Susan Claire
Susan Claire
Johnna
Johnna
Johnna
Wednesday 20th August 2025
Explore Johnna's journey, her challenges with learning disabilities and addiction, and her mother's enduring love and support.
55 minutes
heartbreaking
challenging
hopeful
reflective
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Susan Claire
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
57 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Johnna's Journey: A Story of Love and Loss
Episode Overview
- Johnna faced early challenges with a learning disability.
- Bullying worsened her self-esteem, leading to self-isolation.
- Johnna's addiction became a lifelong struggle despite support.
- Her mother Kelli provided unwavering support and sought recovery options.
- Grieving is personal and requires time and understanding.
Grief never ends... so we have to grow with it. We're not going to get over it.
In this poignant episode of the 'Grieving Overdose Death' podcast, host Susan Claire speaks with Kelli about the life and struggles of her daughter Johnna, who tragically passed away from an accidental overdose at the age of 25. Johnna's life was marked by a series of challenges that began in early childhood. Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, Johnna struggled with self-esteem issues that were exacerbated by bullying and a lack of close friendships.
Kelli, a single mother and nurse, describes her daughter as fearless and capable, yet unaware of her own potential. Despite the diagnosis and the accommodations provided at school, Johnna's self-esteem suffered, and she began to isolate herself from her peers. Her love for horses and the solace she found in horseback riding were among the few sources of joy in her life.
The family's challenges were compounded by the death of a loved one and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to further isolation. Johnna's struggle with addiction became apparent when Kelli discovered drug paraphernalia in their home. Despite numerous attempts to help her daughter through rehabilitation programs and support, the addiction persisted. Kelli shares her grief and the ongoing pain of losing a child, emphasizing the need for more bereavement support and time for parents enduring such loss.
She recounts her experiences with support groups and the importance of finding understanding communities. Throughout the episode, the emotional weight of Kelli's journey is clear, yet her story is also one of resilience and the unending love she holds for her daughter. Susan Claire provides a compassionate platform for Kelli to share her story, reminding listeners that grief is a personal journey that requires patience and support.