Podcasts about child loss

"Don't worry about me. I'll see you soon."  ~ AllieWhen sixteen-year-old Allie Andres was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma (DMG), an aggressive and incurable pediatric brain cancer, her family was suddenly faced with every parent's worst nightmare. But instead of allowing fear to define her remaining days, Allie chose to embrace each one with extraordinary faith, contagious joy, and an unwavering focus on eternity.In this first half of our conversation, Dan and Melissa Andres share Allie's story ... from the first subtle symptoms to the way she responded after learning she had only months to live, choosing to spend the rest of her days preparing others for Heaven.  They talk about the precious gift of seventeen months together, and the intentional way their family filled that time with unforgettable memories, meaningful conversations, and a deep confidence in God's goodness.This episode is a beautiful reminder that while we can't choose our circumstances, we can choose how we live through them. Allie's story is one of courage, purpose, and a hope that reaches far beyond this life.Join us next week for the second half of our conversation as Dan and Melissa share what life has been like since Allie went to Heaven, how their grief has evolved, what God has taught them through child loss, and the hope that continues to carry them forward.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

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Will I Ever Smile Again? Life After Child Loss Will I ever smile again? Not the one you put on so people stop worrying. Not the one you wear at the store so nobody asks. The real one — the kind that reaches your eyes. Some of you can't remember the last time it happened. And underneath that question is one you can barely say: if you ever do smile again, are you leaving your child behind? This is our 300th episode — a milestone we reached together — and there is no question more fitting to sit with than this one. Because the answer isn't what most people hand a grieving mother. It's deeper and far more honest than "hang in there." In this episode, you'll discover:

"Every scar says, 'Here's where I was broken, and here is where God met me.'" ~ Pat ElsberryWhat if the deepest wound in your life could one day become your greatest testimony of God's faithfulness?In today's episode, returning guest Pat Elsberry joins us to discuss her newest book, When Scars Become Stories: A Journey to Healing, Restoration, and Faith.  After her daughter Melanie died due to addiction in 2020, Pat began the difficult journey of child loss ... a journey that has deepened her faith and shaped the message of hope she now shares with others. Together, we explore many of the themes woven throughout her book, including the physical effects of grief, learning to grieve with hope and grace, finding God's presence in the darkest valleys, and discovering how our scars can become stories that point others to Jesus.If you've ever wondered whether joy can exist alongside sorrow, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for wherever you are on your grief journey.In this episode, you'll hear:The often-overlooked physical effects of child loss.What it means to grieve with hope rather than without hope.Why hope is the oxygen grieving parents desperately need.How God's grace enables us to keep moving forward.The beautiful picture of kintsugi and how God restores broken hearts.Why our scars are not something to hide but testimonies of God's faithfulness.How worship and praise become powerful anchors during grief.What it means to be comforted by God so we can comfort others.The reassurance that we serve El Roi, the God who sees us.How to weather unexpected "tsunami waves" of grief.Practical signs that healing is quietly taking place.Why living with an eternal perspective changes everything.The hope of reunion with our children through Jesus Christ.Whether your loss is recent or decades behind you, Pat reminds us that grief and hope can exist together ... that our children's stories still matter, and that God is still writing our stories.Resources MentionedWhen Scars Become Stories: A Journey to Healing, Restoration, and Faith by Pat ElsberryPat's website: Hope During LossConnect with Pat on Facebook and InstagramListen to Pat's previous appearance on the While We're Waiting podcast (Episode 219 and Episode 220), where she shares Melanie's story.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

After the death of a child, the thought of rebuilding your life can feel overwhelming, or even impossible. You may wonder if it’s even okay to think about moving forward without feeling like you’re leaving your son or daughter behind. In this episode, Laura shares the deeply personal story behind the message that became the foundation of her book, When Tragedy Strikes, and explains why learning how to begin rebuilding your life after child loss isn’t about forgetting your child. It’s about allowing God to gently restore what grief has shattered while carrying your child’s love and legacy with you every step of the way. As Laura reflects on the ten-year anniversary of When Tragedy Strikes, she takes you back to the early days after Becca’s death, when she searched desperately for hope and found very few resources from a Christian perspective. You’ll hear how God unexpectedly planted the idea of rebuilding in her heart, how that message grew into the ministry of GPS Hope, and why every grieving parent can begin rebuilding one small step at a time. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for anyone wondering how to begin rebuilding your life after child loss. Links Mentioned in this episode: Download our FREE GUIDE (no email required): Rebuilding Your Life: A Gentle Guide Toward Hope and Healing After Child Loss. Discover gentle encouragement, practical support, and hope that meets you right where you are. GPS Hope & Healing retreat, October 16-18, in Sarasota, FL Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Check out all the GPS Hope resources here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jack Crean was born on July 16 and is forever 18. Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

I'm So Tired and Nothing Helps: Why Child Loss Exhausts You You've slept — and woke up just as exhausted. You've pushed through, rested when you could, done everything they told you to do. And you're still tired all the way down to your bones. This is the exhaustion no one warns you about after child loss. It doesn't come from your body, so sleep never touches it. It settles into your chest and follows you from room to room — and most people in your life have no idea it's even there. This Saturday, we name why this tired is so heavy — and turn to the words of Jesus that meet a weary, grieving mother exactly where she is. Not with a command to be strong. With something far gentler. In this episode, you'll discover:

In the second half of my conversation with author and speaker Wende Gaikema, our discussion turns to some of the most difficult and deeply personal questions parents face after the suicide of a child.  (If you haven't listened to the first half of our conversation yet, please click HERE to do that!)Drawing from her own experience following the death of her 24-year-old son, Matt, Wende continues walking through the choices outlined in her book, From Heartache to Hope: Navigating the Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey. With biblical truth, practical wisdom, and remarkable honesty, she addresses the questions that so many grieving parents quietly carry but are often afraid to ask.Together, we discuss how to respond to shame, regret, and anger, how to navigate birthdays and holidays after loss, and why learning to "dance with a limp" can become a picture of healing. Throughout the conversation, Wende reminds us that grief changes us forever ... but it doesn't have to define us forever.In this episode, you'll hear about:What Scripture actually says about suicide and salvationWhy suicide is not the unpardonable sinHow to respond to feelings of shame, self-blame, and regretIdentifying and rejecting the voice of condemnationThe importance of self-compassion after child lossProcessing anger—including anger toward the child who diedUnderstanding the "emotional shrapnel" that suicide leaves behindNavigating birthdays, holidays, heaven dates, and other difficult milestonesWhy every family should find its own way to remember and honor their childThe meaning behind Wende's beautiful phrase, "Dancing with a Limp"How practicing gratitude can gradually shift our perspectiveUsing your story to comfort others without allowing your grief to define youOne of the most encouraging themes in this episode is the reminder that God rarely gives us enough light to see the entire path ahead, but He faithfully provides enough light for the next step. As Wende shares, healing isn't about "getting over" the loss of your child. It's about learning to carry that loss with grace while continuing to live the life God still has for you.Resources MentionedFrom Heartache to Hope: Navigating the Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey by Wende GaikemaWende's website: https://coachwende.comIf you have lost a child to suicide, we pray this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. There is no shame in your story, no condemnation for those who are in Christ, and no grief so deep that God cannot meet you there. He is faithful to walk with you, one step at a time.If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing to the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with another bereaved parent. Your recommendation may help another family discover hope in the midst of unimaginable loss.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

