In this deeply emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Kueck, a bereaved sibling who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Aaron, at just three years old in a tragic drowning accident. Jessica was only 11 when her world was turned upside down, and she reflects on how this loss shaped her childhood, mental health, and journey into adulthood.
Jessica opens up about the intense grief her family endured, particularly the profound impact it had on her mother and father. She shares how growing up in a home marked by sorrow and trauma affected her perspective on life, anxiety, and relationships. Now a mother herself, Jessica talks about how she navigates parenting while consciously working to break the cycle of generational trauma and honor Aaron’s memory in a way that fosters healing and growth.
In This Episode: (0:01:18) - Growing Up as the Oldest Sibling Jessica describes her family dynamic, being the oldest of three siblings, and the deep love and admiration her family had for Aaron, their miracle baby.
(0:02:13) - A Tragic Day in Arizona Jessica recalls the road trip with her mother, siblings, and family friends that led to the devastating moment when Aaron drowned at their condo’s community pool.
(0:06:22) - The Immediate Aftermath Jessica shares the harrowing moments of calling her father, witnessing the chaos at the pool, and the tragic realization at the hospital that Aaron was gone.
(0:15:38) - The Funeral and Shiva Jessica reflects on the Jewish traditions of mourning, including Shiva, and how the week of support gave temporary solace to her grieving mother.
(0:21:50) - Anxiety and Hypervigilance After Loss Jessica discusses how losing Aaron as a child shaped her anxiety, causing her to catastrophize everyday situations and always anticipate the worst.
(0:40:12) - Motherhood and Breaking the Cycle Jessica shares how becoming a mother forced her to confront her childhood trauma, and how she actively works to ensure her daughter doesn’t inherit the same fears and anxieties.
(0:46:21) - Finding Healing and Hope Jessica talks about her journey with therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices that have helped her manage her anxiety and live a more present and peaceful life.
(1:02:00) - Advice for Those Who Lost a Sibling Young Jessica offers heartfelt advice for siblings who lost their brother or sister as children, discussing how to navigate grief, honor their sibling, and create a life that fosters healing.
This episode is a poignant reminder that grief is a lifelong journey, but healing and transformation are possible. Jessica’s story is one of strength, awareness, and breaking cycles to build a healthier future for herself and her family.
This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.
Connect with Jessica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.kueck86/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakueck/
Email: jessica.r.kueck@gmail.com
Connect with Maya:
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/
Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod
Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com
Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast
