013.1 - BONUS - Letters to Zachary - with Jason Tuttle and Tanya Manley

Our Dead Dads

What happens when a parent’s love turns into an unshakeable pillar of support for an entire community? Join us for a deeply touching conversation with Jason Tuttle, a father who transformed his grief into a mission of advocacy and support. In this episode, we discuss Jason's new book, "Letters to Zachary," a 70-page coloring book inspired by the life and memory of his late son, Zachary. Jason shares the emotional rollercoaster of raising two special needs children, grappling with Zachary’s rare Eagle Barrett syndrome diagnosis, and the subsequent neurological challenges that followed. This heartfelt discussion sheds light on the unique grief journey of fathers, often sidelined in societal narratives.
We dive into the powerful connections formed within the grief community, with insights from Tanya Manley of Sunset Stories Podcast and Nick Gaylord of Our Dead Dads Podcast. Tanya emphasizes the need to normalize conversations around child loss while Nick shares his own experiences and offers a generous gesture to support grieving families. Together, they highlight the importance of community and open dialogue in navigating the complex emotional landscape of grief. The episode also touches upon the stress and irritability Jason faces in everyday life, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the ongoing battle with personal grief.
Lastly, we explore how creative expression can serve as a healing tool, with Jason’s coloring book project standing as a testament to love and remembrance. From heartfelt anecdotes to practical coping mechanisms, we delve into the collaborative efforts that brought "Letters to Zachary" to life, offering solace and a meaningful tribute to lost loved ones. This episode is a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of a community united by shared loss and the remarkable resilience of those who channel their grief into lasting legacies.
JASON'S LINKS:
Website: https://letterstozachary.com/
Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/Tuttlepatriarch
Facebook (Letters To Zachary Community): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952
Purchase the book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC5GSFZK
TANYA'S LINKS:
Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/wil.manley
Facebook (Sunset Stories Community): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557532859745
Sunset Stories Podcast: https://tanyawz.podbean.com/
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Bölümler

1. Introduction and Welcome (00:00:00)

2. Meet the Hosts and Guests (00:00:06)

3. Jason's Journey and Letters to Zachary (00:00:32)

4. The Grief Community and Podcasting (00:01:29)

5. Jason's Family Story (00:02:42)

6. The Loss of Zachary (00:06:11)

7. Processing Grief and Finding Purpose (00:07:25)

8. Tonya's Story and Sunset Stories Podcast (00:21:36)

9. Creating the Coloring Book (00:28:45)

10. Discussing Easton and the Book's Purpose (00:34:39)

11. Feedback and Emotional Reflections (00:35:25)

12. Cherished Memories of Zachary (00:35:58)

13. Introducing Samantha (00:38:30)

14. Samantha's Unique Personality (00:39:39)

15. Grief and Coping Mechanisms (00:46:07)

16. Supporting the Grief Community (00:47:49)

17. Fun and Lighthearted Questions (00:55:18)

18. Final Thoughts and Farewells (00:59:27)