Response to loss
POPULARITY
Categories
369 episodes with child loss
241 episodes with child loss
151 episodes with child loss
84 episodes with child loss
85 episodes with child loss
60 episodes with child loss
51 episodes with child loss
44 episodes with child loss
41 episodes with child loss
25 episodes with child loss
22 episodes with child loss
13 episodes with child loss
15 episodes with child loss
12 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
16 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
11 episodes with child loss
8 episodes with child loss
7 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
10 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
9 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
12 episodes with child loss
6 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode of The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations, I'm joined by Jacquelyn Dickey, a mother navigating early suicide loss after the death of her son, Austin, who died on April 4, 2025, at the age of 30. Austin left behind a loving family — his mom, dad, younger sister Victoria, girlfriend Rachel, and his beloved dog Luna — as well as an extraordinary body of photographic work that continues to speak to his creativity and spirit.Follow The Empty Chair Movement HEREJacquelyn's journey through grief has been uniquely courageous. Within weeks of Austin's death, she leaned into movement, connection, and purpose — returning to horse training and immersion in things that grounded her — not to bypass her grief, but to survive alongside it. In the process, she brought Austin's work into the world through a beautiful and powerful book, The Dash, honoring his legacy while also inviting others into honest conversation around suicide loss.You will want to add this book to your Amazon Cart -- It is incredible! We explore early grief and survival, creativity as connection, the varied ways people find a way forward, and how advocacy — through art, horses, and community — can be both deeply personal and broadly meaningful.This episode also highlights Jacqueline's advocacy work, including the Austin Dickey Creativity in Advocacy Fund, which supports young creatives advancing mental-health awareness, and her moving freestyle performance at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover with her horse Donner — a moment that was widely shared for its message of resilience and hope.Episode Links & Resources
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Christmas can feel especially heavy after the death of a child. Traditions that once brought joy may now magnify the absence, and the expectations of the season can feel overwhelming for a heart that is grieving.In this episode, I gather the voices of While We're Waiting retreat and support group facilitators—bereaved moms and dads who share honest reflections and practical wisdom for navigating Christmas after loss. Their stories offer permission to do things differently, encouragement to take the season one moment at a time, and gentle ideas for honoring a child's memory while holding space for grief.You'll hear about:Giving yourself grace and lowering expectationsAccepting help and having an exit planLetting Christmas look different than it used toFinding meaningful ways to remember and include your childAllowing grief and joy to coexistAnchoring your heart in the hope of Immanuel—God with usThere is no right way to do Christmas after loss. Take what is helpful, leave what is not, and know that you are not alone. Even when Christmas feels broken, God is near, and His light still shines in the darkness.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
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
The holiday season can feel unbearably painful after the death of a child. While the world around us glitters with lights, gatherings, and celebrations, we grieving parents feel the weight of loss more intensely during this time of year. In this episode, Laura offers heartfelt guidance, practical support, and spiritual encouragement to help pareavors gently navigate the holidays with compassion for themselves. Drawing from lived experience, this conversation explores meaningful “gifts” you can give your mind, body, and soul as you move through the weeks ahead, whether this is your first holiday season without your child or your twentieth. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join Laura live on YouTube at 8:00 PM Central as she shares Sunday's reading and lights the red candle of love. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents — a hardback devotional offering comfort throughout the year. Click here to learn more. Click here to be sent a PDF of Ten Ways to Honor Your Child. Special December Offer — a free Pareavor bracelet included with every paperback book order (excluding Reflections of Hope, which ships directly from the printer). Click here to claim yours in the GPS Hope webstore, where you will also find wearable hope on clothing merchandise. Help us keep this podcast ad-free while receiving special encouragement and bonus content. Join the GPS Hope Community on Patreon Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jeff-Free Hoke was born on December 17 and is forever 33. Adelaide Rowell was born on December 20 and is forever 19. 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.
