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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
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.
Gabriela Rosa, DrPH (Candidate, Harvard), is a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist, founder of The Rosa Institute, and author of Fertility Breakthrough: Overcoming Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage When Other Treatments Have Failed. She pioneered telehealth-based integrative fertility care, making evidence-based solutions accessible worldwide. She is also the creator and host of The Fertility Challenge, a free online program that reaches tens of thousands of people globally each year. Through her F.E.R.T.I.L.E. Method®, Gabriela has supported more than 204,000 people across 111 countries. Published research demonstrates a 78.8% live birth rate among patients in her signature program—even after years of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and failed treatments. In this episode we discuss mamas who have experienced YEARS of infertility as well as helping mamas after loss with conceive again. If you'd like to participate in her study regarding the effects of trauma and grief on fertility, please go to https://inspirestudy.online/ Find Gabriela on Instagram: @gabrielarosafertilityWebsite:https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ Find your loss posse on LOSSLINK.COM! Head to KatherineLazar.com to book a time with Katherine to discuss all things grief and loss*************************************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/
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
Some questions don't have easy answers. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does tragedy strike the lives of those who least deserve it?Christina Sy, also known as BC, knows the answer in a way most of us can't imagine. In 2017, she lost her two children and their father in a single devastating moment.In this exclusive interview, BC shares:The moments that almost broke her - and what got her throughHow she chose not just to survive, but to live fully againTurning grief into purpose through Join Sports Jam, a community built on legacy, connection, movement, and joyThe lessons her heartbreak taught her about resilience, love, and choosing lifeThis is not a story of tragedy. It's a story of what we do next.00:00 – 04:00 – The call that shattered BC's world. 04:00 – 09:00 – Facing impossible choices at the hospital. 09:00 – 12:00 – Uncovering domestic violence and the full scope of loss. 12:00 – 27:00 – Learning the tragedy was not an accident... 27:00 – 38:00 – Choosing survival every day despite trauma. 38:00 – 49:57 – Rediscovering joy and movement through dance and SportsJam 49:57 – 01:01:34 – Setting personal milestones and offering guidance to others.Learn more about BC and Sports Jam here: https://www.joinsportsjam.org/ Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/If you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.
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.
Join Will and Gabe as they walk through finding hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. #childloss. #loss #grief #fathers #fatherhood
On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by health and wellness practitioner Katy Gilberston for a heartfelt conversation about grief, gratitude, and the enduring presence of our loved ones. We begin by talking about relationships and how life transitions are often the backdrop for deeper emotional reflection.Katy opens up about her late son Jaxon, who would have turned 21 this year. She shares how his memory lives on through photos, fridge magnets, and the uncanny way her youngest son, Fox, recognizes him. As the seasons change and the veil between worlds feels thinner, Katy and I talk about how fall, Halloween, and full moons bring up both emotional and energetic shifts. Katy explains how the body remembers, especially around dates like Jaxon's birthday and angelversary, and how our grief often manifests physically.We explore the power of presence after physical death. Katy shares the experience of feeling her son's hand in hers, and I talk about sensing my mother's embrace and scent. These stories aren't just about memory; they are about connection. They are about knowing, deep in our bones, that love does not end. Katy also opens up about raising a child with Down syndrome and how becoming a parent transformed her in ways she never expected. She shares how her son's five-year battle with cancer prepared her to support others in their transitions—including her grandparents.This episode is a soulful reminder that grief is not the end of our story. It is often the beginning of rediscovery, of reconnecting with our inner child, our purpose, and our ability to feel joy again. Katy offers insight into the importance of asking for support, even when it is hard. From her husband's cancer journey to her son's heart surgery, she learned that vulnerability opens the door to healing.We also talk about Katy's upcoming book and her work with Hauora Wellness, Kalina Movement, and her monthly sound healing events. She is creating a transformation mentorship program to help others move through grief, illness, and identity loss. Katy embodies what it means to groove through adversity, and I cannot wait to have her back on the show when her book is released.Connect with Katy: https://www.hauorawellness.com/
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.
It's me hi, and I'm going in on a bunch of different topics! I had you submit them and I speak real talk on all of them...Firstly, wtf October 15th. How was it that this day was on total steroids. Like, so many companies posting about baby loss and it's just weird.Then I go into PAL, navigating parenting living kids, moving and major changes, early inductions with rainbows, overall how my bond with Brody has changed over the past 3.5 years, and a bunch of other things that I hope help you!I'm hosting *free* Virtual Grief Support Groups so be on the lookout for announcements!Go to LossLink.com to find your Loss Posse this holiday season! And I need your help! Spread the word about LossLink so that we can get more mama's who need us on the platform.KatherineLazar.com has all the downloads, info, etc.I will be starting 1:1 Grief Coaching so be on the lookout for when sign ups open!I love you guys and your babies xxoo*************************************NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. 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 @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/
Send us a textHOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEF AND TRAUMA is completely self-funded, produced, and edited by me, Nathalie Himmelrich.Consider making a small donation to support the Podcast: bit.ly/SupportGTPodcast. Thank you! For more information, please visit Nathalie's website, join the podcast's Instagram page, and subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on future episodes here.About today's episodeDuring October, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will dedicate all the episodes to increasing awareness around what parents experience. Today, we feature a conversation with Betsy Winter, a somatic practitioner sharing both about her personal experience after the stillbirth of her daughter and her work with parents who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.About this week's guestBetsy Winter is an experienced mind-body coach and somatic practitioner known for her effective methods in helping individuals transform profound loss and unresolved trauma into deep healing and embodied change. She believes in understanding individuals rather than pathologizing them, viewing each person as the expert of their own experiences. Her client-centred approach is aimed at those seeking self-discovery, deep healing, and sustainable change. Betsy is also a key contributor to the pregnancy and infant loss community, significantly involved in the creation and growth of RTZ HOPE's support groups, retreats, and provider resources. Her work is deeply influenced by the brief life of her daughter, Eliza, who was diagnosed with a severe heart defect and trisomy 18 at 31 weeks and stillborn at 41 weeks, and by her own journey of uncovering and healing from layers of unresolved complex trauma from early childhood neglect and abuse.Support the show
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
When your child went to heaven, the world saw one loss — but your heart knows it wasn't just one. It was friendships that faded when people didn't know what to say. It was family relationships that shifted when everyone grieved differently. It was dreams, routines, and the sense of who you were before everything changed. Grief doesn't stop at the moment of loss — it ripples into every part of life. In this episode, we're uncovering the collateral damage that most grieving moms never talk about — and the tender ways God begins to rebuild what feels beyond repair. In this episode, you'll discover: What the Bible shows us about God's timing when He seems silent in our pain Why the hidden losses beneath your child's death matter — and how naming them brings healing How to rebuild when faith feels different and relationships no longer fit What it means to live restored, not the same, but redeemed You don't have to keep pretending you're okay, friend. Press play — and let's talk about how God meets you in the wreckage and starts rebuilding your heart, one piece at a time. Grief Mentor Services 1:1 Grief Mentor Session A faith-centered hour to steady your heart, find peace and clarity, and leave with real tools and next steps. I pray over you before we even speak..
