Grief on Zonk Media

I'm 52. My Childhood Friend Died. I'm Dreading the Funeral & Don't Have the Words

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

At 52 years old, I’m facing something I’ve been dreading: the funeral of a childhood friend who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. This isn’t just about saying goodbye to someone from my past—it’s about confronting the weight of loss and the reality that people from your formative years aren’t going to be around forever. What’s hitting me hardest isn’t just the sadness itself, though that’s definitely overwhelming. It’s the feeling of being completely at a loss for words. How do you sum up a lifelong friendship? How do you express grief that feels too big to articulate? I’m heading to this celebration of life knowing I’ll probably struggle to find the right things to say, and that uncertainty is adding to the heaviness I’m carrying into this.

Why I Express Grief In a Vlog, In Loving Memory of a Friend Who Passed Away Last Night

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve been asking myself for a while now why I felt such a deep connection to Adam the Woo’s passing and the outpouring of grief from his community. Last night, I lost someone incredibly important to me, and as I’m processing this pain, I think I finally understand the answer. I’ve never been great at expressing my feelings face-to-face with people around me, but there’s something about speaking into a camera—knowing that my words will reach an audience that genuinely cares—that makes vulnerability feel possible. It’s like I’m not grieving alone in a room; I’m grieving alongside all of you.

Authenticating JustinScarred's Grief Beyond the Show #shorts

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve been thinking a lot about authenticity on YouTube, especially when it comes to sharing something as personal as grief. When people watch content about loss and pain, there’s always that lingering question: is this real, or is it performance? I wanted to address that head-on in this video because the grief I’ve shared isn’t just what happens in front of the camera—it’s woven into every part of my life beyond the spotlight. The truth is, you can’t fake the kind of emotional exhaustion that comes with real loss. I’m not acting for the views or the engagement. This is my actual experience, and I felt like I owed it to everyone who’s been following along to confirm that what they’re witnessing is genuine.

Tatiana Schlossberg's Story Hit Me Hard And Closing Out 2025 With Hope

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

As I sit here on New Year’s Eve, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The passing of Tatiana Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family, really struck a chord with me. Her story of being diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia shortly after giving birth to her second child was heartbreaking. Reading about her fears of not being around to see her children grow up hit so close to home, especially given my own wife’s recent cancer journey. This has been a challenging year for me and my family, but we’re determined to end 2025 with a sense of hope. While it’s been tough dealing with my wife’s radiation treatments and the power outages caused by the recent storms, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. And on a positive note, I’ve found my footing as a Salesforce developer, which has been a rewarding experience. As we look ahead to 2026, I’m feeling optimistic about the future and the opportunity to continue sharing our story and advocating for increased cancer research funding. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for the chance to archive our lives and move forward with purpose.

My Wife’s Cancer Battle & How Reality Sets In

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

It’s the day after Christmas, and I have a lot on my mind. This year, my wife Rachel was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in April, and watching her handle the treatments with such grace has been humbling. Comparing her journey to that of my childhood friend who is battling pancreatic cancer has really made me realize how random and fragile life can be. This is why I started this vlog channel - after the passing of YouTube creator Adam the Woo, I was inspired by the legacy he left behind just by being present and hitting record. I want to do the same before everything gets swallowed up by AI. I’ve been wrestling with my own mortality and feeling the urge to create and share my thoughts more freely, without worrying about views or compensation. This channel is my outlet to unload my mind and archive my perspectives, just like a blog, without the pressure of perfection.

Rest in Peace Adam the Woo: Why His Passing Inspired My First Vlog

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

In this first vlog, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to finally document my life - a decision sparked by the tragic passing of vlogging legend Adam the Woo. Although I never knew him personally, seeing a creator my age pass away was a wake-up call. Watching his work, alongside creators like Hey Brickey, made me realize we’re all on borrowed time. 2025 has been a difficult year for me and my wife Rachel. In April, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. While she’s recovering with grace, the fear of that diagnosis changed my perspective. I realized that if we don’t tell our own stories, they might eventually be lost or aggregated into an AI soup. I want my voice and my life to be part of the permanent human record. This vlog is my attempt to stop screwing around and get serious about creating. I’m hoping it will not only help me process the challenges we’ve faced, but also inspire others who may be in a similar situation to start documenting their lives too. After all, life is short - we shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to begin.