While this episode begins with a reflection on the United States’ Independence Day and its 250th anniversary, the message reaches far beyond one nation’s celebration. For grieving parents everywhere, the longing for freedom from pain is something we all understand. In this episode, Laura shares how Scripture points us to a different kind of freedom—one that isn’t found in the absence of grief, but in the presence of Christ. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to carry both grief and hope, this gentle conversation will encourage your heart. Discover what finding freedom after child loss can look like as you continue loving your child, trusting God, and taking one step at a time toward the life He still has for you. Links Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about where Laura will be: Take a look at the Pareavor with Hope shirts and ball caps here.  GPS Hope & Healing retreat, October 16-18, in Sarasota, FL Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Check out all the GPS Hope resources here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Rachel Corn was born on July 10 and is forever 22. Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPSAnyone grieving the loss of a child, supporting someone through addiction, living with complicated grief, carrying guilt after loss, or struggling with the silence and stigma surrounding substance use disorder. This episode is also for parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone searching for hope after unimaginable loss. WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETA deeply honest conversation about losing a child to addiction, breaking through shame, learning to carry grief instead of outrunning it, and discovering that healing doesn't mean forgetting. Katie shares practical ways she's survived the darkest days through community, creativity, movement, vulnerability and continuing her relationship with her son, Nicholas. DESCRIPTIONBefore there was addiction, there was Nicholas.That simple truth becomes the foundation of one of the most honest conversations ever shared on Grief Is Not A Dirty Word.Katie Rizzo joins Nick Gaylord to tell the story of her son Nicholas—not as an addict, but as a shy, funny, athletic young man who loved soccer, superheroes, his brothers, and his family. Together they explore the devastating reality of addiction, the stigma families face after an overdose, and why addiction should be treated as a medical condition instead of a moral failing.Katie speaks openly about the six-year battle to save her son, the day everything changed forever, the crushing weight of parental guilt, and how she's slowly learned to give herself the same grace she so freely gives other grieving parents.The conversation also explores Katie's powerful "Trimesters of Grief" framework, why movement and creativity became essential to her healing, the importance of continuing to say a loved one's name, and how grief doesn't have to disappear in order for hope to exist.This is a conversation about love, addiction, shame, resilience, and learning that the people we lose never stop being part of our lives.THIS EPISODE ANSWERS How do you survive losing a child to addiction?  Why is addiction a disease instead of a moral failure?  How do parents cope with guilt after losing a child?  Why do grieving families need us to continue saying their loved one's name?  Can grief and joy exist at the same time?THIS EPISODE ANSWERS How do you survive losing a child to addiction?  Why is addiction a disease instead of a moral failure?  How do parents cope with guilt after losing a child?  Why do grieving families need us to continue saying their loved one's name?  Can grief and joy exist at the same time?KATIE'S LINKSWEBSITE:  https://www.katierizzo.comCONTACT: https://www.katierizzo.com/contactINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/katierizzo007/Support the showGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtywordYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

Grief and healing often change the direction of our lives in ways we never expected. In this conversation, we explore child loss, healing through storytelling, resilience, and how one family transformed heartbreak into purpose and advocacy.I sit down with Dr. Matt Goldstein and Myra Sack to discuss the life and legacy of their daughter, Havi, who passed away from Tay-Sachs disease at the age of two. Together, they share how they navigated unimaginable grief, preserved their marriage, and found ways to honor Havi's impact on the world through storytelling, movement, community, and service.Myra shares insights from her book Fifty-Seven Fridays, while Matt discusses the inspiration behind JScreen, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to genetic testing and preventing hereditary diseases. Together, they offer a powerful perspective on grief, healing, public health, and the importance of living fully in the face of uncertainty.In this episode:• Honoring the life and legacy of Havi• Healing through storytelling and shared experiences• Preserving a marriage after the loss of a child• The role of movement, community, and ritual in grief• Turning pain into purpose and advocacy• Expanding access to genetic testing and healthcare• What families should know about preventive genetic screening• Finding meaning after profound lossConnect with Dr. Matt Goldstein and Myra Sack:JScreen: https://jscreen.orgE-Motion: https://emotion-mc.org

After child loss by suicide, many grieving mothers do not only miss their child — they also stop trusting themselves.In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Melissa explores one of the most under-talked-about parts of long-term grief after the loss of a child by suicide: the collapse of self-trust.This is not only about early grief guilt. This episode looks at what can happen later, when guilt becomes woven into identity, motherhood, self-worth, and the way a grieving mother sees herself.In this episode, Melissa talks about:why suicide loss can make mothers question everything they thought they knewhow guilt can quietly become part of long-term griefwhy “guilt is not the same thing as truth”how suicide loss can filter a lifetime of love through the worst daythe difference between responsibility and controlwhy not being able to save your child does not mean you were not a good motherhow self-trust, self-worth, and motherhood become tangled after child losswhy the nervous system has to learn safety againwhat it can look like to begin trusting yourself in small, honest wayswhy rebuilding self-trust does not mean forgetting what happenedThis episode is part of the larger Down the Rabbit Hole conversation about what happens after survival — when grief changes shape, identity feels unfamiliar, and grieving mothers begin asking deeper “now what?” questions.Free Support Spaces MentionedYou Are Not Alone — free monthly support space for grieving mothers navigating child loss and suicide loss: REGISTER HEREThe Bridge Sessions: Inside The Rebuilding Room — free monthly guided rebuilding space for mothers asking deeper questions about identity, self-trust, and living forward after loss: REGISTER HEREIf this episode resonates with you, please follow the show, share it with another grieving mother who may need it, and consider leaving a rating or review. It helps The Leftover Pieces reach more grieving people who are learning how to live after loss.Click to Send a Text or Voicemail to MelissaSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________The Leftover Pieces is Support for Life After Suicide Loss. Click links below

There was a time when I thought surviving a stillbirth meant I had already lived through the worst thing imaginable. Then I miscarried. In this episode, I'm sharing what I learned from experiencing a miscarriage after stillbirth—and why it challenged so much of what I thought I knew about grief, hope, healing, and myself. This isn't a chronological retelling of what happened. It's an honest conversation about the lessons that came from losing another baby: why you never become "used to" loss, how trauma changes the way your body experiences pregnancy, why hope can feel terrifying after heartbreak, and how rebuilding a life doesn't mean leaving your babies behind. Whether you've experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, or any kind of profound loss, I hope this episode reminds you that healing isn't linear, grief evolves, and it's possible to carry both heartbreak and hope at the same time. We'll talk about: • Why every pregnancy loss is different—even after stillbirth. • How trauma shapes future pregnancies and the waiting that comes with them. • The surprising ways grief changes over time. • Why protecting your heart isn't the same as giving up hope. • What rebuilding your life has taught me after losing two babies. If you've ever wondered whether you'll be able to hope again after loss, this episode is for you.   Find my NEW BOOK on Amazon! Stillbirth Survival   ************************************* This Podcast is brought to you by LossLink.com. Find your loss posse in our are or internationally! Join this private, membership based community today.   NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. This podcast is not in place of therapy. The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own.  I am just a real life loss mom describing her experiences with life after loss. These are my experiences, and I'm putting it out there so you feel less alone. Always do your own research and make informed decisions!   For more REAL TALK about stillbirth and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops!   Find me here: Instagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Website: www.katherinelazar.com     Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/  