Oct. 11, 2025 marks the 11th Year since Cassidy died. In this special episode of Holding the Light, I'm here to share 11 things I wish someone had told me about child loss—the truth no one prepares you for, but every grieving parent deserves to hear.Grief doesn't end, but it changes. The things I want to share with you might not make your grief any lighter, but my hope is that sharing helps you feel less alone, in your journey.If you're carrying the weight of child loss, or love someone who is, this conversation may be the light you need today. What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.Our podcast's theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you've learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can't wait to hear from you!Love what you heard? leave us...
When your life has revolved around caring for your medically complex child, their absence changes everything: your routines, your identity, your relationships, and evenyour purpose in life.In this tender conversation, Stephanie Stanley shares what it's like to live through end of life decisions for your medically complex child and to continue on after the caregiving ends. We cover the isolation that follows, the way grief changed her relationships and community, and the small ways she's keeping Payton close.She also opens up about the support that helped her most, her advice for those walking alongside grieving parents, and what she wishes others understood about the grievingprocess after child loss.Just a note: this episode covers themes of grief,child loss, end of life decisions, and more. Please listen with care.If you have lost a child, may face child loss in the future, or simply care for someone who has been in a similar position, this is an episode you can't miss.Links: Listen to Ep 152: Stephanie's Story.Join The Rare Life newsletter andnever miss an update!Fill out our contact form to joinupcoming discussion groups!Follow us on Instagram @the_rare_life!Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @steph_stanley12Donateto the podcast or Contactme about sponsoring an episode.Follow the Facebook page. Join the Facebook group Parents of Children with Rare Conditions.Access the transcript on the website here. And if you love this podcast, please leave usa rating or review in your favorite podcast app!
Eight minutes. That is how long it took for Michael's life to be forever changed. In late November 2016, a fire broke out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unbeknownst to Michael, the winds picked up while he was driving with his oldest son, and the fires swept toward the family home. Michael is haunted by nightmares of his frantic drive back through the fires, trying to get back home. By the time he arrived, the fire had taken the lives of his daughters, Chloe and Lily, as well as his wife, Constance. In the months after the fires, as Michael struggled to sleep, he would write about his pain. One day, he posted a writing on Facebook. It "went nuts," causing Michael to start a blog. Michael continued in his dark world until November 2023, when he stood at the memorial for the fires. He whispered to the empty air, opening his heart to the girls he had lost. In the silence, he heard Chloe's voice, bright and urgent: “Daddy, it's time to do the work.” The words struck a chord deep inside him. That night, he enrolled in college, determined to learn how to translate his pain into something to help others. Thus, The Million Stages of Grief was born. Each chapter opens with an italicized fragment from his old blog — a snapshot of confusion, terror, or numbness. The remainder of the chapter presents the lessons he gathered in classrooms, therapy rooms, and through life's experiences, reshaping those dark moments into pathways forward. Before pressing “publish,” Michael whispered a brief prayer, handing the manuscript over to his girls, asking, "I am completely giving this to you. However big you want this to go, however many people you want to read it, I give it all to you." Years ago, while working as a zipline instructor, a woman kicked Michael, knocking him over. Inexplicably, five years later and one month after that prayer, she posted the video to TikTok, garnering 1.5 million views. Curious, Michael created his own TikTok account, stitching the video to a narration of his story and book. The new post surged to 2.5 million views. I guess his girls decided that their story needed to go very big indeed.
In this episode, Alexandra shares how her company, Alexandra & Wells, came to life out of love and loss. Together, we reflect on how our grief has evolved over the years and how motherhood—five years after loss—continues to take on new meaning. We talk about the reality of running a “grief business,” what it means to mother an angel long-term, and how we continue to redefine ourselves while keeping their memory close.Find her website here: https://alexandraandwells.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandraandwells/Find your loss posse at LossLink.comAll my resources are on KatherineLazar.com and @thekatherinelazar *************************************NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. 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 Shop 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/
This week we welcome Lawrence and Melissa Stone to discuss their book "Our Story[s]: The Unique Stories of a Husband and Wife's Journey Through Child Loss". They vulnerably share with us how they pulled through difficult times. Order the book by clicking hereGet in in contact with Jeremiah and Selina today for a free coaching consultation! Phone: 208.557.1227 email: info@coreconnection.org Website: Core Connection Our email: mentalhealthpod21@gmail.com
When a father loses a child, the world shifts forever. In this first half of my two-part conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, he takes us back more than forty years to the day his six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven—and the remarkable way God was already preparing his heart for that moment.Before TJ's death in December of 1983, Terry didn't believe in God. But through the faithful witness of a coworker and tender moments with his mother, seeds of faith were planted long before he knew how desperately he would need them. On the day that changed everything, Terry found himself praying for the first time—and discovering a God who met him right in the middle of his deepest pain.In this episode, we talk about:How God often begins preparing us for what's ahead, even when we don't see itThe shock of sudden loss and the early days of griefThe power of a simple, honest prayer: “God, help me”Why Terry calls the day of TJ's death both the worst and the best day of his lifeHow faith began to take root, even in the middle of unimaginable sorrowTerry's story is a tender reminder that even in our darkest moments, God's presence is near—and that the seeds He plants in quiet, ordinary seasons can one day sustain us through the unthinkable.Join us again next week for Part 2, where Terry shares how his grief and faith have continued to grow over the past forty years, how God has used his story to help others, and what hope looks like for a grieving dad who has learned to trust God with every chapter of his life.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
The one-year anniversary of your child's death is a day no parent ever wants to face. It can feel unbearably heavy, filled with painful "last time" memories and overwhelming emotions. In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura gently shares her heart on this topic, based on her own experience after the death of […] The post 317: Facing the One-Year Anniversary After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.
