About this episode

This episode discusses the emotional challenges families face when sorting through a loved one's belongings after their passing.

After the service ends and the casseroles are gone, families are left with something no one really prepares them for. The quiet. And then… the stuff. In this episode of The Good Grief Podcast, the conversation turns to something deeply personal and often overwhelming—what to do with a loved one’s belongings after they pass. From a father’s coffee mug to a worn sweatshirt that still carries their scent, these aren’t just items. They are memories, identity, and connection. Mike O’Connell describes the moment many families face: standing in a still home, realizing they now have to open drawers, sort through closets, and make decisions that feel far bigger than they expected. And that’s where things can get complicated. Different family members process grief differently. Some want to keep everything. Others want to donate. Some avoid it altogether. These differences can quickly turn into tension. But this episode offers something rare—practical guidance paired with real compassion. You’ll hear why slowing down matters, how grief has no timeline, and why what looks like “junk” to one person may be deeply meaningful to another. You’ll also learn how organizations like Treasures of the…

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