Grief Encounters is a weekly podcast series that looks at an issue that affects us all and yet remains so difficult to talk about: grief. Hosted by Venetia Quick and Sasha Hamrogue, the pair are hoping to open up the conversation around loss and create a modern platform for people to share their own experiences, and start open dialogue around the subject of death and all that comes with it.
On a summer evening in August 2007 while eating dinner with his wife Jackie, Benji Bennett found himself smiling with joy, as he watched his three children Harry, Adam and Robbie playing with each other in the distance. Soon after, Adam complained to his parents of a headache, and was taken ill. Three days later, on Benji’s birthday, Adam died suddenly from an undiagnosed vascular brain tumour, leaving the Bennett family completely lost.
Within moments of losing Adam, Benji was overcome with a powerful urge to encourage parents to take more time out of their day, and spend it telling their children that they love them, every day. At Adam’s funeral when he gave his eulogy, Benji delivered this message to the world, “If Adams death means that every child gets an extra 10 minutes of play-time and are told they are loved every day, well then that’s OK.”
Episode 5 of Grief Encounters focuses on the theme of taking action in grief, as Sasha and Venetia hear the incredible story of how after Adam’s devastating passing, Benji channelled his grief into a series of amazing children’s books, in which Adam played the central character. His first book, “Before You Sleep.” was self-published on Adam’s 1st year anniversary, and its goal was to create a powerful, emotional and loving experience where the reader and the child, through enchanting illustrations, where they go on magical bonding adventures together. Since then Benji has published 7, ensuring Adam’s memory lives on forever. Benji’s hope is that the books, this interview and anything he now works on will encourage parents to spend more time with their children, and appreciate the tragic fragility of life.
If you’re looking for a safe haven to express how you feel, share articles, photos, memories and more, join the Grief Encounters Facebook Group. A place for support, compassion and empathy for those grieving.
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