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Week 3 Begins: “This past week, we've explored boundaries as acts of care — the small ways we protect our energy, honor our capacity, and stay close to what feels true. This week, we're exploring connection — the kind that comes from truth, tenderness, and compassion. Not forced connection. Not holiday performance. But the real, humankind that meets you exactly where you are.”Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Carter's mama, Amy and I, first recorded 3.5 years ago, not long after we both lost our sons. At the time, we were still deep in survival mode—learning how to breathe, how to exist, how to live in a world that had permanently changed.In this episode, we come back together to talk about life now.We talk honestly about:Parenting after lossWhat grief looks like years later (spoiler: it doesn't disappear)Expanding our families while still carrying our first babies with usThe tension of joy and sorrow coexistingHow motherhood after loss reshapes who you are, how you parent, and how you move through the worldThis isn't a “look how far we've come” conversation. It's just a real one. Two moms with 2 on earth and one in the sky. Grief didn't end. It evolved. Love didn't shrink. It expanded. And our sons are still very much part of our everyday lives.If you're navigating parenting after loss, considering growing your family again, or wondering what life can look like years down the road—this conversation is for you.Find Amy on Instagram:@amyycampisiHer Charity Org Carters Classic WebsiteFind your Loss Posse at LOSSLINK.COM*************************************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 baby loss and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops!Instagram @thekatherinelazarYoutube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: www.katherinelazar.com Some helpful resources:https://countthekicks.org/https://www.measuretheplacenta.org/https://www.pushpregnancy.org/https://www.tommys.org/ Local to Atlanta:https://www.northsidepnl.com/
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In Part Two of my conversation with Jenny Leavitt, we continue exploring the GodPrints—God's gentle fingerprints of presence and faithfulness—woven through her family's grief journey after the loss of her son, Jacob.Jenny shares how she and her husband learned to walk together through grief even when their personalities and coping styles differed. She talks about the emotional weight of anniversaries, holidays, and court dates, and how offering grace to one another became essential in those tender seasons.We discuss how Jenny's grief has changed over the last ten years, including the seasons when God felt silent and the comfort she found in Scripture, especially in the Psalms. Jenny also offers practical wisdom for navigating holidays and special dates, as well as how her family chose to honor the ten-year mark of Jacob's homegoing.She closes by pointing listeners to resources she's created to support others who are grieving.In this episode:Grieving differently within a marriageThe challenge of anniversaries and milestonesHow grief evolves over timeFinding God in seasons of silenceNavigating holidays and special datesMarking ten years without JacobClick HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation! Resources:jennyleavitt.comresilienthope.netGodPrints by Jenny LeavittI 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
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Christmas can stir up a deep ache for any parent who has lost a child. The lights, the music, and the memories bring both beauty and pain, often side by side. In this week's episode, Laura shares a tender and meaningful offering for this difficult season: she reads several comforting and encouraging daily entries (Tuesday through Saturday) from her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents. These readings are meant to gently guide you toward finding God's peace after child loss at Christmastime, whether you listen all at once or pause after each day's reflection. This episode provides calm, hope-filled moments to breathe, reflect, and feel less alone during the holidays. Laura's hope and prayer for each listener, is that as you move through this sacred and tender season, you experience God's peace after child loss at Christmastime in ways that meet you gently right where you are. May His love wrap around you like a warm blanket, bringing moments of comfort, hope, and light. Links Mentioned in this episode: One powerful way to experience and share God's peace after child loss at Christmastime is to honor your child in a meaningful, lasting way. To Sponsor a podcast episode, click here . Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. GPS Hope YouTube Channel for weekly Advent candle lighting Take advantage of purchasing a book and getting a free pareavor/hope bracelet. Click here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ashton Boldt was born on December 8 and is forever 22. Aaron Fitzgerald was born on December 10 and is forever 24. Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32. 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.
