Cecilia Knapp

In this weeks episode I am speaking to writer and poet, Cecilia Knapp. Cecilia and I had met before when I had the delight of looking after her at a charity event. I remember distinctly feeling mortified over how many tears I found pouring down my cheeks whilst she performed, considering I was supposed to be working, and not just a spectator of the show. Meeting her again, and as intimately as the podcast allows us, was just the best of treats. Cecilia has experienced more grief than most at her age, having lost her mother (and her life, as she knew it) at the age of seven, and then her beloved brother, Leo, at the age of 20. Her father was very often out working in order to fund her and her brother's new arrival in his house (meaning they were often left to their own devices), and, with all the loss she was dealing with, Cecilia could have easily gone down the more dangerous path of escapism and self destruction. However, for reasons she herself doesn’t quite understand - and perhaps even struggles somewhat with - it only pushed her to succeed and become fiercely independent. Cecilia’s brother, Leo, however, coped very differently. This episode is somewhat a poignant look into how trauma - and a child's coping mechanisms - can manifest so differently between siblings, even when they are in the same environment and are at a very similar age. And how a father, who's life had also dramatically altered, wasn't able to be there as much as was needed for his children both physically (as he needed to fund their very existence), and emotionally (due his own life experiences of communicating), but, just like everyone else, was also coping in the only way he knew how. I am so hugely inspired by this woman’s story, and you will be too. * If you like what you hear, it would be so appreciated if you could rate, review and subscribe as we love hearing your thoughts and feedback, and it helps get the podcast to reach more ears. * Created | Hosted | Produced by Angharad George-Carey Mastered and Compressed | by Worgie Productions Music | by Julietta * Social Media: Angharad George-Carey @angharadgeorgecarey Daddy Issues Podcast @thedaddyissuespodcast Cecilia Knapp @ceciliaknapp * If you'd like to seek guidance and support for any issues raised in the episodes there are three websites we would recommend depending on your individual needs: www.juliasamuel.co.uk JULIA SAMUEL MBE www.blackmindsmatteruk.com BLACK MINDS MATTER www.griefuntangled.com GREIF UNTANGLED www.thecalmzone.net CALM * We love hearing from you! To contact us, email thedaddyissuespod@gmail.com