From the Carried Forward Archive: From Carrying Pain to Carrying Wisdom w/ Rebecca Gaeta

This conversation first aired on Carried Forward on September 8, 2026. I’m sharing it through Unparented so Rebecca’s story remains available. Rebecca Gaeta lost both of her parents when she was eight years old. Her mother died from a brain tumor, and her father died by suicide. In a family where grief was rarely discussed, Rebecca learned to remain quiet about what she felt and needed. It took decades for her to recognize how much of that childhood loss she was still carrying. In this conversation, Rebecca talks about growing up without her parents, finding support later in life, and learning to feel compassion for the child she once judged as weak and needy. She also reflects on forgiveness, faith, and the difference between finding meaning after a loss and believing the loss needed to happen. Losing both parents at eight years old Growing up in a family that did not talk about grief How childhood loss can return during adulthood Judging the grieving child you once were Learning to see childhood needs with compassion Why grieving children need permission to express what they feel The difference between being pressured to forgive and finding your own peace Supporting someone when you do not know what to say Finding meaning through helping others Why meaning does not require believing the loss had to happen If you lost a parent young and learned to keep going without talking about it, you may recognize parts of yourself in Rebecca’s story. Rebecca Gaeta is a retired marriage and family therapist. She spent 20 years in private practice and now leads a grief group through her church. Her work and personal story bring together lived experience, professional knowledge, faith, and compassion for people carrying loss. If this episode brought something into focus and you want help understanding where grief is showing up in your life now, Robert offers complimentary Grief Map conversations for adults. Together, you take a practical look at what you are carrying, where it is affecting your life, and what kind of support may help. Learn more or schedule a conversation Website The Other Side of This: The Messy Truth About Grief for Teens Email: [email protected] This episode discusses childhood parental loss, suicide, complicated family grief, forgiveness, and the long-term effects of early loss. Rebecca’s experience is personal to her. This conversation offers personal reflection and general education. It is not mental-health diagnosis, treatment, or advice for an individual situation.