When your child dies, peace feels foreign. It's not just the absence of calm—it feels unreachable, like something other people get to have but you don't anymore. If that's you, friend, this episode will help you see peace differently. Not as something waiting at the end of your pain, but as a gift Jesus offers right in the middle of it. Here's what we'll explore together: Why the world's definition of peace will always leave you empty How Jesus' peace shows up even when the chaos doesn't stop The difference between striving for peace and receiving it as a gift Six characteristics of the peace that steadies a grieving heart Peace doesn't erase grief—but it does carry you when the weight feels too heavy to bear alone. Press play and let this message sit with you. Listen Next:
He should be here. Today's guest, Lindsay, says that these are the four most impactful words that have been said to her in the year since her 6-month-old son, Chase, died from bacterial meningitis. These words don't try to cheer her up or remind her of some grand plan. They simply acknowledge the wrongness of the whole situation. Lindsay's family no longer feels complete without Chase. Smiling 'Chasey' should be tagging along, trying to keep up with his big brother, Jack. Chase should be here. From the time her two boys were tiny babies, Lindsay would read to them. She loved reading board books by Nancy Tillman, especially 'On the Night You Were Born' and 'Wherever You Go: My Love Will Find You.' This second book begins with the line, 'I wanted you more than you'll ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.' The book goes on to describe how the mother's love will follow the child wherever he or she goes, whether it be going swimming, climbing trees, or marching in parades. It reminds the child that as they grow, their mother's love will continue to follow them throughout life. The last line of the book reads, 'You are my angel, my darling, my star, and my love will find you wherever you are.' Since Chase's death, Lindsay has truly realized the truth of that little board book. The book was certainly not written for grieving parents, but we can hold fast to the words of that book, can't we? Death does not end our love for our children. Our love continues to follow them after death. Lindsay's love for Chase has followed him all the way to heaven. In the year since Chase died, her love for Chase has not diminished. Her love has continued to grow just as it does for all mothers. On Chase's birthday, Lindsay now donates 70 copies of 'Wherever You Go: My Love will Find You' to the NICU where she works and Baby Chase once stayed. Certainly, Chase should be here as a laughing, smiling toddler, but as she sees parents read these books to their new babies, Lindsay remembers that their love for each other continues to grow, and these books will help spread that love even further.
Alexandra is the founder of the clothing brand Alexandra & Wells, created in honor of her son, Wells, who tragically passed away in 2019 due to a negligent labor and delivery. In this deeply emotional episode, Alexandra shares Wells' story publicly for the first time, along with the legal battle that followed as she sought justice for him.Out of her grief, Alexandra built a brand that has reached and comforted thousands of loss moms around the world. Her iconic sweatshirt, Mother of an Angel, was the very first piece of clothing I bought in honor of my son, Brody. I needed the world to know he existed, and wearing it kept him close to me. For that, I will always be grateful to Alexandra and what she has created—something I know countless other mothers feel as well.Her love for her son, and for all of our babies, shines through in everything she does. Alexandra is a true inspiration, turning unimaginable pain into a source of connection, remembrance, and love.Find her clothing here: https://alexandraandwells.com/ *************************************NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. 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 Shop Instagram @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/
“Surrender is not a moment; it's a posture I've had to return to again and again.”With these words, Julie South describes the ongoing journey she's walked since her daughter Bellah's homegoing. In this second part of our conversation, Julie shares honestly about living with PTSD, how trauma has impacted her family, and what surrender has looked like as she continues to walk with God through grief.She also reflects on how her grief has evolved nearly six years later, why simple practices like worship rooted in Scripture and putting up the Christmas tree in October have become anchors of hope, and the significance of the phrase “the best is yet to come.”Julie shares encouragement for moms who are just beginning their grief journey and talks about the new While We're Waiting support group she and her husband, Scott, are preparing to begin in Florida.This conversation is tender, honest, and full of reminders that even in the darkest seasons, God holds us fast.Click HERE to learn more about the Sibling Lifeline retreats for adult bereaved siblings. 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 us a textHOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEF AND TRAUMA is completely self-funded, produced, and edited by me, Nathalie Himmelrich. Consider making a small donation to support the Podcast: bit.ly/SupportGTPodcast. Thank you! For more information, please visit Nathalie's website, join the podcast's Instagram page, and subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on future episodes here.About this week's episodeToday on the podcast, I'm speaking with Tamara Gabriel. In our conversation, we look back over almost 30 years since the death of her daughter, a decade since speaking about Jenna's death, to when we worked on the book Surviving My First Year of Child Loss in 2017, to now, 10 years later. Her nine-year-old daughter Janna died over the Fourth of July weekend in 1997, when Tamara was driving to a friend's home. The car hydroplaned and collided with another car, killing Janna.Tamara became isolated in her grief and felt people had turned away from her. She responded by writing a poem about the importance of hugs:If You See MeIf you see me, do not run . . .I know that talk is not much fun.I know your hearts are sure to tug,But all I need is just a hug.After her poem was published in the local paper, many people approached her, saying they'd read it, and then hugged her.Sixteen years later, in 2013, Tamara started Healing Hugs. This nonprofit organisation assists with funeral-related services or other expenses. For example, when Tamara learned that, for a number of complicated reasons, a child did not yet have a headstone, she offered to provide one for his grave.About this week's guestTamara Gabriel is a massage therapist. She works with her husband, who is a psychiatrist in his medical clinic. They've been together for 23 years, married for 19, they are happily married and living in Arizona, a dream they've always looked forward to together.Support the showFind support: Offers - free and paid Support the show: Become a supporter of the show! Starting at $3/month Join Facebook Group - Grief and Trauma Support Network Download the FREE grief resource eBook Book a Discovery Call Leave a review Follow on socials: Instagram Facebook Website
