Comedian Oliver Pocher, 46, is mourning the loss of his uncle Karl. During a podcast recording, he shared reflections on the suddenness of his uncle’s passing, which left his family in shock. While initially engaging in lighthearted banter, the conversation shifted to poignant memories. Pocher is contemplating how to express his feelings at the funeral and whether to bring his children, emphasizing the importance of discussing grief openly with them. His son’s sensitivity to his emotions highlights the empathy children can exhibit.
Oliver Pocher Reflects on the Loss of His Uncle
Comedian Oliver Pocher, at the age of 46, is grappling with the loss of his beloved uncle Karl. Last week, he took to Instagram to pay tribute to the ‘kind-hearted person’ he cherished. During a live episode of his podcast ‘Die Pochers! Freshly Recycled’, recorded in front of a lively audience in Osnabrück, he opened up about this profound loss.
A Shift from Humor to Heartfelt Remembrance
Initially, Pocher engaged in lighthearted banter with his ex-wife Alessandra Meyer-Wölden, who co-hosts the podcast with him. They even shared a laugh about Meyer-Wölden’s herniated disc. However, the conversation took a poignant turn when they began discussing Karl. Pocher recounted the suddenness of his uncle’s passing, stating, ‘Then there was a sudden death […]’. This experience led him to reflect deeply on the brevity of life.
He recalled a moment when he suggested they pick up the kids from school together, to which his uncle responded that he would do it next time. Tragically, just three weeks later, it was all over. Pocher expressed how that news profoundly impacted him, taking a couple of days to process the shock. The unexpected nature of his uncle’s death left the entire family in disbelief.
As Pocher contemplates speaking at the funeral, he considers how to convey his thoughts effectively. He admits to being in a dilemma about the right approach, noting, ‘I think just tragic is also difficult. There are somehow tragicomic moments too.’ He is eager to see how he will ultimately convey his feelings next week.
Meyer-Wölden shared her confidence in Pocher’s ability to ‘find the right words’, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the life of their loved one rather than focusing solely on the sorrow of death. She believes that reflecting on the joys of life can provide comfort during such difficult times.
Pocher is also pondering whether to bring his children to the funeral. He recalls witnessing his father’s tears at the loss of his grandfather, which adds another layer of complexity to his thoughts. Meyer-Wölden advocates for open conversations about death with children, highlighting that it should not be a taboo subject. She believes discussing these topics can help children process their feelings and reduce their fears surrounding loss.
In a touching moment, Pocher noted that his three-year-old son sensed his distress following the news of his uncle’s passing. He recognized it as an ‘incredibly difficult’ situation, showcasing the remarkable empathy that children possess. Meyer-Wölden echoed this sentiment, encouraging parents to lean on their children for support during tough times, as they often exhibit a strength that can surprise adults.
On December 4, Pocher shared on Instagram, ‘Yesterday, my little son asked me after his Christmas performance: ‘Dad, did you cry?’ Children sense when you are not well.’ He reflected on the sudden nature of his uncle’s death, emphasizing that just three weeks prior, he had been in their home, a visit that turned out to be a final farewell.