Podcasts about child loss

My guests on the podcast today are Marty and Missie Durapau, and if I had to describe the thread that runs through their story, it would be this:  Still Trusting God.Marty had already experienced devastating loss when his wife of 34 years, Angie, died suddenly in 2020. Missie had walked through difficult seasons of her own before she came to know the Lord as an adult. They married in 2023, blending their families and beginning a new chapter.Then, just over a year later, Missie's 14-year-old son, Mason, suffered a devastating brain injury after a golf cart accident on Easter Sunday. For the next week, Marty and Missie worshiped and prayed and believed God for a miraculous healing. But Mason's ultimate healing occurred when he went to Heaven on April 7, 2024.In this first half of our conversation, we'll hear how God brought Marty and Missie together, get to know Mason—a funny, tenderhearted boy who loved Jesus and loved his mama—and talk honestly about trusting God when He doesn't answer our prayers the way we hoped.This is a story of heartbreak, questions, faith, and still trusting God. 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! ~Jill** 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 

I Don't Know Who God Is Anymore: Faith After Child Loss I don't know who God is anymore. This is something Teresa hears frequently. Some mothers are able to verbalize it. Others are afraid to, because they aren't sure it's the right thing to say. You may still believe in Him. You may still love Him. You just don't know what to believe about Him anymore. His goodness. His protection. Whether prayer does anything. What trusting Him even means now. This episode is for the mother standing in front of a God she doesn't recognize. Teresa shares her own spiritual crisis after Andrew went to heaven, and takes you to a hill in Athens where Paul had a conversation she's been passionate about ever since. In this episode, you'll discover... ✨ Why the word of God looks different through the eyes of grief ✨ What it means to get to know Him again — not who grief says He is, not who your circumstances make Him appear to be ✨ The ancient altar built for a God nobody could name — and what it has to do with you ✨ The one question Teresa asks you to answer in your heart before the episode ends You don't have to have this settled today. Nobody is asking that of you. Being curious about God again can be difficult to do by yourself. Calming the Chaos will take you to the places that help you discover what you're feeling and work through it — and see it through a different set of eyes. At your own pace, in your own time.

Will the Future Always Look This Empty? Hope After Child Loss Will the future always look this empty? Everyone around you is planning something. Talking about next year like it's worth looking forward to. And you can't picture any of it. Not because you haven't tried. Every year ahead of you is a year your child won't be here — and looking at all of it at once is more than anyone could carry. So you stopped looking. This episode is for the mother who can't see one thing in the future her heart desires. Teresa is taking you on a journey today to help open your eyes to what is right in front of you. And it may be closer than you think. In this episode, you'll discover... ✨ The one thing you were never asked to do ✨ Why looking ahead costs you so much ✨ What you actually have today ✨ What that looks like on an ordinary Thursday afternoon You don't have to see your entire future to keep going. Calming the Chaos will meet you where you are today and give you the tools to manage what feels impossible — the future that looks empty.

Sherry Bullock's 19-year-old daughter, Emma, was fun-loving, easygoing, and known for leaving “a trail of Emma” wherever she went.On February 6, 2021, Emma was killed in a devastating accident on a Florida interstate. In our conversation, Sherry shares honestly about the shock of sudden loss, the silence that followed, and the questions she wrestled with about heaven, God's sovereignty, and where God was when Emma died.She also explains the meaning behind the title of her book, The Mess We Leave Behind: Unshakable Hope in Unspeakable Loss. What began as the physical mess Emma left behind became a picture of the emotional and spiritual aftermath of her death—and a reminder that Emma had lived, loved, and mattered.Sherry talks about what grieving parents need most, why grief cannot be separated from love, and how she came to see grief as holy ground. She also shares a powerful image of hope as the rope God lowers into the pit for us to hold onto.  As Sherry says, “Hope is everything.”This is an honest conversation about child loss, faith, and the presence of God in the midst of the mess.Sherry's book, The Mess We Leave Behind: Unshakable Hope in Unspeakable Loss, is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.  Click HERE to get your copy.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! ~Jill** 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 talks with Becky Russell about her daughter, Jae, who died in a car accident at sixteen. Becky shares how her deep spiritual foundation was shaken by the confusion and questions that followed, leaving her to wrestle with beliefs she once thought were unshakable. Laura and Becky begin exploring four parts of our worldview that influence how we process grief: origin, morality, meaning, and destiny. In this first half of their conversation, they focus on origin and morality, discussing what we believe about where life comes from, how we determine truth, and what happens when child loss brings spiritual mayhem into everything we thought we knew. If your child's death has left you confused about God or questioning beliefs you once felt certain about, this honest conversation is one you will want to hear. Becky Russell, RN, MA, MSN, has spent her entire adult life in some form of extending mercy to others. As a registered nurse, with two master's degrees in health care administration and education, she practiced in a variety of roles of Intensive Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Education. She recently retired from Baptist Health as the Director of Clinical Learning and Professional Development. During her career, Becky spent years helping others navigate grief. Then on March 18, 2004, her daughter, Jae Lynn, and two of Jae Lynn's friends, were killed in a car accident, and Becky found herself navigating her own deep grief. After the devastating loss, Becky joined and then began to facilitate a monthly support group for The Bereaved Parents of the USA. She is a creative national and local speaker and authors the Facebook blog “Weepyseeds”. Becky lives in Arkansas, with her husband, Ralph, of 44 years, and is the mother of Jae Lynn's two surviving sisters. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  This podcast episode is being sponsored by Chris and ReNae Trebelhorn, in honor of their son, Aaron. Links Mentioned in this episode: Would you like to honor your child by sponsoring a podcast episode on a meaningful week? Click here. Find out more about The GPS Hope Grief Cruise in October, 2027. 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: Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21. Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18. Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and is forever 33. 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.

When You Can't Pray Anymore: Grief After Child Loss You used to be able to pray. The words used to come easily. Now you sit down in the quiet, and there's nothing — just tears, just a heaviness in your chest with no words to attach to it. And underneath that silence is a fear you can barely name: that maybe God has gone quiet too. That maybe He stopped listening the moment you stopped knowing what to say. This episode is here to tell you something different — that your silence is not what you think it is, and you are far less alone in it than you feel right now. In this episode, you'll discover...

What does a "holy grief" look like twenty-four years after the death of a child?In this second half of my conversation with Angie Ford-Green, we move from the story of Kevin's death to the wisdom God has cultivated in her through the years that followed. Building on the theme introduced in Part One of our conversation, Angie shares how God has continued to shape her understanding of a holy grief ... one that doesn't deny the pain of loss but allows Him to use it to deepen our faith, refine our hearts, and bring hope to others.We also talk about navigating holidays and special days, loving the family members who are still with us while honoring the child who is in Heaven, and the importance of discovering purpose in pain. Angie closes by sharing the heart behind her books, A Mother Like Me and Mothers Like Me, a collection of stories that reminds grieving mothers they are not alone.This conversation is filled with practical, Christ-centered encouragement for every bereaved parent seeking to walk faithfully through grief.Resources Mentioned (with links):A Mother Like MeMothers Like MeLittle Lucy Ladybug: Where Are My Spots?Visit Angie's website, linked HERE, to learn more about her ministry and her books.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 

307. Why Is Forgiveness So Hard After Child Loss? Freedom From the Weight Somewhere in your grief, there is a name. A name that still makes your chest tighten the moment you hear it. Maybe it belongs to someone who caused what happened. Maybe it's someone who never showed up. And maybe... the hardest name to sit with is your own. In this episode, Teresa names the weight you carry when forgiveness feels impossible — and shares the story of the bitterness she carried for three years after Andrew went to heaven, and how it finally lifted. In this episode, you'll discover... Why the thoughts that begin with "I should have..." are built on a standard no mother could meet The three things forgiveness never asks of you What to do when the apology you deserved never comes The kind of forgiveness many parents don't even recognize — and the door that opens when you name it Forgiveness is an invitation... and a process. God is not rushing you. But you don't have to carry this weight alone. ✨ Calming the Chaos is Teresa's self-paced course for grieving moms — walking you through the weight step by step, at your pace.

