

[@bellathomas3440]

How incredibly heartbreaking. But thankful he is probably helping a lot of people with their grief.

[@polishedpolicies]

Phil you don’t know how many you helped going through this process… thank you so much 🙏🏾

[@MollyFletcherCo]

Powerful and much-needed message, thank you for sharing it Phil.

[@wendybethlivingblueprint]

WOW! Thank you for sharing this beautiful talk! I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you rays of compassion.

[@oscarayala1]

This is such a good talk! There just aren't enough conversations around death and grief, thank you Phil for creating an opportunity for this stuff to be explored.

[@NurseGi]

My daughter died in her sleep @ 19 yo, 4 years ago and my heart has been destroyed ever since. I loved my daughter to death, she was such a creative wonderful, loving, caring beautiful young woman. I don't know what to do! I feel like I'm dead inside. There is no ACCEPTENCE in my grief process, it feels unreal like I need to wake up from the worse dream of my life. A building fell on top of me!!

[@AnnapolisGirly]

I lost my son earlier this month. Nothing else to say because I can’t comprehend this.

[@scottbirrell341]

That’s what I’m feeling. Worthlessness. I couldn’t protect my son from the doctors that are meant to help. Xx

[@bobbywie]

The grief continuum, this is powerful.

[@richcohen9563]

This is so impactful Phil and I know that is your ultimate outcome - to make a major impact and you hit that outcome. Proud of you brother

[@sultanvagram]

I keep coming across talks that touch on folks losing their children. I guess it's always happened but man it's heart breaking.

[@nancycook8284]

I lost my only son on 3 23 2023, I don't know how I feel. I feel numb. I miss him so much.

[@ericacarbonell1610]

Thank you for encouragement, I hope when I came back to this video my heart is already healed ✨

[@sucharithaashwinrao3441]

I lost my 12.5 years old son 10days ago. 😢 I don't know how I will live my life

[@gonzaleo]

Sorry to hear this

[@wk9195]

youll be surprised how strong you are.... just take it inch by inch... step by step...day by day youll make it through eventually ... never forget ... it wasnt your fault :-)

[@svetlanavstarceva]

Thank you Phil for this very transparent speech. Needed by many I dare say.

[@cindybuntain9361]

Such a beautiful way to understand grief. Thank you!

[@Gilion100]

I lost my son on 22nd December 2022 . My pain is too much. I'm about to give up. How could I lose my beautiful son Ibrahim at just 14 who was a boy I truly loved and why is death so punishing? Is death a measure of faith? Will I truly see him again? He was a child of faith and I'm born again Christian.

[@ishikachhatria4267]

He is surely walking with our Lord Jesus holding his hands in the heavenly garden.. My son too went to the heavenly home, left me with a everlasting pain.. Jesus Christ is my only comfort zone...

[@natg3361]

Really powerful video, sir, thank you

[@mozberg2191]

Thank you Phil....best advice I have gotten in my journey with grief...I wish your son fair winds and following seas in heaven...RIP

[@elizabethadigolo3192]

I just lost my precious daughter. I’m down

[@alnisahamilton4085]

I lost my son suddenly. The day before Mother’s Day. And then the following Sunday was my birthday so it was hit me hard. My condolences to all on this post.

[@eanwood6354]

Wow Phil, this was absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing yourself and this very intimate story.

[@Aliensgoboom94]

I’m so sorry for everyone 😢 freaking sad

[@damiancolarte8627]

That was incredibly powerful and selfless! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@lifedeathpsychicseth]

This is so important and will give so many people HOPE when they are dealing with grief! Thank you for this!

[@sukyevers]

This poor man, what an awful thing to go through but simultaneously the journey of self that you've been through to get to this place of discovery and wanting to help others is such a beautiful way of honouring your son.

[@nyccc11]

Thank you for sharing this powerful talk. Your experience will help so many people who go through the same.

[@shhhadowisme]

Thank you for the permission I needed

[@IamLegoMan]

thanks for emailing me this!

[@julienewmans]

Appreciating the courage Phil has to discuss this - I think there are many of us who would get so much out of this.

[@joefox166]

“It’s okay, Dad. I’ll see you when you get here.” - Can’t wait, Patrick. ❤

[@lauratherealdealfinnigan]

That must have been such a harrowing experience for him, not to mention having it played out in the media as well.

[@Vzero00]

I lost my 5month old son. I read some of the comment seeking the light at the end of tunnel. I hope I can learn what Phil stated. Thank you for this video. Thanks to every who shared…. It really makes me feel I’m not alone. I have two older boys 4 and 2. Struggling atm. It’s on day 2 for me. Any suggestion please feel free.

[@oceandizzle7]

I hope you come back to this video to rewatch as i comment... as it's not a one size fits all, like he stated. That's the only reason why I'm commenting. My childhood best friend lost her only son to a heart disease no one knew he had... her baby was only 8 months old. She posted this video on her timeliness and it's only been a week for her. It'll probably never go away. But I hope to comment so you can rewatch the video as I dunno what to say. ... other than much love, healing, blessings, and condolences 🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@adaadiaz3017]

So sorry for your loss. Let grief take its course. Don’t suppress the tears. Let it all out, those feelings of sadness, sorrow and even anger. The Lord understands. He will not get mad at you. Death is not the end. A new world is coming with Christ in charge. He will wipe away all tears from every eye.

[@donthegiese]

It has to make you wonder to the point of letting go. Exhilarated by life and heartbroken by loss. Perplexing always.

[@allisonblaustein7898]

Lost my only son 3/21/22. 🙏

[@Me-lolahernandez]

I have been there and experienced that moment of wanting to connect, wanting some normalcy but being hindered by thinking "but I will be judged..."

[@theresarives]

Thank you for this Phil, this was the permission and reassurance i needed.