The death of a child by suicide leaves parents with heartbreaking questions, overwhelming emotions, and a complicated grief journey. In this first episode of a two-part conversation, I speak with author, speaker, and leadership coach Wende Gaikema about the loss of her 24-year-old son, Matt, who died by suicide in 2018.Wende first shares Matt's story and the day that changed her family's life forever. She then introduces the central theme of her new book, From Heartache to Hope: Navigating the Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey—the idea that while we cannot choose our loss, we can choose how we respond to it.Together, we begin walking through the first six of twelve important choices that suicide loss survivors face, including where to place our hope, where to turn with our pain, what to do with doubt, how to view God's character in the midst of tragedy, and how to respond to the endless "why" questions that can keep us stuck.Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, this conversation offers biblical truth, practical wisdom, and gentle encouragement for the difficult road of suicide loss.In this episode, you'll hear about:Wende's son Matt and the events surrounding his death by suicideHow God met Wende in the darkest moments of her griefThe inspiration behind From Heartache to HopeWhy healing involves intentional choicesChoosing hope when hope feels impossibleBringing your pain honestly before God through lamentThe difference between doubt and unbeliefTrusting God's character when life doesn't make senseMoving from "Why?" questions to healthier "What now?" questionsResponding with grace when others say hurtful or unhelpful thingsIf you know someone grieving the loss of a child to suicide, we encourage you to share this episode with them. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply reminding someone they are not alone.Resources MentionedFrom Heartache to Hope: Navigating the Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey by Wende GaikemaConnect with Wende: https://coachwende.comComing Up Next WeekIn the second half of our conversation, Wende tackles some of the most difficult questions surrounding suicide loss. We'll discuss whether suicide is the unpardonable sin, how to deal with shame, blame, regret, and anger, what she calls the "emotional shrapnel" left behind after suicide, and how God can redeem our pain by using our stories to bring hope to others.If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with another bereaved parent. Your support helps us reach families who desperately need hope.And if you've experienced the death of a child of any age and to any circumstance, we'd be honored to serve you at one of our free While We're Waiting retreats. Visit our website to learn more.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

After child loss by suicide, legacy can become a bridge from survival into connection, meaning, and carrying love forward.In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Melissa reads her chapter from Because They Lived: Memories & Stories of Amazing Kids Lost to Suicide - As Told by the Moms They Left Behind --Volume 7, The chapter is titled “The Seventh Thread: What Alex Taught Me About Legacy.”This episode is part reflection, part chapter reading, and part invitation to think differently about legacy after loss. What began as a project to help mothers preserve their children's stories slowly became something deeper: a way to continue relationship, carry love forward, and begin rebuilding after survival.In this episode, Melissa reflects on:why the number 7 became meaningful after Alex's deathhow The Legacy Project began as a way to remember childrenwhy legacy is about more than preserving memorieshow story, writing, and connection can become a bridge after child losswhat seven volumes and twenty-one children have taught her about lovewhy legacy does not have to look public, polished, or like anyone else's pathhow each grieving mother may discover her own bridge forwardMelissa also shares why Volume 7 feels like the natural completion of this version of The Legacy Project, while still leaving room for future story, legacy, and publishing support in other forms.Because They Lived: Volume 7   is not only Alex's story. It is also the story of the mothers and children who walked through this final Legacy Project volume with me — Suzanne for Skyler, Roe for Molly, Lou for Liam and Kim for Carson— each one honored with tenderness, courage, and love. In fact, across all 7 volumes, twenty-one children and twenty-one mothers have now been represented in these pages, creating a collective legacy of lives remembered fully, names spoken with love, and stories carried forward. Take a look at the Amazon link below OR if you do not wish to own the books, you can always email melissa directly for a free link to the eBook - while these books are priced very close to publishing costs, Melissa never wants anything to stand in the way of others reading these stories, saying their names... melissa@theleftoverpieces.comResources MentionedRead Because They Lived: Volume 7 on Amazon: AMAZON BOOK LINKView all of Melissa's books (Inc. Vol 1-6 of the Legacy project) on Amazon: AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE LINKStory, legacy, and publishing support: WORK WITH ME LINKYou Are Not Alone Moms Support — Always FREE monthly support space for grieving mothers: REGISTER HEREThe Bridge Sessions: Inside The Rebuilding Room — Always FREE monthly guided rebuilding space for grieving mothers: REGISTER HEREIf this episode resonates with you, please follow the show, share it with another grieving mother who may need it, and consider leaving a rating or review. It helps The Leftover Pieces reach more grieving people who are learning how to live after loss. Thank you so very much -- MelissaClick to Send a Text or Voicemail to MelissaSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________The Leftover Pieces is Support for Life After Suicide Loss. Click links below

If you’ve ever wondered if the overwhelming darkness after the death of your child will ever lift, this episode is for you. Laura shares a recent conversation that unexpectedly revealed just how quietly and faithfully God had been working in her own heart over the years. Using the powerful picture of being trapped in a deep pit, she offers hope that while grief may feel permanent, God never intended for it to become your home. With Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, Laura reminds grieving parents that healing is not about forgetting your child or loving them less. It is about discovering that God faithfully walks beside you through the darkest valley, steadying each step until hope begins to shine again. If you feel like you’re still deep in that pit today, may this conversation reassure you that you are not alone, and that the Good Shepherd has never stopped holding your hand. Links Mentioned in this episode: Find out more about where Laura will be: BP USA,  July 23-26 in Pittsburg   Umbrella Ministries,  August 14-16 in Colorado Springs   GPS Hope & Healing retreat, October 16-18, in Sarasota, FL GPS Hope & Healing Grief Cruise, October 3-10 leaving from Port Canaveral Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Check out all the GPS Hope resources here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24. Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19. Hannah ‘Ali’ Robson was born on July 3 and is forever 24. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPSAnyone navigating grief after the death of a child or loved one, survivors of domestic violence, families searching for missing loved ones, advocates, first responders, and anyone looking for hope after unimaginable trauma and loss.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GETA deeply personal conversation about grief, healing, child loss, resilience, advocacy, and how one family's unimaginable tragedy became a mission that is helping save lives and supporting families across the country.DESCRIPTION:Most people know how Gabby Petito's story ended. Far fewer know how her family's story continued.In this special bonus episode of Grief Is Not A Dirty Word, Nick Gaylord republishes one of the most powerful conversations from the podcast's original Our Dead Dads series as the Gabby Petito Foundation prepares for its 2026 Charity Golf Event. Nick sits down with Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, and bonus father, Jim Schmidt, for an intimate conversation about parenting, unimaginable child loss, grief, trauma, resilience, and the decision to transform heartbreak into purpose. Together with Joe Petito and Tara Petito, they have spent the past five years building the Gabby Petito Foundation into a nationally recognized voice for domestic violence awareness, missing persons advocacy, prevention, education, and support for families facing their darkest moments. Rather than allowing grief to define them, they have chosen to let Gabby's legacy inspire meaningful change. This conversation is not about the headlines—it is about healing, hope, and the extraordinary impact that can grow from love that never ends.This episode answers: How do parents survive the unimaginable grief of losing a child?  How has the Gabby Petito Foundation helped families affected by domestic violence and missing persons cases?  What was Gabby Petito like beyond the headlines?  How can grief be transformed into purpose and advocacy?  What can each of us do to help prevent domestic violence and support families experiencing traumatic loss? Key Takeaways: Grief doesn't disappear, but purpose can help carry us forward.  Every act of advocacy has the potential to save lives and change families forever.  Healing doesn't mean leaving a loved one behind—it means carrying their legacy forward.  Domestic violence awareness begins with education, conversation, and recognizing warning signs before it's too late.  Communities of compassion, volunteers, and supporters make life-changing work possible for families experiencing grief and trauma.Support the showGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtywordYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