What was wrong with me? Was I not good enough? Would it ever be possible to become a mum and navigate infertility problems, willy nilly partners, costly medical procedures, possible child loss and becoming older or single in the process? The answer is yes - and the strategies we will present you come from Cheri Bergeron, an author and like coach, who went through all the above, and now from the other side, as a fulfilled mum of two, educates and empowers women who feel the call to become mothers. Cheri will show us the many diverse paths we can explore to reach the end goal of having a child to love, support and encourage to reach his potential. She will also outline how her faith has grown during the process, the importance of healing before we embark in this long journey and why she thinks that God still loves us even when he is not immediately fulfilling the righteous desire to mother a child. Her personal journey includes a successful career in IT, years of IVF, child illness and loss, and the realities of “geriatric pregnancy.” Her nonprofit, Cheri's Choice, provides education, counseling, and community support for women seeking non-traditional paths to motherhood. Her mantra? If the glass slipper doesn't fit, screw the fairy tale! Become a mother on your terms. Today, from her home in Austin, Texas, she empowers women to reject limiting fairy tales and boldly chart their own paths to motherhood — even without a Prince Charming. Link to Cheri'sbook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k7VNqE Author website: www.cheribergeron.com Cheri's Choice (nonprofit): www.cherischoice.com Video link: https://youtu.be/QCX60PAXkdU Topics covered: infertility, motherhood, solo motherhood, single mom, single mother by choice, IVF, in vitro fertilization, egg freezing, donor egg, sperm donor, surrogacy, adoption, geriatric pregnancy, high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy over 40, child loss, grief, faith, motherhood on your own terms, Cheri's Choice, women's empowerment, fertility journey, trying to conceive, reproductive health, single parents, family building Did you enjoy this episode and would like to share some love?
When you're grieving, every voice feels loud—opinions, news, social media, even your own thoughts. But how do you know which one to follow? In this episode, I share one simple, biblical step that will help you quiet the confusion and recognize God's voice in the middle of grief. In this episode, you'll hear: Why so many voices sound convincing but aren't life-giving The danger of letting the wrong voice lead your grief journey The one test that brings peace and clarity when nothing else makes sense Listen next: Episode 215: How to Discern Truth from Lies in Grief (Part 1) Episode 186: Will I Ever Get Better? A Grieving Mom's Guide to Finding Hope in the Chaos Episode 187: How Do I Stop Pretending I'm Okay? The Hidden Messages Shaping Your Grief Grief Mentor Services 1:1 Grief Mentor Session A faith-centered hour to steady your heart, find peace and clarity, and leave with real tools and next steps. I pray over you before we even speak..
Emilie is a mother to three boys: two on earth, one in heaven. Her identical twin boys were born - one sleeping, one living - on July 1, 2024 via emergency c-section due to spontaneous Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). She & her husband founded The Kaiden Paul Foundation to raise awareness, promote research & support families affected by TAPS. Emilie works as a pediatric neurosurgical PA-C & navigated going back to work at the hospital where her twins were born. If you have an insight on how to help, or to connect with a fellow TAPS mama, find Emily on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/the_kaiden_paul_foundation/ FIND YOUR LOSS POSSE AT LOSSLINK.COM! Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE to help support the podcast All resources are located on KatherineLazar.com!*************************************NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. 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 @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/
I feel like God arranges for certain guests to come on the podcast just when I need them most. On the day of this interview, I was particularly weepy, missing Andy even more than I normally do. I think God knew I needed someone to cry with, and Nancy was that someone. Nancy calls her son, Jacob, her Buddha baby, weighing 11 pounds 3 ounces at birth. The bib that they brought with them to the hospital would not even fit around his neck. However, that was not the only reason Jacob was called her Buddha Baby. Even as an infant, Jacob seemed to be a calming presence to everyone around him. Shortly after graduating from high school, Jacob was feeling a bit tired while working a new job. He noticed a lump that was quickly determined to be lymphoma. However, cancer did not slow him down. Jacob was determined to keep living his best life and even started school after his diagnosis. When beginning a new cancer treatment, it was expected that he would be in the hospital for a relatively short stay and then move on with life. In fact, at 19 years of age, Jacob would only let Nancy stay a certain number of hours each day so he could have some privacy. Suddenly, one evening after Nancy went back to her hotel, everything changed. In a matter of hours, Jacob suffered severe complications from the treatment, leading to brain swelling. Jacob, her amazing teenage Buddha, was gone. In the five months between Jacob's death and this interview, Nancy feels as if she has been living in a fog. She finds that she just wants to keep moving and walking constantly. At times, she wondered if she would even be able to make it back home. Tears still come daily. She has joined support groups, where she talks to other bereaved mothers who get it. She listens to my podcast during long walks. Nancy talks to Jacob and looks for signs of him in nature. So in today's episode, we talked about and cried for our boys. She understood my pain, and I understood hers, and after an hour of talking and crying, I knew that we both felt just a little bit better. So thank you, God, for sending Nancy just when we needed each other most.
