S6 E11: Michael Grunke, Part 1: A Father’s Loss

In the final episode of Season 6, Cassidy elaborates on how she is navigating life after the death of her husband. She describes the ups and downs of single parenting, and how she strives to keep Matt’s memory alive.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Cassidy Schweer shares a deeply personal story of losing her husband, Matt, at the age of 35 during the global pandemic. She reflects on Matt’s qualities as a father and the beautiful memories he helped make with her two young girls.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ashley Gustner is a co-founder of the Minnesota Parents and Community Coalition for Childcare - a group committed to making early childhood education accessible, affordable, and high-quality in Minnesota. She explains how her passion for maternal and early childhood health led her through a winding career path including insurance marketing, travel through Asia, health and wellness, and obtaining a Master’s in Public Health. Ashley shares her family’s personal experiences with pregnancy complications due to placenta previa, non-birthing parent postpartum depression, and work-life balance. MN Parents for Childcare: https://mnparentsforchildcare.com/ MN Parents for Childcare Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GBTzSxGWz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Kate shares how she persevered through new life obstacles, including a breast cancer diagnosis and a divorce from her husband of 21 years. She talks about her ex coming out as queer and their rediscovered friendship as co-parents.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Kate reflects on her experience of international adoption and explains the complex realities of children in transracial families. As a Minnesota native and mother of six, she describes how her family is navigating the current climate in Minneapolis. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

College roommates reunite for their annual holiday “Roommas” tradition, sharing stories about their children, motherhood experiences, and reminiscing about the good old days.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

6 years after her original appearance on Parently, Chelsea Clark returns with a beer in hand and velour on the body to share how her life has evolved. She provides updates on the medical journey of her oldest daughter, Juniper, and the expansion of their family with the birth of her second daughter, Gemma. Chelsea reminisces on her experience being an only child, and how her mother’s recent passing has impacted her approach to motherhood.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Michael describes how he navigated mental health struggles and relationships following his daughter’s death. He talks about the joy he has found in life and how Maria will continue to play a role in his vision for the future. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

After becoming a father unexpectedly at the age of 20, Michael describes the devastating loss of his daughter and his journey through grief, therapy, and healing.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Kory McKay joins Parently to reflect on her journey from a mother of 3 by the age of 25 to a grandmother of 15 today. She explains how she navigated divorce, remarriage, and combining two families while trying to find her stride as a step mother.  Music: https://www.purple-planet.com