Iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford has bared her soul in a deeply personal interview where she delved into her emotions and the concept of “survivor’s guilt” that she grappled with after the tragic death of her younger brother, Jeffrey.
The 58-year-old opened up about her experiences on the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast over the recent weekend. She shared her poignant story while in conversation with the show’s hosts, Kelly Corrigan and Christy Turlington.
Crawford, who was just nine years old when her brother passed, discussed how the event impacted not only herself but her father as well. “My dad wanted a boy, so the fourth was the boy and I think that there was a lot of guilt,” said Crawford.
The feelings of guilt also extended to her siblings, as they too felt a profound sense of loss, complicated by a feeling that they somehow bore responsibility. “There’s like that survivor guilt of the other kids and especially because we knew that my dad really wanted a boy,” she recounted.
Crawford additionally recalled a shared nightmarish experience with her sisters, Danielle and Chris, and the stark isolation she felt from peers after the tragedy, with only one schoolmate addressing the death directly.
In a former conversation with Oprah, Crawford had expressed how her family coped with Jeff’s leukemia and her later realization that she lacked the closure she needed as a child to process her brother’s death.
As a mother, Crawford values the insights she’s gained over the years. She strove for understanding and closure, which she sought through coaching, especially during the introspective moments brought on by the Covid pandemic.
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FAQs About Cindy Crawford and Her Experience with Loss
Who was Cindy Crawford’s brother?
Cindy Crawford’s brother was Jeffrey, who sadly passed away at the age of 3 from leukemia.
How old was Cindy Crawford when her brother died?
Cindy Crawford was 9 years old at the time of her brother Jeffrey’s death.
What did Cindy Crawford realize she needed to hear as a child?
Cindy Crawford realized she needed to hear that her family was glad she was still with them, despite mourning her brother’s death.
Has Cindy Crawford spoken publicly about her brother before?
Yes, Cindy Crawford has talked about her brother’s battle with leukemia in previous interviews, including one with Oprah.
What have Cindy Crawford’s reflections on ‘survivor’s guilt’ revealed?
Cindy Crawford’s reflections have revealed the deep emotional impact her brother’s death had on her, leading to feelings of guilt and the need for a healing conclusion to her grief.
Conclusion
Cindy Crawford’s candid recount of the emotional turmoil she experienced as a child following her brother’s death gives a rare insight into how tragedy can shape a person’s life. Her courage in discussing ‘survivor’s guilt’, a complex emotional response often left unspoken, demonstrates her resilience and dedication to personal growth. As she continues to share her story, Cindy Crawford not only heals her own wounds but also inspires others to face and understand their grief. Her narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of emotional closure and the enduring impact of childhood experiences on one’s entire life.