“Even in the halls of the hospital, God showed me I was not alone.” I'm excited today to introduce you to my friend Julie South. In this first half of our conversation, Julie shares the story of her daughter Bellah—a joyful, compassionate little girl whose life was marked by both laughter and serious medical challenges. Julie talks about how her daughter Makaylah's health struggles prepared their family for medical adoption, how God led them to Bellah, and the joy Bellah brought to their home.We also discuss what it looked like to navigate countless hospital stays, major surgeries, and ultimately a five-organ transplant—and how God's presence was evident even in the darkest hospital hallways.Next week, in Part 2 of our conversation, Julie will share about her experience with PTSD after Bellah's homegoing and how she is now coming alongside other grieving parents to bring hope and encouragement. I know you will be blessed by what she has to share in both episodes! 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
When the world is loud and confusing, even the strongest believer can struggle to know what's real and what's not. But when you're grieving your child, that battle becomes even harder. Your mind and heart are already tender, your emotions raw, and every headline, opinion, or social media post can feel like another weight on top of your grief. That's why you need a filter—a faith-based way to sort through the noise and discern what's true, what's false, and what you can safely let go. In this first episode of a 3-part series, Teresa shares how to build a simple FAITH filter to protect your heart and mind after child loss. You'll learn how to: Guard your heart when the world's voices feel louder than God's Recognize what you're taking in without even realizing it Filter what you read, what you hear from others, and what you start to believe about God, your child, and your future Apply a practical acronym (FAITH) to test every thought and message you absorb Friend, discerning truth from lies is hard enough when life is going smoothly. In grief, it can feel nearly impossible. But you don't have to do it alone—and God has given us a way forward.
If despair has been weighing you down after child loss, you're not alone. There's a difference between being knocked down by despair and making it your permanent address — but how do you tell the difference? In this episode, Teresa opens up about what despair really is, why it feels so powerful, and where hope in Christ meets us in the middle of it.
"We often gain spiritual maturity through the hard times, the rough seasons of our lives.” Shantel Dudley is a mother to 18 children: four biological kids, three stepchildren, and 11 children with special medical needs from foster care. Shantel is no stranger to tough times. She has “rocked six children into heaven.” At her lowest point, Shantel lay in bed, afraid of what might happen next. She started watching videos of inspiring Christian women who faced the hardest losses, remained honest and faithful, and continued to be used by God. Shantel is one of these inspiring women herself! Listen to this mini retreat podcast and let your heart be set on fire with love of Christ. Explore God's call in your life, understand how He's always present and loving—even when you feel like you're not measuring up—and learn how to root your identity and life in Him. Be blessed with greater clarity about “who you are and whose you are.”
Grief and Laughter. At first glance, it may seem like these words could be considered polar opposites, but as we grieve, moments of laughter and joy can be a balm for the soul. The intense pain of grief oftentimes feels overwhelming. It is deep and dark, and it can feel like it will go on forever. I remember the first time that I laughed after Andy died. I felt tremendous guilt. Andy was dead. I felt like I should never laugh again. I should be sad every moment of every day. But that is not how we were made. We were created to be beings that felt joy and happiness. My mind wouldn't let me stay in the darkness continuously, and that is a good thing. Laughter can bring a tremendous release of emotions in much the same way that crying brings release. Most people do not feel guilty when they cry during grief, but laughter can cause guilt. My hope is to help people learn that laughter is amazing medicine for the soul and not something to avoid. This week's podcast is an edited release of the Livestream with Gwen. (If you tuned in and had a difficult time listening due to technical problems, I apologize. This version is much better!) Gwen shares her wisdom on the benefits of laughter and learning to reintroduce laughter into our lives while still navigating through the depths of our pain. We are certainly not suggesting that someone can simply let go of their grief and choose to be happy. (Many people have said those words to me, and frankly, that is simplistic and absurd.) We are asking you to seek out moments of laughter and joy. Seek out people in your life who make you feel good, even if it's only for a few hours or a few minutes. For me, the best people to laugh with are actually other bereaved parents. It feels safe to laugh with them, knowing that they will not judge me if I laugh and cry at the same time. Having those people and moments in your life may help make the pit of grief feel a little less dark and help you feel a little less alone.
Kim Allison returns to the While We're Waiting podcast to share more of her story—this time opening up about the loss of her husband, Herb, to suicide, and how God is redeeming the broken pieces of her life. She reflects on her two babies in Heaven, Benjamin and Jeremiah, the vibrant life of her son Timothy, who went to Heaven in 2021, the deep valleys of grief she has walked through, and the tools that have helped her trade sorrow for peace. This tender, yet hope-filled conversation points us to God's faithfulness, even in our darkest moments. Click HERE and HERE to listen to my previous conversation with Kim Allison in November of 2022.Kim's email address to request a copy of her book: allisontimes@yahoo.comEmail Jill at jill@whilewerewaiting.org by Monday, September 22, at 12:00 pm (CST) and share with her what was most meaningful to you about this episode to be entered in a drawing for one of Kim's books!Click HERE to order a copy of Timothy Allison: A Life Well-Lived on Amazon ... or to read it FREE on Kindle.Click HERE to order a copy of Desperate Trust: Clinging to God When your World Falls Apart which Kim wrote after the loss of her babies. 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
Friend, does your soul feel restless after loss? Maybe your mind won't stop racing, your heart never stops aching, and no matter how tired you are, your body doesn't find rest. I remember feeling that way after Andrew died — like nothing could quiet the storm inside me. But Psalm 23 tells us something different: “He leads me beside still waters; He refreshes my soul.” What does that really mean when your life feels anything but peaceful? In this episode, we'll talk about: Why grief makes your soul feel so thirsty and unsettled What W. Phillip Keller, a real-life shepherd, teaches us about “still waters” The difference between the world's quick fixes and the refreshment Jesus offers How to let the Good Shepherd restore your soul right where you are If you've been desperate for peace, this conversation will remind you — the Shepherd knows exactly where to lead you.
