#2 - Carrie Breen - A Mother’s Strength: Healing After the Loss of Her Son

In this deeply moving conversation, Carrie Breen reflects on her life as a mother and the profound loss of her son, Sam, who died by suicide. Carrie shares her journey from raising a large family with six children, navigating the unique challenges of parenting a free-spirited child like Sam, to the painful realization that despite her love and efforts, she could not save him from his struggles. Sam was a vibrant and curious child, full of energy, mischief, and deep emotions, but as a teenager, he began battling substance abuse, depression, and self-harm. Despite many efforts to get him professional help, including counseling and rehab, Sam eventually lost his battle with addiction and mental health. Carrie candidly shares the heartbreaking details of the day she learned of Sam’s passing, describing the immense pain and disbelief that followed.

Throughout the conversation, Carrie emphasizes the stigma that often accompanies suicide and the importance of keeping Sam’s memory alive beyond that single, tragic decision. She explains how her faith has been a crucial source of strength, helping her cope with her grief, and how she is working toward healing while keeping Sam’s memory present in her family’s life. Carrie’s story highlights the complexities of grief, the challenge of finding joy amid sadness, and the importance of speaking openly about loss. Her journey of healing serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring love of a mother.