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August 15, 2025 • 34 mins

When grief takes you to the edge, how do you find your way back?


Author, Diandra Ford-Wing, transformed personal loss into a powerful memoir, "Red Bird," and discovered strength she never knew she had.


In this heartfelt episode of Real Things Living, Brigitte Cutshall talks with Diandra Ford-Wing about navigating the loss of her mother and aunt within 14 months, and how writing became a path to healing.


From their shared military brat upbringing to the symbolic red bird that now connects her to loved ones, Diandra shares her journey of resilience, family bonds, and the courage it takes to tell your story—truthfully and unapologetically.


📌 3 Takeaways:

(1) Resilience is discovered in the process. Loss can strip you bare, but it can also give you wings to live more freely.

(2) Symbols can help you heal. Finding personal meaning in signs (like the red bird) can be a powerful comfort through grief.

(3) Your story matters. Writing, whether memoir or fiction, requires vulnerability, but it can also preserve your legacy and inspire others.


Learn about Diandra and her book, "Red Bird", at https://booksbydiandra.com.

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