Today's guest, Catherine, says that in many ways, she grieved for her daughter, Helen, not once but twice. The grieving began after she suffered complications during delivery, which led to seizures that began shortly after birth and multiple medical complications. Catherine grieved for the life she had hoped and dreamed of for Helen. Then, fourteen years later, Catherine's grief started fresh when Helen died unexpectedly in her sleep. Although Catherine says that she grieved Helen twice, Helen's 14 years were not years full of sadness and grief. They were joy-filled years. Catherine loved being Helen's hands and feet. She loved seeing her eyes light up and give big smiles. Catherine was a part of Helen, and Helen was a part of her. One day, when Helen was young, the two of them were watching TV, and Catherine saw the inspirational story of Team Hoyt, a father-son duo who competed in over 1,100 races, including numerous Ironman Triathlons. Son Rick suffered from cerebral palsy, but said that when racing in a specialized wheelchair with his dad, Dick, he felt freedom and joy. After Helen died, Catherine felt lost. She did not know what to do with herself without Helen being beside her. When asking her priest for advice, he answered that he didn't know what she should do, but that for many, participation in sport could be a good healing modality. That's when Catherine began to think once again about the inspirational story of the Hoyts. She knew that she couldn't physically swim, run, and bike with Helen, but perhaps she could still be with her emotionally. That's exactly what Catherine did. Her first triathlon was done almost secretively, with only her husband's knowledge. As she waited in the water of the lake at the beginning of the race, wondering if she had made a mistake in signing up, until the sun began to rise, and she felt Helen with her. Over the years, Catherine has continued to train and now races in an Ironman triathlon each year, following in the Hoyts' footsteps. She compares the training to her life, first as a mom of a special needs child and now as a bereaved mom. She chronicles her journey in her book, Finding My Stride: A Guide to Finding Power Raising a Child with Special Needs.
"The cradle is a temporary comfort—but the eternal comfort comes from the hope of the gospel.” ~Ashley OpligerIn this second half of my conversation with Ashley Opliger, she takes us back to the day of Bridget's birth and describes the tender moments she and her family shared with their tiny daughter, who weighed just 13 ounces. Ashley shares how her mother's handmade cradle gave Bridget dignity and allowed their family precious time to hold, cherish, and photograph her.What began as one simple cradle has now grown into Bridget's Cradles, a ministry that has donated more than 250,000 cradles and keepsakes to grieving families in over 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. Ashley also talks about her book, Cradled in Hope, written as a conversation between two moms, and the scriptures that have grounded her heart through the losses of both her daughter and her dad.Ashley's story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of unimaginable pain, God is faithful to bring comfort, purpose, and the hope of Heaven with our children.Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Ashley.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Bridget's CradlesAshley Opliger's WebsiteCradled in Hope bookCradled in Hope PodcastWhile We're Waiting Retreats & ResourcesI 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
Our Healing Heroine series continues with Jodi, joined by Hero and Mindset Coach Katie Wee. Jodi opens up about her son, Pao, and her experience helping him navigate his mental health struggles. In this heartfelt conversation we discuss his passions, the community that loved him, and her journey of navigating life after his suicide learning to carry her grief while still honoring his story.Almost a year after Pao's passing, Jodi attended Katie's Happy Camp retreat, where she began to discover that healing isn't about “moving on,” but about finding small ways to move forward—sometimes just one moment at a time. From creating safe spaces at home to finding supportive spaces in your community, to healing modalities like meditation and grief counseling, Jodi reflects on what has helped her keep going in moments when it felt impossible.This conversation is a reminder that while grief has no ending, you can still find joy again. What You Will Learn [00:13:30] The transition process for teens after crisis care, including partial hospitalization and IOP [00:15:00] Creating a “safe house” with no sharps, weapons, or medications — and the social limits that can come with it for a teenager [00:16:30] Jodi's son's passions, including his for Japanese culture and anime [00:19:30] Why it's so difficult to distinguish crisis from “normal teenage” behavior [00:36:15] The importance of surrounding yourself with a community during grief [00:38:30] How hitting rock bottom pushed Jodi to try every possible healing practice [00:40:30] Taking the leap to attend Katie's Happy Camp as a major turning point in Jodi's healing [00:45:00] The power of Katie's guided meditation and why it was life-changing for Jodi [01:05:45] A grief truth: “Grief has a beginning. It has a middle, but it doesn't have an end.” Let's Connect!Follow The Healing Heroes on Instagram & LinkedIn.Jodi Aroma Wellness BoutiqueCode: HEROES20 for 20% Off (from now until Columbus Day Weekend)Katie WeeWebsite | InstagramChandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramMixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.
Overwhelmed by the Everyday After Child Loss Episode 211 — The Grief Mentor Podcast Why does everything feel so difficult after your child is no longer walking beside you? The laundry piles up. Dinner feels impossible. A trip to the store can leave you frozen in the aisle. Even simple decisions can feel unbearable. Friend, you are not alone. Grief changes everything—your body, your mind, your energy, your capacity. What once felt effortless now feels overwhelming. In today's episode, Teresa shares her own story of standing paralyzed in a grocery aisle after her son Andrew died, and together we'll talk about why ordinary life feels so heavy in grief—and the steps you can take to begin easing the overwhelm. In this episode: Why everyday tasks become so hard after loss How grief affects your body and your ability to function A personal story that may feel all too familiar in your own experience Practical steps to help lighten the daily weight of grief Gentle encouragement for the days when you can barely manage the basics Friend, if you are struggling to keep up with daily life right now, remember—there is nothing wrong with you. You are grieving. And God sees the weight you carry. ✨ Listen now and be reminded that you don't have to do this alone. Listen next Will I Ever Get Better? (Ep. 186) How Do I Stop Pretending I'm Okay? (Ep. 187) Why Seasons Trigger Grief—and What To Do About It (Ep. 209) How to Know if You're Healing or Just Hiding (Ep. 200) _________________________________________________________________ Grief Mentor Resources: Seven Free Ways The Grief Mentor Can Support You: Free Grief Survival Guide – The exact steps I used to keep me alive in that first year. Download your free copy at The Grief Mentor Website(scroll to the bottom of the page). Free Grief Masterclass – A two-day event packed with tools to help you navigate grief, available on my website. The Grief Mentor Website Need access to Day 2? Reach out, and I'll send it to you! Teresa's Grief Worship Playlist – Music is hard, I get it. But this playlist gave me courage for tomorrow and confidence for the future. Find it at the bottom of my homepage or reach out if you need the direct link. Weekly Newsletter – Encouragement straight to your inbox every Tuesday with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and links to both podcast episodes. Become A Grief Mentor Insider The Grief Mentor Blog – A new way to support you with faith-filled encouragement in your grief journey. The Grief Mentor Blog Monthly Support Group – A safe space where we say our children's names, share our stories, and find hope together. Join The Support Group The Grief Mentor Podcast-Released twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Going Deeper Going Deeper: 1-on-1 Grief Mentor Sessions Maybe you've realized that living without your child is harder than you ever imagined. If you need deeper support, come sit with me, friend. This isn't a casual meet-and-greet—it's an intentional, Spirit-led time where I pray over you before we even speak. If you're ready for that kind of support, book a Grief Mentor Session. XOXO Teresa-Your Grief Mentor
Ever find yourself standing in your kitchen, forgetting how to peel an orange? Or panic in a parking lot because you don't remember driving to the store, much less remember where you parked? You are not alone. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Laura shares what it's like to experience a "mental breakdown" in […] The post 313: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.