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this first half of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Jenny Leavitt — pastor's wife, author of GodPrints, and bereaved mom — to hear the story of her son, Jacob, and the unmistakable “GodPrints” woven throughout her family's journey.Jenny begins by describing her earlier battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while raising two very young boys, and how God used that season to prepare her heart in ways she wouldn't fully understand until years later. She then introduces us to Jacob — a friendly, artistic, big-hearted high school senior — and recounts the tragic accident caused by a drunk driver that took Jacob's life and left his older brother, Caleb, critically injured.Throughout the episode, Jenny speaks honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual shock of those early days, the challenge of grieving one child while caring for another, and the surprising places where God's fingerprints began to appear. She shares about a profound “GodPrint” uncovered just days after Jacob's death — a handwritten piece Jacob created months earlier that offered their family deep assurance of his salvation and his walk with the Lord.Jenny also offers compassionate, practical wisdom for newly bereaved parents: the importance of connection, the value of grace for yourself and others, and the reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.Links Mentioned:GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life by Jenny LeavittJenny's websiteResilient Hope resourcesBe sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Jenny reflects on how her grief has evolved over the last ten years, how she and her husband navigate grieving differently, and the GodPrints they continue to see in their 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
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this deeply moving episode, J.John speaks with Danny Guglielmucci, Jeremy and Clare Wilson, Greg Laurie, Alexa PenaVega, and Catherine Campbell as they share their journeys through the heartbreak of losing a child and the hope they found in God amidst their grief. Their stories reveal that even in the darkest seasons, faith and sorrow can coexist, and that hope and healing are possible through Christ.This episode contains discussions of child loss, death, and miscarriage, which some viewers may find distressing.--Subscribe to J.John's YouTube channel today to receive weekly interviews, sermons and inspiration. Click to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyga-psugjtgeFnYhK1Xzw?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with J.John:Sign Up: https://www.jjohn.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjohnglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjohnglobal
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Is it really possible to choose joy after the death of a child? My conversation with Melissa Hull is a profound testament that it is. She reveals how a miraculous letter became her lifeline and how she made the intentional, daily choice to heal, using everything from 15-minute gratitude practices to Reiki and painting. Her story isn't about moving on, but about moving forward with love, and building a life so big that it honors both the loss and the love.00:00 Melissa Hull's Story of Loss01:40 The Mysterious Letter from Teresa04:49 Divine Intervention and a Choice to Live06:58 Compounding Loss After Grief10:33 A "Come to Jesus" Moment and Daughter Hope12:49 The 15-Minute Daily Gratitude Practice14:51 Drew's Power Ranger: A Sign from Beyond16:51 Becoming a Force That Happens to Life19:19 Beyond Talk Therapy: Painting to Process Grief25:22 Authoring Your Journey with Intention26:17 Spiritual Practices: Reiki, Sound Baths & More32:37 Radiance, Peace & Divorce37:26 "Dear Drew": Melissa's Letter of Hope to You40:09 Finding Melissa's Work41:36 Conclusion and Thanks · Website: https://melissahull.com · Book: Dear Drew, Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief · Social Media: @MelissaHull JOIN MY COMMUNITY In The Space Between membership, you'll get access to LIVE quarterly Ask Amy Anything meetings (not offered anywhere else!), discounts on courses, special giveaways, and a place to connect with Amy and other like-minded people. You'll also get exclusive access to other behind-the-scenes goodness when you join! Click here to find out more --> https://shorturl.at/vVrwR Stay Connected: - IG - https://tinyurl.com/ysvafdwc- FB - https://tinyurl.com/yc3z48v9- YT - https://tinyurl.com/ywdsc9vt- Web - https://tinyurl.com/ydj949kt Life, Death & the Space Between Dr. Amy RobbinsExploring life, death, consciousness and what it all means. Put your preconceived notions aside as we explore life, death, consciousness and what it all means on Life, Death & the Space Between.** Brought to you by:Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive ProducerPodcastize.