5 years without Molly

An invitation to the Obliterated Place

It’s impossible to believe that it’s been five years since Molly left this world. It simultaneously feels like yesterday and an eternity. Time doesn’t function the same way after you lose your person.

I created this podcast because the only way I survive is by channeling my grief/mother love (they’re one in the same) to help others, even in some small way. I believe in the transformative power of storytelling, as I know many of my friends on Substack do as well. I learn so much from your writings here.

The Obliterated Place is where you find yourself after an event that changes everything – a diagnosis, an accident, a natural disaster, an assault, the end of a marriage or other important relationship, the death of someone you love. You no longer recognize your life. The future won’t be what you envisioned. Some people are there for you. Others disappoint you, when they can’t or won’t be. You measure time by before and after what happened. You’re not alone. Join us in the Obliterated Place, where we witness and honor one another’s grief. We share stories and say their names.

Deep gratitude to Cheryl Strayed, who inspired the name of this podcast in her Dear Sugar column from 7/1/2011, and has kindly given me permission for this use. Thank you, Cheryl. Link to Cheryl’s column: https://therumpus.net/2011/07/01/dear-sugar-the-rumpus-advice-column-78-the-obliterated-place/.

Please subscribe on YouTube and follow The Obliterated Place wherever you get your podcasts. Of course, I’ll be sharing them here on Substack.

Share the Obliterated Place with family and friends, if you feel moved. Email us at theobliteratedplace@gmail.com if you’re interested in being a guest. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, coping with an illness, putting the pieces of your life back together after your town burned down, or (substitute whatever created your before and after times), all are welcome here. We can record on Zoom or live in Santa Monica or West Hollywood, for those in LA. You can also send in questions or something you’d like me to read.

We can’t control much of what happens to us in life, but how we respond is up to us. Take your fragments and broken shards and create something beautiful. If you aren’t sure how or where to start, you’re in good company because no one ever is. Start anyway. We’re all learning and this is a place to learn from each other.

For more about the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, please visit our website https://mollysteinsapir.com/ or check out our most recent newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/a89d950bb07c/5-years-without-molly.

It’s an honor to be on the journey through life with each of you, walking each other home.