Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
societyDec 19, 20231:05:15pending

Between Pages and Pain: Writing the unthinkable in STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU

GRIEF AND LIGHT

About this episode

What would you do if your only sibling, your sister, was diagnosed with a terminal illness the day after giving birth to her second child?

In this heartfelt episode, we embark on an intimate conversation with the remarkable Dr. Kelly S. Thompson, delving into the intricacies of her military upbringing and the unique sisterhood she shared with Meghan.

Kelly candidly shares the challenges of navigating a relationship affected by her sister's addiction, estrangement, and ultimately, the looming shadow of death following Meghan's terminal diagnosis.

Dr.  Thompson is a retired military officer who holds an MFA and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing, and has been published in Chatelaine, Maclean’s, the Globe and Mail, and more.

Her debut memoir, GIRLS NEED NOT APPLY, was named a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book, and was an instant bestseller. She works as a mentor for the University of King’s College MFA in Creative Nonfiction.

Her second memoir, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, was released in 2023, and was also an instant bestseller in Canada. At once funny, raw, and heartbreaking, STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU, is a story about addiction, abuse, and tragedy, but above all, it is a powerful portrait of an enduring love between sisters.

In this emotional and personable discussion, we'll reflect on the enduring love between sisters, the impact of Meghan's diagnosis, and how Kelly crafts stories that resonate deeply with the universal human experience.

Get in touch with Dr. Kelly S. Thompson via:

BONUS! Check out her bull terrier, Ham, on Newsweek

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Grief and Light is an award-winning, independent podcast exploring the honest, messy, and deeply human experience of loss. We're on a mission to foster a more grief-informed, hopeful world, one conversation at a time. 

🏆 Ear Worthy Best Life Lessons 2026 · TalkDeath Readers' Choice Best Podcast 2025 · Women Who Podcast Awards 2025 Winner · Podground Editor's Pick

New episodes wherever you watch or listen.

Connect with Nina Rodriguez:

Thank you for listening! 

If this conversation resonated with you:

✅ Share this episode with someone who needs it
✅ Follow Grief and Light so you never miss a conversation
✅ Leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more hearts

Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Get every episode summarized

Each time GRIEF AND LIGHT publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

Between Pages and Pain: Writing the unthinkable in STILL, I CANNOT SAVE YOU

GRIEF AND LIGHT

0:00
1:05:15

More episodes

More from GRIEF AND LIGHT

View all episodes →