February 11, 2025

Eric Rios: Losing a Son, Finding a Way – A Father’s Healing Journey

Episode #9
“You never get over it, but you can get through it.”

Eric Rios: Losing a Son, Finding a Way – A Father’s Healing Journey

Episode 9

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"So we got through the TAPS and, and I remember the doctor said, 'I'm not here to make anybody feel better. I'm here to make sure you feel.' So what a lot of people do is they forget to feel. They forget to feel the pain.

Show Summary

Eric Rios is a father who faced the devastating loss of his son, Caleb, to suicide. In this powerful episode of Life Beyond Loss, Eric shares his raw and honest journey through grief, the shock of losing Caleb, and the painful yet necessary process of healing. Through personal stories, deep reflection, and unfiltered emotion, he speaks about the challenges of navigating life after loss, the role of therapy, and how he keeps his son’s memory alive while moving forward.

This episode is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, particularly those grieving suicide, as well as friends and family trying to support them. Eric’s story sheds light on the realities of grief, the importance of allowing yourself to feel, and the strength that comes from vulnerability. Whether you are struggling with loss, searching for hope, or simply wanting to understand the impact of suicide, this conversation will provide comfort, perspective, and the reassurance that you are not alone.

Life Beyond Loss
Life Beyond Loss
Eric Rios: Losing a Son, Finding a Way – A Father’s Healing Journey
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Guest Information

Eric Rios

Guest - Father

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Chapter Markers

️ Introduction and Background (00:00 – 09:24)

  • Podcast introduction: “Survival in the Life Beyond Loss”
  • Host Kelly Chandler introduces guest Eric Rios
  • Eric shares his challenging childhood background
  • Grew up with grandparents, mother absent, unknown father
  • Discovered at 18 he was result of an affair
  • Quit school at 15, got into trouble with the law
  • Joined a church at 18, which provided structure and changed his life

‍‍‍ Family Life and Children (09:24 – 17:50)

  • Married at 18, had three boys in seven years
  • Second marriage lasted seven years, had a daughter
  • Currently married for 20 years
  • Raised six children in total
  • Describes Caleb (second son) as outspoken and loving
  • Caleb struggled in school, hated teachers except for one

️ Caleb’s Military Journey (17:50 – 26:31)

  • Caleb joined the Army after high school
  • Seemed unhappy on the day he left for military
  • Enjoyed his time in the military, made friends
  • Served for seven years, never deployed to combat zones
  • Deployed to Indonesia and Egypt for nine months

Caleb’s Return and Struggles (26:31 – 36:01)

  • Transitioned from active duty to reserve duty
  • Struggled with undisciplined nature of reserves
  • Unsure about future career path
  • Started school for HVAC
  • Going through divorce, financial struggles
  • Attempted to return to active duty

Caleb’s Disappearance (36:01 – 45:30)

  • Left home with backpack and gun from Eric’s safe
  • Family reported him missing after finding concerning internet searches
  • Police and military involved in search
  • License plate readers caught his vehicle in Nebraska

Discovery and Aftermath (45:30 – 57:55)

  • Caleb found deceased in Wyoming mountains
  • Left letters for family and authorities
  • Coroner described it as a “compassionate suicide”
  • Eric struggles with not seeing the body for closure
  • Family threw a party before the funeral as per Caleb’s request

Coping and Healing (57:55 – 01:08:13)

  • Eric attended TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) event
  • Learned valuable lessons about healing and remembering
  • Emphasizes importance of feeling and processing pain
  • Sought trauma therapy twice a week for six months
  • Highlights the importance of vulnerability and openness

Advice and Perspective (01:08:13 – 01:19:12)

  • Encourages others to talk about their experiences
  • Stresses the importance of therapy and support groups
  • Advises to heal at your own pace
  • Shares story of helping a suicidal stranger
  • Emphasizes the value of being vulnerable and open

Final Thoughts and Outreach (01:19:13 – 01:29:07)

  • Eric offers to talk with others who need support
  • Discusses keeping Caleb’s ashes and memory alive
  • Reflects on the ongoing journey of grief and healing
  • Encourages listeners to reach out via social media
  • Podcast concludes with call to action for listeners to get involved

Help Is Available

If you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988.

Caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.

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