What if your child in Spirit could tell you they heard every prayer, saw every birthday candle, and never stopped loving you? What if the signs you've been questioning were real all along? In this unforgettable episode of Radio Medium, psychic medium Laura Lee connects with Staci from Salt Lake City for a profoundly emotional psychic reading that delivers extraordinary spirit messages of hope, healing, and unconditional love. A young son in Spirit comes forward, appearing as a bird—a meaningful sign Staci had already experienced but questioned. Through powerful evidential mediumship, he lovingly confirms that he has witnessed every prayer, every birthday candle lit in his memory, and every tear shed since his passing. His message is both tender and life-changing: release the guilt, stop blaming yourself, and allow yourself to truly live again. Spirit also offers reassurance about an upcoming move, reminding Staci that she is never alone and that her son continues to guide and protect her from the other side. This deeply moving intuitive reading explores afterlife communication, signs from heaven, grief healing after the loss of a child, spiritual guidance, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. If you're searching for comfort after loss, longing for evidence that your loved ones remain close, or wondering if Spirit hears your prayers, this episode offers profound reassurance that love transcends death—and those we cherish never truly leave us.

There's a fear that doesn't show up until after your child goes to heaven. It's not the grief everyone warned you about. It's the quiet dread that something is going to happen to someone else you love — and it has a way of finding you at 2 a.m. If you've been waking in a panic, reaching for your phone just to make sure everyone is okay, this Saturday episode is for you. You're not doing grief wrong. You're carrying one of the heaviest, most normal things a grieving mom carries. In this episode, you'll discover...

I hate when people say we are "Overprotective"...No, that's not it. We are SUPER AWARE of what can happen. This means we know the potential outcomes, we take necessary steps to prevent, we know what we can control and what we can't, we have a plan in place if something bad happens, we are no longer ignorant. We are experienced....unwantingly so... We come from a loss lens. We see things differently now. We have had the unimaginable happen to us and to our babies. Now what? Well, now we look at things through awareness. We can read situations, people, things, ourselves, etc. I hate it here but here we are.  If you are navigating anything in this life, especially parenting after loss, I hope this helps. You are doing your best, through all the spirals, meltdowns, anxiety, panic attacks, sheer fear, you're amazing. Keep going, I got you, I'm right there with you...   Find my NEW BOOK on Amazon! Stillbirth Survival ************************************* This Podcast is brought to you by LossLink.com. Find your loss posse in our are or internationally! Join this private, membership based community today.   NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. This podcast is not in place of therapy. The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own.  I am just a real life loss mom describing her experiences with life after loss. These are my experiences, and I'm putting it out there so you feel less alone. Always do your own research and make informed decisions! For more REAL TALK about stillbirth and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Find me here: Instagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Website: www.katherinelazar.com Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/  

Today we pick up right where we left off last week in my conversation with Heather Oden.  In the previous episode, she introduced us to her son Jacob and shared the heartbreaking story of the car accident that took his life at just 15 years old. She also gave us a glimpse into those early days of grief and the ways God met her in the middle of unimaginable pain.  (You may want to click HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation before continuing with today's episode!)  In this second half of our conversation, Heather opens up about the difficult journey of forgiveness for the driver who took her son's life, the ways God has reminded her that He is near, and how her grief has evolved over the nearly ten years since Jacob went to heaven. She also shares the story behind her ministry, Light Up the Dark, and the beautiful truth that even after the death of Jacob, she still finds purpose in being his mom.This is a conversation filled with hope ... a hope rooted not in circumstances, but in a God who is deeply personal, endlessly faithful, and always near. I believe you'll be blessed by listening in.Click HERE to connect with Heather and learn more about Light Up the Dark!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

If you are a grieving mom asking, "Does the pain of child loss ever go away?", this episode is for you. You've been doing everything you can just to get through the day. And when the weight becomes too much to carry, you reach for something — anything — to take the edge off. But the comfort never seems to last. And the ache always finds its way back. In this episode, Teresa sits with you in that place. Through the picture of a garden being turned over, she opens up what grief is really doing in you — even on the days when it feels like absolutely nothing is growing. There's a reason the surface comfort isn't reaching the ache. And there's something far deeper that God is doing underneath the ground. In this episode, you'll discover... Why the comfort you keep reaching for never quite reaches the ache What grief is actually doing beneath the surface of your life — even when you can't see it The one thing every mighty oak must have to grow deep roots — and why it's the hardest part of grief.  Why you can't see your own growth right now — and what that does not mean Scripture referenced in this episode: Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) Psalm 126:5-6 (NLT) Wherever you find yourself today, you are not without support. The tears you are crying are seen by your heavenly Father, and what is planted in tears will one day reap a harvest. He is near. And He has never once left you alone. If you're ready to stop reaching for the surface and begin grieving God's way, Calming the Chaos is here to walk through it with you — at your own pace, all summer long.

After the death of a child, it can feel as though everything you believed about God has been shaken. If His favor meant His protection, why did He allow this unimaginable loss? In this episode, Laura shares a perspective that has been quietly transforming her own understanding of God’s favor through the life of Moses and his relationship with the Lord. Rather than offering easy answers, she gently invites grieving parents to discover a deeper way of knowing God, even in the midst of heartbreak. This is an honest and hope-filled conversation for pareavors who are struggling to reconcile their pain with God’s goodness. As Laura reflects on her own journey after Becca’s death, she offers encouragement that while child loss changes so much about our lives, it does not change God’s unchanging character or His desire to draw us close. His greatest gift has never been a life free from suffering, but the promise of His presence—both now and for all eternity. Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to give an Amazon review of When Tragedy Strikes to help other pareavors know how much it helped you. Click here to find out more and register for the next GPS Hope & Healing retreat.  Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Check out all the GPS Hope resources here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Cassie Martinez was born on June 22 and is forever 19. Alex Doyon was born on June 23 and is forever 30. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

What happens when you survive the earliest years of grief, but no longer recognize yourself?In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Melissa explores the identity crisis many grieving mothers face after the loss of a child by suicide — especially once the earliest survival years begin to shift and the deeper “now what?” questions rise.This episode explores:why survival takes so much emotional, physical, and nervous system energywhy identity may not be accessible in early griefthe painful realization that the old life and old self do not simply returnwhy functioning is not the same as feeling wholehow child loss changes the shape of motherhoodwhy suicide loss can deeply damage self-trustthe grief of the “before me” and the “after me”why long-term grief can feel so lonelywhy rebuilding identity is not a betrayal of your childgentle reflection questions for beginning to ask, “Who am I now?”If you are a grieving mother in the earlier survival space, you are welcome in You Are Not Alone, my free monthly online support space for mothers navigating child loss and suicide loss.FREE RESOURCES for MOMS:If you are beginning to ask deeper questions like “Who am I now?” or “What happens after survival?” I invite you to join The Bridge Sessions: Inside The Rebuilding Room, my free monthly guided gathering for grieving mothers learning how to live forward after loss.Links to both free spaces are below: The Bridge Sessions; Inside the Rebuilding Room- Register Here  You Are Not Alone; Support Group - Register Here If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, share it with another grieving mother who may need it, and consider leaving a rating or review. It helps The Leftover Pieces reach more grieving people who are learning how to live after loss.Thank you - Talk Soon - MelissaClick to Send a Text or Voicemail to MelissaSupport the show__________________________________________________________________________