Belief expansion. As they navigate life, all adults develop a core set of beliefs. When tragedy strikes, sometimes these core beliefs can be shaken. Some grieving people lose their sense of spirituality, while others gain a deeper, stronger faith after experiencing trauma. Dave was trained as a therapist, but nothing in his training prepared him for his 18-year-old daughter, Jeannine's cancer diagnosis and death. He grew up in the Christian church with some Christian traditions, but Dave's core values and beliefs were grounded in science. Dave realized in the months and years after Jeannine's death, he needed more. Science alone did not bring him the comfort or peace he needed. Dave says by pure serendipity, an interfaith minister named Patty entered his life. (I like to think this was by divine intervention, but I digress.) Dave had a spiritual experience with Patty that changed his life forever. Over the next ten years, Dave began exploring more and more ideas of spirituality with Patty and others. Dave said that he began to realize he did not have to abandon his core beliefs and values to adopt additional beliefs that aligned with and complemented his perspective. Dave now asks himself, "What can I add here that is going to help me get through this part of my life?" He truly feels that if he had continued in the old set of beliefs that he had when Jeannine died, he would not be where he is today. Dave said, "My journey demanded that I needed to embrace different perspectives about how I saw myself, how I saw the world, and how I saw my values if I was going to reengage in life again while still honoring my grief." Dave wrote a book about his experiences and conversations with Patty called, 'When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister," available on Amazon. He also now hosts a podcast, The Teaching Journeys (listen for me on an upcoming episode). On the podcast, Dave continues his own journey of belief expansion by learning from the stories of others who have experienced challenges in life. Dave says, "We are all students and teachers...let's learn from each other." I cannot think of a more amazing way to learn.
“Lament is slowing down to sit in the sadness and bring it to God.” ~Ashley OpligerThe importance of lament is just one of the topics I discussed with Ashley Opliger on the podcast this week. Ashley is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and the founder of Bridget's Cradles, a nonprofit ministry she started in memory of her daughter, Bridget. In this first half of our conversation, Ashley shares her daughter Bridget's story—the gift of her pregnancy, the joy of preparing for her arrival, and her heartbreaking loss at 24 weeks gestation. We talk about the depth of grief experienced after pregnancy and infant loss, the sting of unhelpful comments, and how lament has been a lifeline in Ashley's walk with God. She offers gentle encouragement for moms who may be struggling to pray, wrestling with doubts, or questioning God's goodness in the midst of their sorrow.This episode tenderly reminds us that every baby's life—no matter how brief—has eternal worth.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Bridget's CradlesAshley Opliger's WebsiteCradled in Hope bookCradled in Hope PodcastWhile We're Waiting Retreats & ResourcesI 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
Sisters in Loss Podcast: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, & Infertility Stories
Motherhood is what today's guest calls a “Rites of Passage” to the best hoods on Mother Earth. Ariane Oyere is a wife and mother of 7. She experience the lost of her 3rd born at 9 years old and then two miscarriages after his Sunset. Her babies she refers to as the Summer Solstice. In this episode, Oyere takes us back to her greatest obstacles in losing her Sunsets. She reframes child loss and miscarriage into sunset experiences. We also discuss lactation through bereavement and other spiritual modalities for healing. This episode is for you to listen to if you have experienced a miscarriage or loss and want to learn how to reframe your thinking into naming them sunset experiences. Become a Sisters in Loss Birth Bereavement, and Postpartum Doula Here Living Water Doula Services Book Recommendations and Links Below You can shop my Amazon Store for the Book Recommendations You can follow Sisters in Loss on Social Join our Black Moms in Loss Online Weekly Grief Support Group Join the Sisters in Loss Online Community Sisters in Loss TV Youtube Channel Sisters in Loss Instagram Sisters in Loss Facebook Sisters in Loss Twitter You can follow Erica on Social Erica's Website Erica's Instagram Erica's Facebook Erica's Twitter
In this sacred and soul-stirring episode of Mind Your Own Karma, I'm joined by the beautiful soul behind Children of the Cosmos, Lisa Winter, a self-taught medium who helps women and families connect with their children in spirit. After the loss of her seventh child in the womb, she experienced a spiritual awakening that shifted her grief into purpose. We talk about how she now channels these spirit baby connections, how it helps grieving families heal and evolve, and why validating every stage of grief is so important. She's on a mission to be the light for others that she once searched for herself-and to make this work accessible to all through donation-based offerings. Topics we explore in this episode:• Spirit babies and the mediumship connection.• Turning personal grief into spiritual service.• Why healing should never be a solo journey.• The power of validation through every stage of grief.• Her book, her purpose, and what she hopes families take away.Connect with Lisa Winter: https://www.lisawinter.co.uk/FIND MELISSA:MYOK on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind_your_own_karmaMYOK on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindyourownkarmaMYOK on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourOwnKarmaSOMATIC HEALING JOURNEYS:https://www.somatichealingjourneys.com/#SpiritBabies #GriefHealing #SpiritualAwakening #Mediumship #SoulMastery #ChildLossSupport #SpiritualConnection #HealingAfterLoss #EnergyHealing #SelfTaughtMedium #BeyondTheVeil #HealingJourneys #EmotionalHealing #ValidateGrief #MindYourOwnKarma #SomaticHealingJourneys #DonationBasedHealing #ChildrenOfTheCosmos #PsychoSpiritualHealing #WomenSupportingWomen #LossAndLight #GriefSupport #HolisticHealing #SacredGriefWork