Host Rashidah introduces a raw episode of Autism for BadassMoms on grief, autism parenting, divorce, and coping, featuring guest Emily Fell, a 45-year-old Wisconsin mom to 15-year-old Grace, diagnosed with autism at 2.5. Emily recounts the 2008 pregnancy and birth of her first daughter,Katie, who had hydranencephaly, was delivered by C-section with Emily suffering severe blood loss and transfusions and lived two days. Emily describes Grace's traumatic birth in 2010, vaccine-related reactions, developmental regression,extensive early interventions including ABA, and later conflicts in her marriage—especially over vaccines—leading to her husband moving out in 2016 and divorce finalized in 2018, plus financial stress and foreclosure. Emily shares past self-medicating with alcohol, recent sobriety, homeschooling Grace using spelling to communicate, and plans for a center/community for non-speakers with respite and ABA partners targeted for April 2026 and provides her TikTok contact. In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Podcast Intro00:43Grief and Autism02:46 Meet Emily Fell04:52 Pregnancy and Shocking Ultrasound08:50 Katie's Birth and Medical Crisis13:20 Saying Goodbye to Katie16:04 Pregnant Again After Loss17:44 Grace's Birth Complications23:19 Regression and Autism Diagnosis26:15 Marriage Strain and Vaccines29:11 Husband Moves Out and Fallout32:58 Black Cloud and Getting Sober34:21 Quitting Alcohol Clarity35:24 Divorce Boundaries Strength36:44 Grace Therapy Reflections39:49 First Word Mom Moment42:04 School Battles Presume Competence46:55 Homeschool Spelling Breakthroughs49:24 Spiritual Walk Revelation52:14 Building Non-Speaker Community56:15 How to Reach Emily58:09 Advice for New Moms01:03:22 Final Encouragement Outro01:03:56 Guest Application Call Connect with Emily: TikTok:  emilygrace.do.homeschool(Emily & Grace Do Homeschool)Instagram: www.instagram.com/amazing_grace_homeschoolThreads: https://www.threads.com/@amazing_grace_homeschool?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091213029569&mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-fell-presume-competence/  If this episode resonated with you: -Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast-Leave a review to help other autism moms find thiscommunity-Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen ormisunderstood Follow Us: Instagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast  

What if the familiar scent of a loved one's perfume or cologne isn't just a memory—but a sign they're still near? In this deeply emotional episode of Radio Medium Laura Lee, Laura connects with Susan, a mother grieving the devastating loss of two children to suicide while also carrying the loss of her mother and the ongoing concern of a vulnerable grandchild. During this powerful mediumship reading, Susan receives deeply personal spirit messages about her children and mother in the afterlife, including their love, gratitude, and a beautiful connection to the willow trees her children loved. Laura also explores how signs from loved ones can appear through familiar scents, memories, dreams, and intuitive experiences—and how grief can transform into compassion and healing. This episode offers a compassionate message for anyone navigating suicide loss, grief healing, afterlife communication, spiritual guidance, or mediumship. If you've ever wondered whether someone you love can still communicate with you after death, this heartfelt psychic reading reminds us that love can continue beyond physical life and that even in profound grief, connection can remain.

Why Is Morning the Hardest Part? Finding Hope After Child Loss There's a moment every morning — right before your eyes open — when the day hasn't reached you yet. And then it does. If the first waking moment is the hardest part of your day, this episode was made for you. In this episode, Teresa shares the sleepless nights and restless mornings after her son Andrew went to heaven — walking the floors of the house, holding her eyes shut against the day — and the small practice she began before her feet ever hit the floor that slowly became the sweetest part of her day. If you've ever wondered why mornings hit so hard, or whether they will always feel this way, there is hope waiting here for you. In this episode, you'll discover...

Podcast is moving to YouTube! Don't worry, all episodes up until now will still be available on Spotify and Apple. But moving forward, our home will be on YouTube @thekatherinelazar where I'll be sharing more videos, insight, and content around life after stillbirth.  In this episode I talk about: The impact of moving on mental health and grief Balancing grief with everyday life and motherhood The importance of honesty and community in healing Practical tips for self-care and creating a peaceful home The role of research and knowledge in health and wellness 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 Website: www.katherinelazar.com Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/

Angie's experience with grief began early in life, losing her father to a massive heart attack when she was just twelve years old.  With little guidance and few opportunities to express her grief, she learned to hide her pain and pretend she was okay when she wasn't ... a pattern that would follow her for decades.  Then, more than forty years later, her 28-year-old son, Kevin, died suddenly while surfing in the Pacific Ocean.  This time, she knew she couldn't grieve the same way. At Kevin's burial, Angie's mother spoke words that would change the course of her life:  "My prayer for you is that you will have a holy grief."In this first half of our conversation, Angie shares the story of Kevin's life, the heartbreaking day she learned of his death, and how God invited her to embrace her grief rather than bury it. We talk about the difference between stuffing our emotions and honestly lamenting before the Lord, the importance of inviting others into our sorrow, and the hope that comes from connecting our hurt to the Healer.Angie's story is a powerful reminder that God meets us in our deepest sorrow and faithfully walks with us through it.Resources Mentioned (with links!):A Mother Like Me by Angie Ford-Green Mothers Like Me by Angie Ford-Green Visit Angie's website:  A Mother Like MeNext Week: In the second half of our conversation, Angie shares what she's learned during more than two decades of living with child loss. We'll talk about marriage after loss, choosing gratitude, navigating holidays and special days, discovering purpose in pain, and the ministry God has built from her journey.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 

