Cindy Crawford recently discussed the “survivor guilt” she experienced after her brother Jeffrey passed away at the age of 3 due to leukemia. She revealed that their father, John Crawford, had been longing for a son before Jeffrey came along, leading to feelings of guilt among Cindy and her sisters, Chris and Danielle. Crawford explained that they often felt that it should have been one of them instead of Jeffrey, who was their father’s long-awaited son.
The former supermodel opened up about the tragic loss during an appearance on the “Kelly Corrigan Wonders” podcast, where she shared that she and her sisters would experience nightmares for years, believing that it should have been one of them who had passed away instead. Cindy, who was only 9 years old at the time of her brother’s death, spoke about seeking therapy to cope with the overwhelming emotions and survivor’s guilt that came from the loss of Jeffrey.
Crawford reflected on her experience with therapy during the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing that one of the questions her coach asked her was what she needed to hear at the time of her brother’s death. She realized that she needed to hear that her family was still grateful for her presence despite their grief over Jeffrey’s passing. Cindy acknowledged that her mother, who had just lost a child herself, may not have known to provide her with the reassurance she needed during such a challenging time.
The model also shared how differently death and grieving were approached when she was a child compared to now. She recalled returning to school after her brother’s death and receiving minimal support or acknowledgment from her peers. Cindy mentioned that only one of her classmates mentioned Jeffrey’s passing to her, highlighting the lack of understanding and empathy for children dealing with loss in the past. Crawford emphasized the importance of open communication and support for children experiencing grief and loss.
Through her discussion with Kelly Corrigan and Christy Turlington on the podcast, Cindy Crawford shed light on the impact of her brother’s death on her family dynamics and her own emotional well-being. She expressed the long-lasting effects of survivor guilt and the importance of seeking therapy and support to cope with such traumatic experiences. Crawford’s vulnerability in sharing her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to navigate through the complexities of grief and loss, especially at a young age.
In sharing her personal journey of grieving her brother Jeffrey, Cindy Crawford highlighted the challenges of processing emotions, survivor guilt, and seeking support during times of great loss. Her reflections on the impact of her brother’s death on her family relationships and her own development offer valuable insights into the complexities of grief and the healing journey. Crawford’s willingness to open up about her experiences on a public platform like the podcast demonstrates the importance of creating space for conversations around loss, trauma, and resilience.