You've been praying the same prayer for so long now. Please help me, Lord. Take this pain away. And this morning, nothing about your life looks any different than it did last week — or the week before that. If you've started to wonder whether there's any hope left in the waiting — whether God is even still in your story — this episode was made for you. Today we go to the book of Lamentations, written from the middle of real, unresolved loss, to uncover what you're truly waiting for when you wait on God. Because what you're waiting for may be far closer than you think. In this episode, you'll discover... ✨ Why the waiting itself may be the very place God is doing His deepest work in you ✨ The hidden meaning behind a single word that reframes the entire idea of "waiting quietly" ✨ What I screamed at God in my own backyard one fall afternoon — and the answer that met me there ✨ How relief can begin before a single circumstance around you ever changes If your mind has been too loud to hear Him, there's a place to go underneath the guilt, fear, and doubt — to understand it, release it, and learn to depend on Him again. It's called Calming the Chaos.

My guest today is Heather Oden of Sterling, Kansas. Heather is a woman who wears many hats ... She's the executive director of a nonprofit called Light Up the Dark, a worship leader at her church, the wife of a fifth-generation farmer, and the mom of five children.  Today, she joins me to share the story of her son, Jacob.Jacob was an athlete, an encourager, and a young man with a remarkable gift for noticing people who were hurting and speaking life into them. But on August 3, 2016, Jacob and his older brother, JJ, were driving home for lunch when their pickup was struck by a driver under the influence. JJ survived. Jacob did not. In this first half of our conversation, Heather introduces us to Jacob and shares what those early days of grief were like after losing him so suddenly. She talks honestly about the shock, the questions she brought to God, and the unexpected ways God brought comfort in the midst of unimaginable pain.This is a conversation filled with sorrow, certainly, but also with deep faith and the quiet reassurance that God is near to bring light to the darkness.  I believe you'll be blessed by listening in. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Your mind will not stop. The replay. The what-ifs. The guilt that says it was somehow your fault, the fear of what might happen next, the doubt that slips in when you least expect it. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, you have started to wonder if grief has done something to your mind that you will never get back. In this episode, Teresa opens up about her own experience with the chaos — the guilt, the fear, and the doubt that nearly convinced her she was losing herself. And she shares the one truth that changed everything about how she walks through child loss. If your own thoughts have become the hardest place you have to live, this conversation will help you understand why — and show you that what feels permanent is not. In this episode, you'll discover... Why your thoughts hold this much power over you — and what is really happening when guilt, fear, and doubt take over What keeps you from solid ground — even on the days your faith feels strong Why these thoughts refuse to loosen their grip — and what finally begins to change that The one small, quiet step that holds far more power than you would ever expect You are not losing your mind. You are a grieving mother carrying what no mother was ever meant to — and there is a way to begin quieting the chaos. The God who is close to the brokenhearted is not asking you to fight your way to peace alone. He is already reaching for you, ready to lead you to solid ground. Ready to go deeper? Calming the Chaos is a ten-session series of faith-based teachings, each with its own workbook, created for grieving moms who are tired of being stuck in the guilt, the fear, and the doubt — and ready to find their way back to living again. You can work through it at your own pace, in your own time with God.

WE'RE BACK! omg i'm sorry y'all, life has been lifing! The book launched, my living son turned 3, we are showing our house to sell it, we are trying to expand out family, and i'm just living the grief dream! But I accidentally put the podcast aside, and I didn't even mean to...But it's back and it's not going anywhere!... My grief has changed because my life has changed and now at the 4.5 year mark, I want to talk about how normal life is with pain and joy at the same time. So this episode is about healing and how it's NOT a betrayal to our babies. It's so freakin hard you guys, like, the first year is suffocating and all we can do is survive, then we kind of come up for air and decide we want to try healing from this (which by the way, for me means, living and functioning happily with grief by my side always). How do we do that? Well that's the journey! I decided that I wanted to make Brody proud and live a life worth living. So I'm rebuilding and creating a life I love again. Healing is where it's at and that includes little joys, my family, friends, my mental health, creating a beautiful home, and a life I'm proud of. Coming with me?? I hope so! :) If you are new to Loss Life, please start the pod from the beginning. That is where I talk deep in the beginning of this journey and where it might resonate the most  MY BOOK, Stillbirth Survival is now on AMAZON! Buy it HERE ************************************* This Podcast is brought to you by LossLink.com. Find your loss posse in our are or internationally! Join this private, membership based community today. NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. This podcast is not in place of therapy. The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own.  I am just a real life loss mom describing her experiences with life after loss. These are my experiences, and I'm putting it out there so you feel less alone. Always do your own research and make informed decisions! For more REAL TALK about stillbirth and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Find me here: Instagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Website: www.katherinelazar.com Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/    

Joe Fryer talks to Matt and Melissa Graves, the parents of a two-year-old who was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort ten years ago. Also, the top pop culture stories today.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it possible to forgive someone who has taken everything from you?That's the question at the heart of the second half of my conversation with Davey Blackburn.After losing his wife, Amanda, and unborn daughter, Evie, in a tragic act of violence in 2015, Davey made national headlines when he publicly extended forgiveness to the men responsible. But as he explains in this episode, forgiveness was not a feeling that came naturally. It was a decision that was rooted in faith and continually renewed over time.In this conversation, Davey shares how his understanding of forgiveness has evolved over the years and why he believes forgiveness is ultimately about trusting God with justice. He offers a perspective that is both challenging and freeing for those who have been deeply wounded by the actions of others.We also explore the growth of Nothing Is Wasted Ministries, the organization that emerged from Davey's journey through grief. He reflects on what it means to steward pain well, how God can redeem suffering without minimizing it, and why our greatest impact often comes through simple obedience rather than grand plans.Perhaps most encouraging is Davey's message to those who are still in the early stages of grief and simply cannot see any purpose in their pain. Rather than offering easy answers, he reminds us that healing is a process, faith is often borrowed from community, and God is patient with our questions.This episode is filled with wisdom for anyone navigating loss, disappointment, trauma, or unanswered questions.Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE!  Resources and Links:Nothing is Wasted WebsiteNothing Is Wasted PodcastDavey Blackburn's book: Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in PainPain to Purpose CourseIf this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps grieving parents discover hope and community through the While We're Waiting podcast.Until next time, remember that while we're waiting, God is always at work.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Erica Phelps never imagined she would one day be navigating life after the loss of her daughter, Emmie. Born healthy, Emmie began experiencing infantile spasms as a baby, and over time her condition became increasingly medically complex, requiring around-the-clock care and reshaping every part of family life. In this conversation, Erica shares what it looked like to parent a child with profound medical needs, the identity and purpose that caregiving created for her family, and the devastating reality of losing not only a child, but the entire life built around caring for them.Erica and Heather talk openly about the rawness of early grief, the physical and emotional weight of losing a medically fragile child, and the complicated process of figuring out who you are after years of 24/7 caregiving. They also explore sibling grief, guilt, honoring a child while continuing to live, and the ways parents try to keep their children's presence woven into everyday life after they're gone. Erica shares how donating Emmie's medical equipment to other medically complex families has become one meaningful way to carry her legacy forward. It's an incredibly honest conversation about child loss, caregiving, survival, and the deep need to feel understood by people who truly know this kind of pain.Resources & Ways to ConnectJake's Help from Heaven Website: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/Jake's Help from Heaven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelpJake's Help from Heaven Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpAPOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcastHeather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughterOur YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aplaceofyespodcastFor more of Heather's writing and thoughts: https://ohheather.substack.com/Everything's Jakey (Substack): https://everythingsjakey.substack.com/

