In this soul-stirring episode of *Grief 2 Growth*, Brian welcomes Tony Stewart—author of the profoundly moving memoir *Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving*. 💔🌸
Tony takes us on a rare, vulnerable journey through a six-year odyssey with his late wife, Lynn, after her sudden diagnosis of incurable cancer. Together, they didn’t just survive—**they discovered a new way of living**, of loving, and of showing up for each other when life turns upside down. 🌍❤️
You’ll hear:
✨ How one Tai Chi metaphor gave birth to the book's title
✨ Why Lynn chose to embrace *living fully* in the shadow of death
✨ What it really means to support someone through terminal illness
✨ Tony’s personal struggles as a caregiver—and how he found strength
✨ The emotional truth about grieving and loving again
This is **not just a story about dying**. It’s a story about showing up. About bearing witness. About carrying love forward in the face of deep sorrow.
🎧 Whether you’re a caregiver, someone who’s grieving, or just looking to live more deeply and love more honestly—this episode is a healing space for you.
👉 Tony’s Website [https://www.tonystewartauthor.com](https://www.tonystewartauthor.com)
📘 Get the book: Carrying the Tiger (available in print, eBook & audiobook)
📥 Connect with Tony directly: https://tony@tonystewartauthor.com
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00:00 🌱 Buried or Planted? A New Way to See Grief
Brian opens with a powerful metaphor about growth through grief.
00:44 🎙️ Welcome to Grief 2 Growth
Introducing the podcast’s mission: asking life’s big questions and transforming pain into purpose.
01:05 📘 Meet Tony Stewart & His Memoir
Brian introduces Tony and his book, *Carrying the Tiger*—a story of love, illness, and grace.
02:20 💑 Falling in Love with Lynn
Tony shares how he met his wife, Lynn, and the beautiful life they built together.
05:35 🎨 Artist & Free Spirit
Lynn’s passion for painting, her career, and how the couple supported each other’s dreams.
08:25 🚫 Choosing Not to Have Children
A conscious decision that deepened their bond and shaped their life’s path.
09:55 ⚠️ The First Signs of Cancer
Lynn’s surprising symptoms—and how a backache led to a devastating diagnosis.
12:40 🐅 The Meaning Behind “Carrying the Tiger”
A beautiful Tai Chi metaphor becomes a powerful symbol for navigating cancer and grief.
14:40 📞 The Call That Changed Everything
A life-shattering phone call reveals Lynn’s advanced lung cancer.
17:20 💔 Holding Hands in the Dark
The raw, emotional aftermath of the diagnosis—and the deep love that emerged.
20:35 🧬 Clinical Trial Brings Hope
How a breakthrough drug extended Lynn’s life—and gave them five more precious years.
23:30 🏥 The Cost of Treatment
Navigating hospitals, spinal damage, and managing pain while trying to hold onto joy.
26:00 💻 Writing Through Crisis on CaringBridge
How journaling became therapy—and allowed Lynn to have normal conversations with friends.
28:00 😢 The Caregiver’s Breaking Point
Tony opens up about his emotional collapse—and the healing that came through therapy.
30:40 ❤️ Love, Intimacy & Honesty
Adapting their intimacy, sharing uncomfortable truths, and staying connected in new ways.
33:00 📉 When the Cancer Returns
After years of stability, the cancer mutates and spreads—ushering in a painful decline.
36:10 🧠 It’s in the Brain Now
The moment Tony and Lynn realize the fight is ending—and the emotional weight of that decision.
38:40 🕊️ Saying Yes to Hospice
Why Lynn chose to stop treatment—and how their oncologist gave them loving permission to let go.
41:15 ✨ Final Conversations
Precious, sparse final words—including Lynn’s bittersweet blessing for Tony’s future love.
43:30 💞 Grieving While Loving Again
Tony opens up about meeting someone new—and learning to carry love for both women.
46:40 📚 What Makes *Carrying the Tiger* Unique
Tony shares how the book differs from other grief memoirs—and why he wrote it.
48:25 👨 A Message for Grieving Men
Why emotional honesty matters—and what Tony hopes other men take from his story.
49:35 🌈 Does It Get Better?
Tony offers hope to those deep in grief: yes, it gets better. And no, you’re not alone.
50:35 📘 Where to Find Tony’s Book & Reach Him
Learn how to connect with Tony and get *Carrying the Tiger* in print, audio, or eBook.
