2. Ray Caruso | Navigating Loss and Finding Healing Through Music and Ritual

Hi, I’m Meagan Oberle, host of In the Blink. In this episode, I talk with Ray Caruso about the tragic loss of his son, Gavin, in a hiking accident. Ray shares his journey through grief, the support he received, and how he’s finding healing through music and community.

"I think this life is bigger than any one person or any one thing. And even though I'm not spiritual and I don't believe in an afterlife, there's still something I believe in the universe." — Ray Caruso

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Accident & Its Impact

  • Gavin and his girlfriend, Courtney, were caught in a thunderstorm while hiking.

  • A slip on wet rocks led to Gavin’s fatal fall.

  • Courtney survived and later became an EMT, inspired by the experience.

    
    

    

    
    
    
    

• Coping with Loss

  • Ray struggled to face the reality of Gavin’s death.

  • He avoided identifying Gavin’s body and still hasn’t opened his remains.

  • I share my own experience with loss and dealing with Bob’s remains.
    

• Healing Through Rituals & Community

  • My therapist emphasized the importance of rituals, like spreading ashes.

  • Ray plans to honor Gavin by spreading his ashes in San Diego.

  • We discuss the emotional challenges of preparing for closure.
    

• Personal Growth & Reflection

  • Ray shares how his relationship with Gavin evolved over time.

  • Courtney’s perspective helped Ray see his son in a new light.

  • We talk about the role of community in the grieving process.
    

• Creativity & Healing

  • Ray wrote a song, Cross the Line, to process his grief.

  • Listen to Ray's Song

  • Music became a therapeutic outlet for him.

  • We explore how creative expression helps in healing.

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

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