043 - Mary Fields
When Absence Hurts More Than Presence: A Daughter’s Story with Mary Fields
Mary Fields grew up without a relationship with her father. In fact, she hadn’t seen him face-to-face in nearly 20 years when a sheriff arrived at her door to inform her that he had died. What followed was a surreal journey into the life — and the death — of a man she barely knew. With no one else to handle the aftermath, Mary found herself responsible for his estate, including navigating his hoarded trailer, dealing with legal red tape, and making difficult decisions about his remains.
In this deeply honest conversation, Mary opens up about what it means to grieve someone who wasn’t really there, and how the absence of a relationship can still leave behind an overwhelming emotional burden. She describes the confusion, anger, guilt, and even compassion that surfaced during this unexpected chapter. Through it all, Mary’s resilience shines — and her voice gives power to a kind of grief that often goes unspoken.
We also talk about therapy, breaking down emotional walls, and finding meaning in the act of honoring someone who may not have deserved it. Mary’s story is equal parts heartbreaking and empowering — a testament to what it means to be human, to hurt, and to heal.
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