Is This My Life Now? The Real Truth About Year Three in Child Loss If you've laid awake at night and asked yourself that question — you're not alone. Three years in your grief journey, something begins to shift. You've found some new rhythms. And year three holds something you might not expect. In this episode, you'll discover:

Michelle's life was upended by a series of heartbreaks she never expected—abuse, addiction, the devastation of divorce, and the tragic loss of her young son. But in her darkest hour, Michelle cried out to God from a place of brokenness, and He answered her.Now, Michelle shares her journey from sorrow to strength, recounting how faith carried her through unimaginable grief and fear. She discovered how joy and sorrow can coexist, how gratitude can shift even the heaviest burdens, and that every step forward—no matter how small—matters. Through the ups and downs of single parenting, navigating fractured relationships, and finding restoration, Michelle's story is a testament to God's unwavering presence, offering hope and practical encouragement for every mother standing at the edge of despair.Listen in as Michelle reminds us all: no matter how great the loss, God is near to the brokenhearted—and He delights in bringing beauty from ashes.

Allie Andres always ended her notes and letters with the words, "Don't worry about me. I'll see you soon."  Because of her faith in Jesus, Allie knew that death was not the end of her story. She would see her loved ones again.(If you missed the first half of my conversation with Dan & Melissa, click HERE to listen!)  In this second half of our conversation, Dan and Melissa Andres share what life has been like during the first eighteen months since Allie's homegoing. They speak candidly about the loneliness, the unexpected challenges of the second year of grief, and the daily choice to trust the God who has faithfully carried them through every step of this journey.Together, we talk about learning to grieve as husband and wife, navigating holidays and milestones, returning to church, the healing gift of music, and the eternal perspective that allows them to keep moving forward ... not because they've left Allie behind, but because they're one day closer to seeing her again.Perhaps most importantly, Dan and Melissa offer gentle, biblical encouragement for parents who are just beginning this road, reminding us that our hope is not found in the absence of sorrow, but in the certainty of Christ and the promise of Heaven.For the grieving parent, "I'll see you soon" is more than a comforting phrase. It is the promise of the gospel. Because Jesus conquered death, our separation is only temporary. The reunion is coming.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 

 Why Is Year Two Harder? Surviving Child Loss Grief Everyone told you the first year would be the hardest. So why does the second year hurt the way it does? You made it through all the firsts. You survived the days you don't fully remember. And somehow, right when the world decided you should be doing better, the ache is still here — and some days it's heavier than it was. There are reasons the second year lands the way it does, and in this episode Teresa walks through them gently, one at a time — what's really happening in your heart and in your body, and why none of it means you're grieving wrong. In this episode, you'll discover…

After the death of a child, many bereaved parents find themselves asking a question they never expected: Who am I now? In this episode, Laura shares a powerful excerpt from her Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing workshop, exploring how child loss can affect our identity in ways we don’t always recognize. With compassion and biblical truth, she reminds pareavors that while grief changes us, it does not define who we are. Laura also shares why so many grieving parents have responded by saying rebuilding their lives feels impossible, and why there is hope for discovering who you are again. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost yourself along with your child, this episode will encourage you that you’re not alone, there’s nothing wrong with you, and God is gently walking with you every step of the way. Links Mentioned in this episode: When you’re ready for the next step, the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss Workshops will be here to walk that path with you. 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: Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and is forever 32. Joey Ray was born on July 28 and is forever 26. Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21. Lauren Miller Dobbins was born on July 30 and is forever 33. Anthony Jordan Puhl was born on August 1 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.

Why Won't My Mind Stop Racing? Peace After Child Loss It's the middle of the night again, and your mind won't stop. One thought hands off to the next before you can catch your breath. The what-ifs. The replays. The worry about everyone still here. You're exhausted. But your mind won't let you rest. This episode is for the mother whose thoughts race in circles she can't shut off — the one who can hold it together all day, until the house goes quiet. There's one verse that speaks straight into the spinning. Not a scolding. An invitation — and a promise about who stands guard over your mind when you can't quiet it yourself. In this episode, you'll discover... Why your mind won't stop racing after child loss — and what it's really trying to do The invitation hidden inside a verse you've probably read a hundred times What God promises in return — and what He doesn't The one thing to do with the very next thought that starts to spin. The God of peace is not far from your racing thoughts. He's standing guard at the gate of your mind tonight — patient, unhurried, unafraid of a single fear you bring Him. Come and let this one verse steady you right where you are. If an anxious, racing mind is where you're living right now, Calming the Chaos walks gently through the fear, worry, and doubt that come after child loss — one steadying step at a time. You can join Calming the Chaos today for  50% off.   