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Surviving December After Suicide Loss: When the Holidays Arrive Before You're Ready...A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, space...and my gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Today's episode is one that sits incredibly close to Ellie's heart, as she discusses coping with Christmas after child loss. As many listeners will know, Ellie lost her beautiful boy Billy to DIPG, and this is her second Christmas without him. The festive season can bring a complex mix of emotions for bereaved parents, the memories, the empty space, and the pressure to appear "festive" when the heart is somewhere else entirely. In this episode, Ellie is joined by Bereavement Support Service Lead Rachel Tegg from Child Bereavement UK for an open, gentle and honest conversation about what it means to face Christmas after losing a child. Whether someone is in their first year, their fifth year or anywhere in between, this discussion offers comfort, understanding and the reminder that no parent walks this path alone. Content Warning This episode includes discussion around the death of a child, grief and the emotional challenges of Christmas. Listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves while listening and to step away at any time if needed. Email us at info@mybaba.com Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram Show notes Child Bereavement UK - Helpful Resources Helpline Number: 0800 02 888 40. Normal Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Christmas Opening Hours: Friday 24th December, 9.00 am – 1.30 pm Saturday 25th December - Tuesday 28th December, Closed Wednesday 29th December - Friday 31st December, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday 3rd January, Closed Tuesday 4th January onwards, Normal hours 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Email: helpline@childbereavementuk.org.uk Website: www.childbereavementuk.org (Live Chat support and other resources can be found here) Managing Christmas Resource: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/managing-special-occasions What is My Baba? My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting. Visit mybaba.com The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/
This episode is for every loss mama — whether you're in the first impossible weeks or years down the road trying to make sense of this new life.I brought on two other loss mamas Terra's mom, Andrea (@grievinglikeamother and Juniper's mom, Amanda (@orangeafmama) and we just… talked. No scripts, no fixing, no pretending.Just honest perspective on baby loss, parenting after loss, living kids, holidays, triggers, healing, and all the messy in-between.If you've ever wondered, “Is it just me?” — it's not.Sit with us. Cry, laugh, nod along. You're in the presence of three loss mama besties who get it in a way the world honestly never will.Find them on IG at @grievinglikeamother and @orangeafmamaIf you're looking for your Loss Posse go to LOSSLINK.com to search for mamas just like you. *************************************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 baby loss and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops!Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazarYoutube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: www.katherinelazar.com Some helpful resources:https://countthekicks.org/https://www.measuretheplacenta.org/https://www.pushpregnancy.org/https://www.tommys.org/ Local to Atlanta:https://www.northsidepnl.com/
In this second half of my conversation with Debra Amick, we explore what life looked like after Chase went to Heaven and how God gently led her from deep grief toward renewed purpose.A meaningful part of this episode centers on four anchors God gave her in the fog of grief:Prayer support when she didn't have strength of her ownScripture placed throughout her home to remind her of what was trueResting in God's presence, allowing Him to meet her where words failedGuarding her heart, choosing carefully what she allowed in during fragile daysDebra also describes the slow journey toward purpose—giving herself permission to hope again, listening for God's direction, and discovering how her story could help others move from pain to purpose.Debra talks about how she began writing online—originally intending to speak to midlife women, not realizing how many grieving hearts would find her words. She shares how God used her vulnerability to comfort others and how her faith became the steady thread she clung to as she learned to live again.Connect HERE to connect with Debra.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
Psychologist Dr. Lucy Hone studies resilience, a topic that hit especially close to home when her 12-year old daughter Abi and two friends were killed in a car crash in 2014. She tells Sarah how her close knowledge of resilience informed her grieving, why humans are hardwired to cope, and what role her grief over Abi plays in her life now. Lucy also shares practical tips for anyone who is grieving from her first book, "Resilient Grieving," and previews her new book about living losses, called "How Will I Ever Get Through This?," which will be out in 2026. For more information about Lucy Hone, please visit www.drlucyhone.com