There is a question every grieving mother eventually asks herself. Who am I — because I don't recognize myself anymore. If that question has been living with you — quietly, in the spaces between the hard days — this episode is for you. Today Teresa walks with you through one of the most tender and misunderstood parts of grief. The part where you begin to catch glimpses of someone forming inside of you — and you are not sure you like her yet. The part where feeling hope brings a wave of guilt you did not see coming. The part where moving forward feels like betraying the child you love. What you are feeling is not what you think it is. And the woman you are becoming is not a stranger. In this episode, you'll discover...

After the death of a child, many grieving parents find themselves struggling to pray. The pain can feel too overwhelming, the questions too deep, and the words impossible to find. If you have ever sat in silence, wondering what to say to God or whether He even hears your broken heart, you are not alone. In this episode, Laura shares the comforting truth that when we don’t know how to pray after child loss, Jesus Himself is praying for us. Drawing from Hebrews 7:25 and other powerful Scriptures, this hope-filled message reminds bereaved parents that they are never forgotten, never abandoned, and never carrying their grief alone. Even in the darkest moments, Jesus continues to intercede on our behalf, holding us through His prayers and inviting us to rest in His love. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Mary Anne Wofford, in loving memory of Jeremiah Richard Wofford. Links Mentioned in this episode: Check out all the resources on the GPS Hope website here. Click here to see the GPS Hope Remembrance Wall and have your child added. Sign in to access the GPS Hope Free Resource Library with extra resources, including downloadable PDFs. Would you like to honor your child by sponsoring a podcast episode on a meaningful week? Click here. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Trevor Rolfe was born on June 1 and is forever 17. Tyler Harkness was born on June 8 and is forever 26. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Overcoming Loss & Fighting Epilepsy With Music | Michael Gomoll Joey Gomoll died in 2010, just shy of his 5th birthday, after battling a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet's Syndrome his entire life. Upon his passing, his family started  a charity called Joey's Song to help raise money to fund research grants focused on finding treatments and cures for rare, intractable, pediatric epilepsies. In the 15-plus years since Joey's death, Joey's Song has grown from a few acoustic guitars in a sports bar to a multi-day concert series featuring Grammy winners and Rock n Roll Hall of Famers (Members of bands like Cheap Trick, Guns N Roses, The Go-Go's, The Bangles, Tears For Fears, Garbage, Portugal.The Man, Goo Goo Dolls, Eve 6, Everclear and many more). This amazing collection of musicians gathers every January in Madison, WI. They volunteer their time and talent, and form a series of supergroups throughout the weekend for a one-of-a-kind concert event.Since its inception, Joey's Song has been a part of over $ 2 million raised and has had over 10,000 attendees in just the last two years.Links:https://www.joeyssong.org/https://www.instagram.com/joeyssongTagspodcast for creatives,creative podcast,podcast creator interviews,professional podcast,creative podcasts,podcast host interviews,creative podcast ideas,Child Loss,epilepsy,Event Management,Family,Fundraising,Live Music,Music Festivals,Music Interviews,Music Production,Overcoming AdversitySupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page

On November 10, 2015, Davey Blackburn's life changed forever. What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning ended in unimaginable tragedy when intruders entered his home, leaving his wife Amanda critically wounded. 24 hours later, Davey faced the devastating reality of losing not only Amanda, but also their unborn daughter, Evie. Suddenly, the young pastor found himself walking a road he never expected to travel.In this first half of our conversation, Davey shares the story of those heartbreaking days and the questions that followed. He reflects on the shock of loss, the challenge of caring for his young son Weston while grieving, and the unique pain of losing a child he never had the opportunity to meet ... a grief that's often overlooked.We also talk about the spiritual wrestling that often accompanies tragedy. Davey speaks candidly about the questions he brought to God and the doubts he faced, and how he began working through them.  In This EpisodeDavey shares the events surrounding the loss of Amanda and their unborn daughter, EvieThe emotional and spiritual shock that followedSingle-parenting a young child while grieving profound lossThe often-overlooked grief of losing an unborn childWrestling with God when life doesn't make senseFinding reasons to keep moving forward in the midst of overwhelming sorrowResources & LinksNothing Is Wasted MinistriesNothing Is Wasted PodcastDavey Blackburn's book: Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in PainComing Next Week ...In Part Two of our conversation, Davey shares his journey toward forgiveness, explains what it means to trust God with justice, and discusses how God transformed his deepest pain into a ministry that now helps thousands of people navigate loss, trauma, and suffering.If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps other grieving parents discover hope and community through the While We're Waiting podcast.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

There is a moment that comes for every grieving mom that no one prepares you for. It doesn't arrive in the early days. It comes later — when the fog starts to lift and the numbness begins to fade — and what you see in front of you takes your breath away. If you have been there — or if you are there right now — this episode is for you. Teresa shares the exact day she brought two impossible questions to God and what He showed her in the weeks that followed. What she discovered changed everything about how she saw the road in front of her. In this episode, you'll discover... ✨ The one question every grieving mom is asking — and the answer that changes everything ✨ What scripture says about where your child is right now — and why it is more specific than you might think ✨ Why trying to see your future all at once is working against you — and what God actually asks of you instead ✨ The practice Teresa encourages you to develop after loss that will finally bring peace you never thought possible You were never asked to carry forever.

When no one understands your pain after child loss, the loneliness can feel almost as overwhelming as the grief itself. Well-meaning friends and family may care deeply, yet still be unable to fully grasp the devastation of losing a child. In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura shares why feeling misunderstood is such a common struggle for bereaved parents, how unrealistic expectations can add to our hurt, and where we can find validation, comfort, and connection on this difficult journey. If you have ever felt isolated in your grief, frustrated that others do not seem to “get it,” or wondered whether anyone truly understands what you are going through, this episode is for you. Discover why connecting with other grieving parents can be so powerful, how God understands the pain of child loss in a unique way, and why you do not have to walk this road alone. Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here for information on the GPS Hope & Healing Cruise. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Grief has a way of locking you onto the hardest parts of your story. The circumstances that feel so wrong. The reality you wake up to every single morning that you never asked for and cannot change. And if you are really honest — the only answer that would ever feel like enough is the one you cannot have. Your child back. Your life back. The way things were before all of this. In this episode, Teresa opens up one of the most powerful stories in all of scripture and shows you something inside of it that just might shift the way you are seeing your story right now. In this episode, you'll discover... ✨ Why the place you are stuck in right now is not what you think it is ✨ What Joseph's years of waiting have to do with exactly where you are sitting today ✨ The question Teresa began asking that started to change everything for her after  Andrew went to heaven ✨ One small step you can take today — even from the locked-in place — that begins to lift the weight You are not alone in this. And the silence surrounding your story right now is not the end of it.

