01 Aimee Kunau: The Grieving Journey of Suicide

In 2013, writer Aimee Kunau lost her dear friend Renee to suicide. The decade following has been a unique journey of grief for her, and has taught her many lessons about anger, unconditional love, forgiveness, the continuity of the spirit, and the importance of living your best life now.

Listen in as Aimee takes you along with her as she processes profound loss, embraces near-suffocating pain, and emerges stronger and more determined than ever to realize her dreams and come full circle with grief as a permanent, but not overwhelming, companion.

Episode Outline:

[01:03] We need to normalize talking about suicide
[02:20] What being a “suicide survivor” means
[07:45] Getting the surprising news of her friend’s death
[10:07] Forgiving herself for not knowing or missing “signs”
[11:32] Honoring Renee with her own memorial service
[17:35] When in the pit of grief, sometimes you need to just scream
[28:28] How she knows Renee is still around
[31:26] Why she says “transition” rather than “die”
[35:19] Having conversations about your own death is a gift you can give others
[36:07] Create an “end of life” box with all your instructions and papers
[36:05] Death doesn’t go away just because you don’t want to talk about it
[37:01] When making arrangements, remember your pets
[44:46] Love is forever, and it’s God’s gift to us
[45:58] If you’re struggling, you’re not alone
[47:04] Seek whatever healing-focused spiritual help you need

Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1(800) 273-8255 or text 988
Hospice & Community Care: (717) 735-9661
Cope Foundation: https://copefoundation.org/grief-resources/

Links Mentioned
Lee Greenwood Song: https://soundcloud.com/lee-greenwood-2/thats-how-ill-remember-you

Connect With Aimee and Faith

Aimee Kunau:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aimeekunau
Website: https://www.personacopy.com

Faith Sage:

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/faith.sage
Website: www.faithsage.net