When God Holds the Thread: Chase's StoryIn this first half of my conversation with Debra Amick, she shares the story of her son Chase—a talented artist, musician, and gentle soul whose life touched so many. Debra opens up about his early years, the emergence of mental-health struggles in his teens, and the intentional decision she and her husband made to stay closely connected to his heart.She also recounts the powerful moment when Chase returned to his faith in Jesus and the heartbreaking night he went to Heaven. Through it all, Debra describes the unmistakable ways God met their family with comfort and presence, even in the darkest places.If you're walking through a story involving mental illness, trauma, or deep sorrow, I pray Debra's honesty will remind you that you're not alone—and that even when we feel like we're hanging on by a thread, we find that it's God Himself who holds that thread.Next week in Part 2, Debra will share what happened after Chase went to Heaven, including how she began writing publicly and how God led her toward purpose in the midst of her pain. She'll also talk about four very practical anchors that helped her navigate her grief with faith and hope.Click HERE to connect with Debra and see all the resources she has available on her website! 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
It's my birthday — the fourth one since losing Brody — and this episode is as raw and real as it gets. I'm unpacking what birthdays feel like after loss, how healing actually looks in year four, and what life is like right now: therapy, hospital stays with my living son, and the everyday chaos that somehow keeps me grounded. Sprinkled with stories, a few F-bombs, and a whole lot of iced coffee, this is the most unfiltered glimpse into my world — a loss mama just doing the damn thing. ✨ Coming soon: new support groups, 1:1 mentoring, and more spaces to connect. I'm officially a Certified Grief Coach, and I'm pouring everything I've got into serving this community in deeper ways. Check out katherinelazar.com for updates, sessions, and all things Loss Life. SHOP THE MERCH! https://at-a-total-loss.myshopify.com/ Find your loss posse on LOSSLINK.COM! *************************************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 baby loss and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: www.katherinelazar.com Some helpful resources:https://countthekicks.org/https://www.measuretheplacenta.org/https://www.pushpregnancy.org/https://www.tommys.org/ Local to Atlanta:https://www.northsidepnl.com/
“Even in the darkest valley, the Shepherd is still good—and He never lets go.” In this week's episode, I talk with Meshea Ingram, a mom who has walked through the deepest valley imaginable and found her Shepherd faithful every step of the way.Meshea shares about her little boy, Briggs—a joyful child with an unforgettable laugh and a big personality that filled every room. In the summer of 2022, a tragic drowning incident changed everything. Meshea speaks honestly about the days she prayed for a miracle while Briggs was on life support, the disappointment that followed when God didn't answer as she hoped, and the long process of learning to trust His goodness again.Out of their pain, Meshea and her husband founded Love Can Build a Briggs, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about drowning prevention and provides swim-lesson scholarships for young children.This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when our miracle looks different than we hoped and our hearts are breaking, the Shepherd is still leading us, His mercies are always new, and His faithfulness never fails.Connect with Meshea:Website: www.lovecanbuildabriggs.comInstagram: @shewhopraysFacebook: Love Can Build a BriggsI 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
Peace Doesn't Mean You're Done Grieving You may have felt it before — that fleeting moment of calm when the tears pause, and suddenly guilt sneaks in. "If I can feel peace, does that mean I'm moving on?" Friend, that moment isn't proof that you're done grieving. It's evidence that God is still holding you. Peace doesn't erase the ache. It walks beside it. And when you allow God to meet you right where the sorrow still lives, you'll begin to see that peace and grief can coexist in the same heart. Inside this episode, you'll discover: The truth about what peace really is (and what it's not) How to recognize peace as a sign of God's faithfulness, not your forgetting Why surrendering control allows peace to deepen and stay The simple way to let peace become a resting place, not a destination If you've been afraid that peace means letting go of your child's memory, this conversation will set your heart free. Press play and let God remind you — peace doesn't mean you're finished grieving. It means He's not finished healing you.