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone navigating traumatic grief, overdose loss, child loss, spouse loss, pet loss, complicated grief, anger in grief or surviving after devastating family tragedy.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: A brutally honest conversation about grief, rage, survival, grief brain, addiction loss, codependency, trauma, emotional numbness and what it actually looks like to keep living after losing the people you love most.DESCRIPTION:In this deeply raw and unfiltered episode, Nick Gaylord sits down with grief educator and author Kym Hinchey to talk about the unimaginable losses that changed her life forever. Kym shares the story of losing her son Adrian to an accidental overdose after years of addiction struggles and losing her husband John just three months later to what she believes was a broken heart. Together, Nick and Kym dismantle the myths society teaches about grief, including the dangerous idea that grief follows neat stages or has an expiration date. They explore grief rage, grief brain, trauma, survivor's guilt, pet loss and the emotional isolation grieving people often experience. Kym also opens up about the promise she made to her surviving son to stay alive and how that promise ultimately became the foundation for rebuilding her life. This conversation is honest, painful, compassionate and filled with the kind of truth grieving people rarely hear out loud. This episode answers: What does grief after overdose loss really feel like?  How do you survive losing both a child and spouse?  Why does grief create anger, numbness and brain fog?  What is grief brain and why does grief affect the body physically?  Why do grieving people feel pressure to hide their pain? Key Takeaways: Anger is a normal and necessary part of grief.  Grief changes who you are permanently.  There is no timeline or checklist for healing.  Grief affects the body, brain and immune system.  Honest conversations about grief help people survive it.Website:  https://agriefsupport.com/My Story Page: https://agriefsupport.com/my-story-%26-tools-for-youInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/agriefsupportFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/agriefsupportSubstack: https://agriefsupport.substack.com/Grief.com Directory Listing: https://grief.com/grief-certified-peer-to-peer/name/kym-hinchey/Support the showGIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.griefisnotadirtyword.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griefisnotadirtyword Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefisnotadirtyword TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griefisnotadirtywordYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gaylord/

"God just kept putting joy in front of me and encouraging me to open my heart to it."In this second half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, we move into some of the deeper questions grieving parents often wrestle with after child loss: Why? What if? Could I have done something differently? Will I ever feel joy again?After losing her son, Mikael, to a fentanyl overdose, Leanne has walked through those questions herself. With honesty and faith, she shares what she's learning about trusting God in the midst of unanswered questions, laying down guilt, and allowing joy back into a heart that has been forever changed.Leanne also offers practical and compassionate wisdom for families and friends who want to support grieving parents well.Together we discuss:• Reconciling faith with unanswered questions • Why choosing trust matters when we don't understand • Guilt after child loss — especially after addiction-related loss • The difference between conviction and guilt • Navigating grief within families when everyone grieves differently • Giving one another grace and changing expectations after loss • What to do when you don't have the strength to pray or open your Bible • The difference between happiness and lasting joy • Leanne's idea of "joy bombs" and recognizing God's gifts in everyday moments • Practical ways to support grieving parents • How grief changes us and why there is no returning to "normal" • The hope of heaven and seeing our children againThroughout our conversation, Leanne continually points us back to God's faithfulness and His tender care for grieving parents. Her reminders are simple but powerful: God sees us, carries us, and remains near even when our hearts feel permanently changed.Resources & Links:Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE.  Visit Leanne Davidson's website HERE.  A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of GriefTattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving HeartsI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Click to Send a Text or Voicemail to MelissaIn this brief but so important Bonus "Mini-sode", Melissa sits down with internationally recognized personality expert and author Paul D. Tieger to discuss groundbreaking new research exploring a possible connection between inborn personality type and increased suicide risk in young people.Take the Survey: CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEYThis first-of-its-kind study is seeking participation specifically from parents who have lost a child to suicide. The goal is to better understand whether certain personality patterns may correlate with increased vulnerability — information that could help shape future suicide prevention efforts, education, and intervention strategies.Melissa also shares why she chose to support this research, how she helped review the survey language to ensure it was suicide-safe and sensitive for grieving families, and why compassionate, prevention-focused conversations matter.The survey:

In this episode of the GPS Hope podcast, Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura shares a powerful and comforting perspective on the story of Jesus walking on water through the lens of child loss and deep grief. When life feels like a violent storm and faith feels fragile, it can be easy to wonder where Jesus is in the middle of our pain. But what if the storm is not proof He has abandoned us? What if He is already walking toward us in the middle of it? Using the story of Peter stepping out onto the waves, Laura gently reminds grieving parents that our hope is not found in having perfect faith or somehow “holding it all together.” Our hope is found in Jesus Himself; the One who stands above the storm and reaches for us when we feel like we are sinking. If you have been struggling with fear, exhaustion, questions, or simply trying to trust God again after the death of your child, this episode offers compassionate encouragement that you are not alone, not forgotten, and still firmly held by the Savior whose grip never fails. Links Mentioned in this episode: If you are grieving the loss of a child, Reflections of Hope — June Edition and Full Year Edition offer daily encouragement, Scripture, and hope to walk with you one day at a time. Click here for information on the GPS Hope & Healing Cruise. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jessi Wilfong was born on May 26 and is forever 20. Elaiah Steffen was born on May 27 and is forever 7. Nathan Lee was born on May 28 and is forever 20. Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11. Mark (Markie) Sweitzer was born on May 30 and is forever 29. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

If you have just found yourself in the most disorienting place you have ever been — unable to think straight, unable to explain what you are living through, unable to recognize yourself or your life — this episode is for you. This is for the mom who is in the earliest and most vulnerable steps of her grief journey. The mom who is searching for something, anything, to hold onto. The mom who needs someone to tell her that what she is feeling is not strange, not wrong, and not the end of her story. Today Teresa sits with you exactly where you are. No pressure to be further along. No expectation to have it together. Just permission to be exactly where you are — and something solid to hold onto while you are there. In this episode you'll discover... Why the disorientation you are feeling after child loss is not a sign that something is wrong — it is a sign that you loved deeply What it actually looks like to give yourself permission to be exactly where you are right now A powerful scripture that gives you your very next step when you have no idea which way to turn Start your day with this one simple practice that will carry you through even your hardest moments You are going to make it. Even when it feels like you are not. Even when you cannot see the path forward through the fog of your grief. He is your rock of safety and He is not letting go.

