The Veil is Thin

Ep. 044 with Tia Smith 

Welcome to the "Good Grief Believer" blog! As a Christian mother who has navigated the deep waters of grief, I believe in the transformative power of love and connection, even in the face of loss. Today, I want to share insights from my heartfelt conversation with Tia Smith, a fellow podcaster whose experiences with grief have profoundly shaped her journey. Tia’s podcast, Thinning of the Veil, explores themes of loss, connection, and healing, and her perspective is both enlightening and uplifting. The “veil” is a symbolized reference to the temporary separation that exists between those who are now living and their departed loved ones. 

The Journey of Grief

Tia begins our conversation by sharing her life story, which is filled with both joy and sorrow. As a mother of six, with four children on this side of the veil and two in the spirit world, Tia’s experiences with grief are deeply rooted. She reflects on the loss of her twins and how that shaped her understanding of love and loss. Losing a child is an experience that no parent should ever have to endure, and Tia’s story illustrates the profound impact it has on one’s life.

Her journey into motherhood brought challenges, particularly with a previously undiagnosed health condition, cystic fibrosis. Tia faced the struggle of trying to expand her family while dealing with personal and marital challenges. Despite these hardships, she found hope in her pregnancies and the love she shared with her children.

The Role of Faith in Healing

Throughout our conversation, Tia emphasizes the importance of faith in her healing process. She speaks candidly about her relationship with God and how her belief in the promise of reuniting with her children has provided her with immense strength. In moments of despair, she clings to the hope that she will see her children again, which helps her navigate the darkest days of her grief.

Tia also shares her relationship with her father, which became even more significant after her losses. She recognizes that nurturing family bonds can provide comfort during difficult times. This is a beautiful reminder that we are never truly alone in our grief, as our loved ones can offer support and strength.

Transformative Experiences of Loss

One of the most poignant stories Tia shares is about her pregnancy with twins. Faced with severe complications, she had to make heartbreaking decisions. In the midst of pain, Tia found herself reflecting on the power of love and connection. She recounts how she felt a deep bond with her children, even before they were born. This connection was palpable and is a testament to the profound nature of motherhood.

The experience of losing her twins was devastating, but Tia’s resilience shines through. She talks about the importance of honoring their memory while also embracing the beauty of life. This duality is something many of us can relate to—grieving for what we have lost while also cherishing the love that remains.

The Thinning of the Veil

Tia introduces the concept of the "thinning of the veil," describing how our loved ones who have passed remain connected to us in various ways. She believes that these connections offer guidance and comfort, helping us navigate our grief. Tia’s spiritual experiences have opened her eyes to the possibility of continued relationships with those we love, even after they are gone.

After losing her twins, Tia became deeply interested in exploring the spirit world and family history. This exploration not only brought her comfort but also allowed her to share her experiences with others. She emphasizes that we are all interconnected, and our loved ones continue to influence our lives.

Healing Through Family History

One of Tia’s most impactful practices involves researching her family history. She believes that documenting her family’s legacy helps keep their memories alive. By entering information into platforms like Ancestry or FamilySearch, she ensures that her children and grandchildren can access their heritage and understand the lives of those who came before them.

This work has allowed Tia to feel a renewed sense of connection with her family members, both living and deceased. It serves as a reminder that grief is not just about loss; it’s also about preserving the love and memories that continue to shape our lives. Engaging with family history has provided her with a sense of purpose and has helped her heal.

Finding Joy Amidst the Pain

Throughout our discussion, Tia emphasizes that it is possible to find joy while grieving. She acknowledges that grief is a complex journey filled with ups and downs but encourages others to embrace new experiences. Whether through travel, new hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, Tia believes that creating new memories can help us heal.

Tia shares her experiences of creating joyful moments with her family after loss. These moments of joy have been crucial in helping her heal and moving forward. She reminds us that while we cannot erase the pain of loss, we can choose to celebrate life and create new, meaningful experiences.

The Importance of Community

Another vital aspect of Tia’s journey has been her connection with a community. She highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive people who understand our grief. Engaging with others who have experienced similar losses can foster healing and provide comfort.

Tia’s story is a testament to the power of shared experiences. She encourages those grieving to seek out community support, whether through faith groups, support networks, or friendships. These connections can help us feel less isolated in our pain and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.

The Road to Healing

As Tia and I conclude our discussion, she reflects on the reality that grief is not linear. It ebbs and flows, and each person will experience it differently. Tia emphasizes that it’s essential to give ourselves grace during this process. We don’t have to conform to society’s expectations of how grief should look or how long it should last. Grief can lead to deeper empathy and understanding for others, transforming our pain into a source of strength. 

Conclusion: A Journey of Love and Hope

As I reflect on my conversation with Tia, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. Grief is an inevitable part of life, but it does not have to define us. Through Tia’s experiences, we see that it is possible to find healing, love, and joy even in the darkest moments.

I hope that by sharing Tia’s journey, others can find inspiration and strength in their own experiences with grief. Remember, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to seek joy again. May we all find the peace and hope that comes from embracing our loved ones' memories while creating new ones that honor their legacy.

In closing, I encourage you to explore your own journey of healing. Seek out the connections that uplift you, engage with your family history, and allow yourself to experience joy alongside your grief. Together, we can navigate this journey and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and full of hope.