Episode Description "Healing doesn't mean you stop loving them. It means love becomes louder than the pain." In this episode of Grieve That Sh!t, Sharon Brubaker, grief specialist and founder of The Grief School, sits down with Becky for a deeply honest conversation about losing her 23-year-old son, Ashton, and the complicated layers of grief that followed. Together, they explore not only the heartbreak of child loss, but also the hidden losses that often go unseen and unspoken. Becky shares what life looked like before grief, the overwhelming regret and "what ifs" that consumed her after her son's death, and how she believed she would spend the rest of her life trapped in unbearable pain. Through her journey, she discovered that grief doesn't have to define the rest of your story. Together, Sharon and Becky discuss the importance of grieving every loss, the healing that comes from processing grief instead of avoiding it, and how combining grief work with therapy gave Becky the tools to begin living again. They also explore parenting through grief, the role of community, survivor's guilt, regrets, and why healing doesn't erase love—it allows love to shine through once more. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief may change you forever. But it doesn't have to leave you stuck forever. Because healing doesn't ask you to let go of the person you love. It teaches you how to carry them with you as you continue to live. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why grief often includes hidden losses we don't recognize at first How regret and "what if" thinking can keep us feeling stuck The unique challenges of grieving a child Why grief work and therapy can complement one another The difference between surviving grief and truly healing How unprocessed grief affects every part of your life Why support groups, therapy, and grief education each serve different purposes How healing allows joyful memories to return without diminishing love Why investing in your healing benefits everyone around you Questions to Sit With After Listening What regrets have I been carrying that need compassion instead of punishment? Am I surviving my grief, or am I actively working through it? What hidden losses have I never given myself permission to grieve? What would healing make possible in my relationships and daily life? Homework for You Take a few quiet moments today and write down one regret you've been carrying. Then ask yourself: "What would I say to someone I love if they carried this same regret?" Offer yourself that same compassion. Healing begins when we stop punishing ourselves for being human. Because love was never meant to be measured by pain. It's meant to be carried forward. Resources + Next Steps

Grief and healing often begin with telling the story we've been afraid to share. In this heartfelt conversation about child loss, domestic violence, mental health, and healing through storytelling, we explore how one mother transformed unimaginable pain into purpose.In this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Kia Wallace, domestic violence survivor, advocate, and spoken word artist. Kia opens her heart about the loss of her 15-year-old daughter, Jordan, to a fentanyl overdose, surviving domestic violence, and discovering that poetry became a pathway toward healing.Together, we discuss the realities of grief after losing a child, the misconceptions surrounding domestic violence, rebuilding faith after tragedy, and why survivors deserve compassion instead of judgment. Kia also shares how spoken word gave her the courage to reclaim her voice and encourage others to do the same.In this episode, we discuss:• Honoring Jordan's life and legacy• The impact of fentanyl on families• Life after domestic violence• Healing through poetry and spoken word• Rebuilding faith after profound loss• The stigma survivors continue to face• Finding strength through storytelling• Turning pain into purposeWhether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, healing from trauma, or supporting someone through a difficult season, this conversation is a reminder that hope can still be found, even after life's darkest moments.Connect with Kia Wallace: https://www.facebook.com/ksade.savageEmail: KiaW1012@icloud.com

"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 

Is This Normal? Surviving the First Year of Child Loss You keep asking yourself if what you're feeling is even normal. And on the days the tears won't come at all — the numb, flat days — the question gets louder. Is something wrong with me? Am I losing my mind? You're not. And you are not doing this wrong. This one is for the mom living through the first year after her child went to heaven — the weeks that blur, the months that drag, the whole long stretch of it. Teresa sits down beside you and gently names what this first year actually does to a grieving mother: in your mind, in your body, in your days. In this episode, you'll discover... The truth about the numb, tearless days — and why they are never a measure of how much you love your child That deep longing to be with your child again — and why it's not the warning sign someone made you feel it was What's actually happening inside your body when the fog rolls in, sleep turns against you, and the aches show up with no reason a doctor can find Why crossing the one-year mark doesn't hand you the relief you've been bracing for — and the one thing that carries you further than a finish line ever could You don't have to see the whole road ahead. You were never meant to. God asks for the next step, in the light He gives you for today. Wherever you are in this journey, there's a place for you:

Leave me a voicemail here:

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...

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.

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