“Our hearts may be tattered, but they are still useful in God's hands.” In this first half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, she shares the story of her son, Mikael — a compassionate, funny, energetic young man who loved people deeply and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. She also opens up about the difficult journey of walking alongside a child struggling with addiction and the devastating day her family lost Mikael to a fentanyl overdose in 2022.Leanne speaks honestly about the complicated realities of addiction, the challenges families face along the way, and the ways God met her in the immediate aftermath of unimaginable loss. She also shares the heart behind her books A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of Grief and Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts.Together we discuss:• Mikael's vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him • Walking alongside a child battling addiction • How addiction affected family relationships • Establishing healthy boundaries while preserving connection • The trauma and heartbreak of sudden loss • The ways God carried Leanne through the earliest days of grief • Why she chose the phrase “tattered hearts” for her devotional title • Psalm 56:8 and the comfort of knowing God counts every tear • The importance of lament and bringing our pain honestly before GodLeanne's story is filled with sorrow, honesty, perseverance, and hope. If you are a grieving parent, especially one walking the unique path of addiction-related loss, I believe you will find comfort in her words and encouragement in her faith.Resources & Links:• Leanne Davidson's website:  A Mother's Grief Journey • A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of Grief • Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts In next week's episode, Leanne and I continue our conversation as we talk about guilt, unanswered questions, joy, supporting grieving families, and learning to live with a heart that has been forever changed.  Be sure to come back for that!I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

  There is a kind of loneliness after child loss that no one warned you about. It is not the absence of people. It is the presence of everyone — and still feeling completely alone. Because the one person you want in the room is not there. And that absence has a weight to it that settles into your body, follows you everywhere, and whispers something in the dark that is hard to unhear. This episode is for the mom who has been white-knuckling her way through her days feeling like nobody really sees what this is costing her. In this episode, you'll discover: Why grief loneliness is different from any other kind of loneliness — and why it makes complete sense that you feel it even in a room full of people who love you What the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 reveals about what God actually does when we hit our breaking point — and why it matters for where you are right now The honest question behind Matthew 7:9-11 that many grieving moms have asked in the quiet of their hearts — and what Jesus' answer really means What begins to shift when you learn to lean into the still small voice — and why His presence is not a feeling but a lifeline You do not have to figure out the forever. You do not have to understand the why. He is not asking that of you today. He is only asking you to lean in — just enough for this next moment, this next hour, this next day. With love and care,  Teresa-Your Grief Mentor JOIN US — Free Grief Mentor Support Group If you need a safe place to be seen and heard in your grief, join us for our next free support group meeting on May 21st. This is a space for moms who get it — because they're living it too.  

After the death of our child, fear can quietly move into every corner of our lives. Fear of losing someone else. Fear of moving forward. Fear that if we laugh again, love again, or begin to live again, it somehow means we are leaving our child behind. The torment of those fears can feel overwhelming, especially when grief has already taken so much from us. In this deeply personal episode, Laura shares from her own journey after the death of her daughter Becca, speaking honestly about the fears grieving parents carry and the faith it takes to keep breathing through them. If your heart feels exhausted from the weight of “what if” and the pain of the unknown, this episode will gently remind you that fear does not get to have the final word. Today's episode was sponsored by Shannon McKeon, in honor of her son, Joseph's birthday. Links Mentioned in this episode: Want to honor your child by sponsoring a podcast episode?  Click here Click hereto give an Amazon review of When Tragedy Strikes to help other pareavors know how much it helped you. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and is forever 21, Andre Smith was born on May 18 and is forever 35. Joseph LaFave was born on May 21 and is forever 35. Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.  

Click to Send a Text or Voicemail to MelissaWhat (actually) happens after survival?In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Melissa speaks honestly about the part of grief few people prepare grieving mothers for — the “now what?” space that often emerges years after child loss and suicide loss.After the shock fades, the anniversaries pass, and the world seems to move forward, many mothers quietly find themselves facing something deeper:identity loss,self-trust collapse,nervous system exhaustion,and the complicated reality of learning how to live with grief long term.This episode explores:

Today's episode features the second half of my conversation with Matthew Efird, as we move beyond Noah's earthly 57½ hours and into the difficult road of learning how to live after he went to Heaven.  Matthew shares candidly about grief from a father's perspective, which is something that often goes unseen, particularly after the death of a baby. He talks about the tension of wanting to protect and fix what can't be fixed, the importance of having other men show up and simply be present, and the practical ways friends and community carried their family through the hardest days. We also discuss the emotional fog of grief, learning to take life one moment at a time, and the delicate balance of worshiping and weeping simultaneously. Throughout the conversation, Matthew continually points back to the faith that sustained his family and the phrase that became their foundation: Even though… we will.This episode is filled with wisdom for grieving parents, especially dads, as well as practical insight for anyone who wants to walk alongside hurting families in meaningful ways.In this episode, we discuss: Grief from a father's perspective  Why dads often feel unseen after infant loss  The importance of safe friendships and honest conversations  Helpful ways men supported Matthew during grief  Learning that “it's okay to have a good day”  Practical advice for grieving dads  Why presence matters more than perfect words  The meaning behind “worshiping and weeping” at the same time  Taking grief one moment—and one step—at a time  The role of community in surviving loss  Common phrases to avoid when comforting grieving parents  The heart behind Matthew's book and the Even Though We Will Foundation Resources & Links:Even Though We Will written by Matthew Efird  Website & Foundation: https://eventhoughwewill.com/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

In this episode, Laura shares how to handle milestones after child loss, gently walking grieving parents through the moments that can feel the hardest to face. From birthdays and holidays to unexpected reminders that take your breath away, these “milestones” are not celebrations, but the tender and often painful markers of grief. With compassion and understanding, Laura reframes what milestones mean, reminding listeners that while we never get over them, we do get through them, and over time, they become part of how we learn to live again. Drawing from personal experience and the shared journey of other bereaved parents, this episode offers practical and heartfelt encouragement for coping with grief milestones after losing a child. With a faith-centered perspective, she reminds listeners that they are not alone, and that even in the most difficult moments, there is growth, grace, and the steady presence of God walking with them. Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to get Footsteps of Hope by Sara Nelson. (Affiliate link: GPS Hope may earn a small commission from your purchase.) Click here for information on the GPS Hope & Healing Cruise. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Leah Van Emmerik was born on May 13 and is forever 39. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.  

Matthew Efird and his wife, Hannah, were joyfully expecting their second son when the word "abnormalities" during a routine ultrasound changed everything. What followed was a journey into anticipatory grief after their son Noah was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a condition often described as “incompatible with life.” In today's episode, Matthew shares what it was like to walk through the remainder of the pregnancy with that knowledge—holding both hope and heartbreak at the same time. He talks about how he and Hannah navigated those months together, how they learned to communicate in the middle of grief, and the intentional ways they chose to spend their time with Noah before he was born.Matthew also shares about Noah's birth and the unexpected gift of 57½ hours together — time to hold him, to introduce him to family, and to fully experience what it meant to parent their son on this side of heaven.In this episode, we discuss: The joy of expecting a second child after a season of waiting  The moment everything changed at a routine ultrasound  Processing the word “abnormalities” and a Trisomy 13 diagnosis  Walking through anticipatory grief during pregnancy  How Matthew and Hannah supported each other in their marriage  Two simple but powerful questions that helped them communicate in grief  Choosing to be intentional with the time they had with Noah  Noah's birth and the gift of 57½ hours together  What it meant to parent Noah during his brief life Be sure to join us next week for the second half of this conversation, when Matthew shares what life looked like after Noah's passing and offers insight into grief from a father's perspective.Resources & Links: Matthew's book: Even Though We Will Website: https://eventhoughwewill.com/If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to share it with someone who may need encouragement today.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org