E57: A Conversation with Sarena Souza, Jon Orlando, and John Cerasani About Losing a Parent
This week 2000 Percent Raise takes a heartfelt turn as we explore the emotional landscape of loss and caregiving with our guests, the host of The Action Junkeez Podcast Jon Orlando, and his friend and Mother’s hospice CNA caregiver, Sarena Souza. John anchors a heartfelt discussion that takes a critical look at employee long-term disability plans and hospice benefits. Sarena brings her experiences, providing a window into the realities of hospice care, where patients are cared for during their last six months, and sometimes even longer, as they journey toward transition.
Then, the floor opens for personal stories as Jon and John discuss their experiences with losing family members. Jon shares the poignant narrative of his mother's battle with dementia, from memory loss to the fall that left her bed-bound. The group grapples with the pain and guilt that shadow the tough decision of placing a loved one in a care facility, breaking childhood promises in the face of grim practicalities.
This episode navigates through the winding paths of John and Jon’s personal lives, touching on Jon's relationship with his famous father Tony Orlando, the strain of witnessing his mother's gradual decline, and the contrasting experiences of being mentally prepared for a loved one's passing, or being blindsided by grief. The trio exchange stories of final moments and the bittersweet solace offered by knowing a loved one can still hear their voice at the end.
Jon reflects on the tranquility seen on his mother's face during her final moments, crediting the hospice care that provided morphine for peace. Amid these heavy hearts, Jon also reveals the tangled relationships in his family history, including his parents' divorce, reconnecting with his father, and the funny tale involving "The Sopranos" actor Al Sapienza. The episode sheds a unique light on these facets of Jon's life, underscoring the extraordinary people who carved the path before him.
Throughout this episode John, Jon, and Sarena touch on universal experiences of loss, caregiving, and the ties that bind us in our most vulnerable times. They wrap up with a nod to the strength and dedication of caregivers everywhere and the undeniable importance of hospice services. This is a raw and honest conversation that's sure to resonate with anyone who's faced the complexities of caring for loved ones as they near the curtain call of life.
Topics Include:
- The Emotional Toll of Losing a Parent
- Dispelling Misconceptions of Hospice Care
- The Physical & Mental Challenges of Dementia
- The Healing Power of Reconciliation
- Stories of Impact and Family Legacy
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Connect with Sarena:
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For More Info on John's Book: https://2000percentraise.com/
More 2000 Percent Raise Episodes and Content: https://linktr.ee/2000percentraise
Produced By: Social Chameleon
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