When tragedy strikes not once but twice, how do you keep your faith — and your loved ones — from falling apart?In this deeply moving episode of Latter-Day Lights, Lawrence and Melissa Stone open up about the unimaginable loss of their children due to a driving accident and miscarriage. But from the heartbreak, take us through a journey of rebuilding faith, marriage, and hope through grief. From heartache to healing and Heaven's quiet reassurances, their story reveals how Christ's light can transform sorrow into strength and love into lasting purpose.Their message is a tender reminder that we all grieve differently — and that all paths to healing are valid. Lawrence & Melissa share how they were able to slowly overcome the pain through writing, service, and a shared commitment to their covenants. Along the road, they also share their best practices for supporting loved ones who are grieving.The Stones' story teaches us how faith after loss can lead not only to peace, but to a deeper understanding of eternal families and God's love that never fades. Join Lawrence and Melissa to discover how someone's darkest days became a testimony of light, love, and eternal hope.*** Please SHARE Lawrence & Melissa's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/3gfZCR9D-j8-----To READ Lawrence & Melissa's book, "Our Story[s]," visit: https://a.co/d/eImk7r8To LEARN MORE about The Tears Foundation, visit: https://thetearsfoundation.org/To READ Scott's new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.
“What if hope isn't about holding on—but about being held?” In this episode, I had the privilege to sit down with Cheri Fletcher—a writer, speaker, and flash mob aficionado—who shares the story of her daughter Annie, a vibrant young woman whose life reflected creativity, compassion, and faith.Cheri opens up about the sudden medical crisis that took Annie's life at just 29, the ache of surrendering to God's will, and the unshakable truth that we are never left to simply “hang in there”—we are held by the God who goes before us. Drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 31:8 and Isaiah 41:10, she reminds us that even when life shatters, God's presence remains steady and sure.We also talk about Cheri's new project, the Grief Communication Cards, a set of thoughtful prompts designed to help grieving families and friends talk more openly about their loved ones. Jill shares how she plans to use these cards with her own family this holiday season as a gentle way to remember and celebrate her daughter Hannah. Use the code WAITING10 for 10% off your set! This episode is a tender reminder that when we don't have the strength to hold on, God is the One holding us—steady, present, and faithful.Resources Mentioned:Cheri Fletcher's Website: cherifletcher.comGrief Communication Cards – use code WAITING10 for 10% offWhile We're Waiting Facebook Group – Support for Bereaved ParentsI 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
When our child leaves this earth before we do, it can feel like everything inside of us has died too. But God has already planted a small seed of hope deep within our hearts, because Jesus, the giver of Hope lives in us (through the Holy Spirit). However, we need to water that seed of […] The post 321: Watering the Seed of Hope After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.
In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Evermore Adoption Consultants, Kristin Van Hoff, a birth mother whose own adoption story inspired her to build something extraordinary. Out of her personal experience came a mission rooted in love, integrity, and the belief that every family deserves clarity and compassion on their journey to adoption. We explore what makes adoption such a complex and emotional process, why domestic adoption can feel so overwhelming, and how Evermore provides families with the tools, education, and support they need to move forward with confidence. You'll learn how Evermore stands apart from traditional referral-based services—serving families across all 50 states, partnering only with licensed agencies and attorneys, and maintaining the highest ethical standards every step of the way. Whether you're beginning your adoption journey or searching for trusted guidance, this conversation is a reminder that with knowledge and compassion, family is always possible. WEBSITE: https://evermoreadoptionconsultants.com/ FIND YOUR LOSS POSSE ON LOSSLINK.COM!*************************************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 baby loss and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: www.katherinelazar.com Some helpful resources:https://countthekicks.org/https://www.measuretheplacenta.org/https://www.pushpregnancy.org/https://www.tommys.org/ Local to Atlanta:https://www.northsidepnl.com/
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Cindy Shufflebarger, who shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn Faith, and how God's immeasurable love met her family in the midst of unimaginable loss. Diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ashlynn lived for three precious days — days filled with both deep sorrow and sacred joy. Cindy reflects on those moments, the way her faith was reshaped through lament, and how journaling became a lifeline that led to her book Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm.We also talk about the Shufflebarger's beautiful ministry, P23 Retreat, which provides grieving parents with a private, prayer-covered space to rest and heal. Through this ministry, couples and singles are able to pause, reflect, and experience the peace of Psalm 23 in their own grief journeys.Here are some of the resources we mention in this episode:P23 Retreat Website: p23retreat.org — Learn more about how to request a retreat, donate a stay, or access the free downloadable resources available there.Free Downloadable Checklist for Grieving Parents — A simple tool to help you communicate your needs and boundaries to family and friends during grief. (Find it under “Resources” on the P23 website.)P23 Retreat on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInMy Messy Grief Podcast — Listen on Spotify or watch video episodes on YouTubeCindy's Book: Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm — A look at how God brings joy and growth even through the hardest seasons.My Messy Grief Journal — Available on Amazon; a creative, colorful guide filled with prompts and activities to help you process grief in practical, sensory ways.Cindy's story is a powerful reminder that God's love truly has no limits — even in our deepest pain.If this episode encouraged you, please share it withI 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 deeply moving episode, Amber Smith, wife to Granger Smith, shares her journey through unimaginable loss after the passing of her son River and how she found light in the midst of profound grief. We talk about honoring River's memory, navigating marriage and parenting through sorrow, and what healing really looks like—beyond clichés and expectations. Amber's honesty offers comfort, perspective, and hope to anyone walking through grief or supporting someone who is.
