Cindy Crawford Reflects on Her Brother’s Illness and Loss
Supermodel Cindy Crawford recently opened up about her childhood trauma stemming from the loss of her younger brother, Jeffrey, who tragically died from leukemia at the tender age of three. On the latest episode of the Kelly Corrigan Wonders Podcast, Crawford shared her family’s journey through this devastating experience.
Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics
During her conversation, Crawford recounted how her parents, John and Jennifer Crawford, raised her and her siblings amidst challenging circumstances. “My siblings and I were definitely disciplined harshly as children,” she noted, describing how her mother sometimes resorted to physical punishment.
Reflecting on her brother’s illness, Crawford explained, “Before we knew Jeff had leukemia, I observed one of its symptoms: he would get bruises easily.” This led to a tragic misunderstanding when her father, unaware of the underlying medical condition, attributed the bruising to disciplinary actions.
The Discovery of Jeffrey’s Illness
Crawford elaborated, “One day, my father slapped him, and the bruise lasted for a while.” This surprising reaction highlighted the family’s struggle in recognizing the serious nature of Jeffrey’s condition until it was too late. Shortly thereafter, they learned that he had leukemia, a type of cancer affecting blood-forming tissues.
Grieving as a Family
When discussing the impact of her brother’s death, Crawford reflected on how her family coped with the loss. She was only eight years old when Jeffrey died, and she admitted not fully understanding the depth of his illness at the time.
“We were kept with our extended family while he was in the hospital,” she recalled. “When he passed away, it was devastating for our entire family. My mother, in particular, needed to grieve properly.” Crawford acknowledged her mother’s strong faith as a guiding force during this painful period.
Lingering Feelings of Guilt
In a previous discussion, Crawford revealed feelings of “survivor guilt” after her brother’s passing. She noted, “My dad had always wanted a boy, so when Jeff was born, it added complexity to our feelings about our survival as siblings.” This guilt lingered for years as she tried to navigate her own identity amid the grief.
Processing Loss and Healing
Recently, during reflective coaching sessions, Crawford realized the importance of verbal acknowledgment in healing. “If only my mother had known to tell me, ‘Yes, it’s sad that Jeff passed away, but we are so grateful you are here,’” she shared, highlighting the need for open dialogues about grief and appreciation for those still living.
This conversation sheds light not only on Crawford’s personal journey but also on the broader narrative surrounding loss, family dynamics, and the complexities of childhood trauma.