Near the end of today's interview, my guest, Miranda, said one of the most beautiful sentences that I have ever heard from a bereaved mom, especially one who is only 9 months into her grief journey. Miranda said, "Denver's death is going to be my reason, not my excuse - my reason to get up, my reason to do, my reason to survive, and my reason to love." Denver was a happy, healthy toddler who had just celebrated his first birthday when he died from accidental suffocation while he slept. His birthday theme just weeks before had been 'One Happy Dude,' so Miranda and her family used the decorations for his funeral. His funeral was full of yellow smiley faces and lots of bright colors. The family handed out smiley face pins at the funeral. Every summer, their hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta, has a hot air balloon festival. This year, Miranda had the idea that one of the pilots might be able to take a picture of Denver up in a brightly colored hot air balloon during he festival. By the time the festival began, all thirty hot air balloons contained pictures of Denver. Many of the balloonists are international and continue to bring the picture of Denver with them as they fly all over the world. This month, Denver's picture is flying with a hot air balloon over Italy. I have shared many times about bringing Andy's teddy bear with us as we travel to help us have a symbol of Andy with us. Continuing to live and make happy memories without him is challenging. Living without Denver's smile and laugh each day is extremely difficult, yet Miranda continues to get up and try. She, too, often travels with a little teddy bear she can hug when the pain of missing Denver feels too great. Miranda's goal is to try to keep on living in the best way that she can - her reason to live and not her excuse. Each day still contains tears for Denver, but the tears no longer flow all day. She tries to look for smiley faces around her as she thinks of Denver's little picture flying in hot air balloons. Every time I see a hot air balloon, I will wonder if a little bit of Denver might be up there in its basket.
In this second half of our conversation, Kelly opens her heart about the unique challenges of losing a child to suicide and the long road of learning to live with deep grief. She reflects on the endless “what if” questions, the weight of not knowing, and the disorientation that comes with walking through such profound loss.Kelly also shares about the “waypoints” that marked her first year of grief—things like unknowing, providence, compassion, God's presence, gratitude, and even disbelief. Each one became a reminder that even in the valley of sorrow, God was there. Nearly three years later, Kelly testifies to the hope of the resurrection, the nearness of heaven, and the peace she finds in knowing Ernesto is safely with Jesus.This is a tender and faith-filled conversation about love, loss, and God's sustaining presence. Kelly's words will bring comfort to anyone who grieves and encouragement to all who are seeking hope beyond this broken world.Click HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation. 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 God Absent in My Grief? Living with Unanswered Questions After Child Loss Have you ever whispered in the dark, “God, where are You?” When your child is no longer walking beside you, the silence can feel unbearable. The ache of unanswered questions presses in: Why my child? Why now? Why this way? In this episode, we step into the raw space of those questions and open Scripture to see how others—like Habakkuk, Job, and David—wrestled with God in their grief. You'll hear how God responded to them, and how His timing and presence speak into the silence we face today. Together we'll explore: Why unanswered questions don't mean unanswered prayers How God's timing differs from our urgency The hope hidden in Habakkuk's cry: “Lord, how long?” Why waiting on God is not abandonment but love You don't have to erase your questions to have faith. God is not absent—He is working in ways you may not see yet. _________________________________________________________________ Grief Mentor Resources: Seven Free Ways The Grief Mentor Can Support You: Free Grief Survival Guide – The exact steps I used to keep me alive in that first year. Download your free copy at The Grief Mentor Website(scroll to the bottom of the page). Free Grief Masterclass – A two-day event packed with tools to help you navigate grief, available on my website. The Grief Mentor Website Need access to Day 2? Reach out, and I'll send it to you! Teresa's Grief Worship Playlist – Music is hard, I get it. But this playlist gave me courage for tomorrow and confidence for the future. Find it at the bottom of my homepage or reach out if you need the direct link. Weekly Newsletter – Encouragement straight to your inbox every Tuesday with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and links to both podcast episodes. Become A Grief Mentor Insider The Grief Mentor Blog – A new way to support you with faith-filled encouragement in your grief journey. The Grief Mentor Blog Monthly Support Group – A safe space where we say our children's names, share our stories, and find hope together. Join The Support Group The Grief Mentor Podcast-Released twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Going Deeper Going Deeper: 1-on-1 Grief Mentor Sessions Maybe you've realized that living without your child is harder than you ever imagined. If you need deeper support, come sit with me, friend. This isn't a casual meet-and-greet—it's an intentional, Spirit-led time where I pray over you before we even speak. If you're ready for that kind of support, book a Grief Mentor Session. XOXO Teresa-Your Grief Mentor
Kelly Uribe joins me today to the story of her son Ernesto—a vibrant, adventurous, and deeply loved young man. She describes his big personality, his penchant for "people gathering", and the artistic eye that set him apart. She also shares about the spring when everything began to change, leading their family into a long and arduous journey through the mental health care system, and ultimately to Ernesto's death by suicide in the fall of 2022.With great transparency, Kelly recounts the countless appointments, medications, therapies, and programs they pursued in hopes of finding healing for Ernesto. She talks about the challenges of navigating insurance, the hidden isolation families often feel, and the exhaustion of trying to parent a teen in crisis while clinging to hope.This episode gives us a window into the realities many families face but few discuss openly. It's a story of deep love, heartbreaking struggle, and the assurance that God was there with them through each uncertain step.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
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