You want to feel peace again, but the moment holiday plans start taking shape, your heart feels heavy. The noise, the expectations, the questions from others—it all stirs something deep inside you that's hard to explain. You're not imagining it, and you're not weak. Grief changes how your heart experiences this season. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize the emotional pressure points that often surface during the holidays and what they're really trying to tell you. You'll discover how to set realistic expectations, give yourself permission to slow down, and invite God's calm into places that still ache. Inside this conversation, you'll discover: Why certain moments feel heavier this time of year—and how to name them What your body and emotions are revealing about your grief How to create small, intentional rhythms that protect your peace Faith-based ways to shift from survival into surrender If you've been bracing yourself for the holidays, take a breath and listen in. You don't have to carry the weight of this season alone—God's presence is big enough to hold both your sorrow and your peace. Grief Mentor Services ✨ Holiday Flash Offer — Peace for the Holidays A special 1:1 Grief Mentor Session to help you prepare your heart for the season ahead. Through November 22, book your session for $127 (regularly $147) and receive my new printable guide: Peace for the Holidays — A Simple Plan for Grieving Moms
Today's guest, Lisa, says she has always felt a special, spiritual link to her eldest daughter, Libby—starting when Libby was an infant and lasting throughout her life. One night, Lisa complained to her husband about a throbbing thumb. The next morning, Libby called, saying she had hurt her thumb and thought it was broken. When Libby's father asked if the injury happened around 9 pm, Libby confirmed the time of the injury, but she was puzzled until he answered, “Your mother felt that.” Despite being over 200 miles away and unaware of any injury, Lisa sensed Libby's broken thumb that night. Six months later, at 1 am, Libby's friends called, reporting that she had vanished after being dropped off in a taxi. Lisa instantly feared the worst, though she tried to reassure them that Libby might simply be delayed. Deep down, she knew Libby was dead. She could not feel her as she normally could. The following day, Lisa and her husband braved a harsh English winter storm to drive to Hull. As they passed the Humber Estuary—a vast inlet leading to the North Sea—Lisa whispered, “Libby is in that water.” Her husband dismissed it as being 'silly,' but Lisa insisted she wasn't imagining it. Forty‑eight agonizing days later, police recovered Libby's body from those waters; she had been raped and murdered. In the nearly seven years since that tragedy, Lisa and her family have endured relentless trauma. At first, she felt isolated despite the story dominating UK headlines, and for two years she seemed to lose herself entirely. Over the past five years, however, she has begun to heal by connecting with other bereaved parents, listening to podcasts, and sharing Libby's story with young people and police officers. She hopes that exposing the warning signs that preceded the murder will help protect other women. And although Libby is no longer physically here with her, through her work, Lisa still feels connected to Libby. Lisa feels her as she does her "Libby work" in Libby's old bedroom, now her office. Our love for our children keeps that spiritual connection alive long after they are gone.
Today's episode is a little bit different than what you usually hear on the While We're Waiting podcast. I've invited my husband Brad to join me to reflect on our daughter Hannah's birthday. She would have turned 34 years old today—which means she's now double the age she was when she went to Heaven at 17. That realization has hit us a little bit harder this year.As we've been reflecting, we found ourselves thinking about all that's changed in the world over the past 17 years—as well as the things we've lost, the things we've gained, and how time has both softened and deepened parts of our grief. We want to invite you into that conversation with us as we remember our girl and talk about what it's like to keep walking forward while still holding her memory close.If you're facing a difficult day on the calendar, or maybe you've been thinking about all that's changed since your child went to Heaven, we hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.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
Send me a Text Message- please include your contact information so I can respondWhat happens when a mother loses her child—and chooses to live bigger than grief?In this heart-opening episode of Grief to Growth, Brian D. Smith sits down with Melissa Hull—author of Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief, speaker, and coach—on the very day her book launches.Melissa shares the heartbreaking story of her 4½-year-old son Drew's drowning, and how that unimaginable pain became the foundation for a new life of purpose, faith, and healing. But this isn't a story of “moving on.” It's about carrying love forward, rewriting the rules of grief, and honoring your child's life through your own.
Jerry's passion is helping bereaved children. When I was first introduced to her, Jerry was described as a widowed mother with a heart for grieving kids. She'd written Joy Overcame Sorrow, a fictional tale for late‑elementary and middle‑school readers about a ten‑year‑old girl coping with her father's death. The story follows Joy's grief journey, letting parents buy a companion workbook so children can record their own feelings while reading. I booked Jerry for the show because listeners frequently ask how parents can support grieving children. I didn't realize her personal loss mirrored our own so closely. Jerry lost her husband her best friend — and raised their young family alone. Before that, she endured four pregnancy losses, including delivering and burying two infants, Jenny and Jesse. Those early tragedies marked her first encounter with deep grief and forced her to help her surviving kids navigate sorrow. Little did she know the next forty years would bring more loss, both as a widow and as a K‑9 teacher working with grieving students. In the classroom, Jerry advised fellow teachers on supporting grieving children. Many educators feel helpless; asking parents is tough because they, too, are immersed in grief. Colleagues urged her to write a book to help grieving children. Jerry had already published a non-fiction book, helping widows rediscover joy after loss, but writing for children would prove to be very different indeed. Instead of a non‑fiction how‑to guide, Jerry chose fiction — a powerful decision. Stories teach while comforting, allowing children to see themselves reflected without overt instruction. Kids gravitate to narrative—they don't want to feel singled out. By experiencing grief through Joy's eyes, they learn, empathize, and feel less alone. Her novel and its workbook now serve as a gentle bridge for families and teachers navigating the delicate path of loss together. To learn more about Jerry and her writing, visit drjerrylwoodbridge.com.
In the second half of my conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, we see what grief—and faith—can look like more than forty years after the death of a child. Terry's six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven in 1983, and while the ache of missing him has never gone away, Terry has discovered that joy and sorrow can coexist through a deep, abiding relationship with God.In this episode, Terry reflects on how grief has shaped his walk with God and how it has grown into a ministry of comfort for others through GriefShare. He shares candidly about how people and churches often struggle to support the bereaved, why those who are grieving sometimes have to take the first step in reaching out, and how helping others has become one of the greatest sources of healing in his own life.We talk about:What's changed—and what hasn't—in how our culture handles griefHow the church can better come alongside those who are hurtingThe lifelong evolution of a father's grief and faithHow serving others brings purpose and peaceThe powerful truth that “time doesn't heal; time with God heals”The freedom Terry found in finally releasing guilt and embracing his identity in ChristTerry's story is a portrait of what it looks like to keep growing, serving, and trusting God decades after loss. His honest reflections remind every grieving parent that while the pain remains, God's presence endures—and He can transform even our deepest sorrow into hope that lasts.Click HERE for more information about the GriefShare ministry, and to find a group in your area! 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
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
