Response to loss
POPULARITY
Categories
479 episodes with child loss
286 episodes with child loss
110 episodes with child loss
82 episodes with child loss
84 episodes with child loss
151 episodes with child loss
48 episodes with child loss
33 episodes with child loss
51 episodes with child loss
44 episodes with child loss
22 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
41 episodes with child loss
25 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
16 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
9 episodes with child loss
15 episodes with child loss
8 episodes with child loss
11 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
14 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
10 episodes with child loss
5 episodes with child loss
9 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
6 episodes with child loss
4 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
12 episodes with child loss
6 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
3 episodes with child loss
2 episodes with child loss
Today, we resume our conversation with Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they recount the events surrounding their son Jacob's unexpected passing in 2019, the way their family was gathered together, and the profound sense of God's presence in those hours. They speak honestly about shock, sorrow, and the weight of saying goodbye, while also sharing moments of comfort, reassurance, and hope that met them in the midst of deep grief.We also explore what the long road of loving and losing Jacob has taught them—about surrender, about living with unanswered questions, and about allowing grief to unfold without rushing it. Ken and Mary Sue offer gentle wisdom for grieving parents, encouraging listeners to feel what they feel, to take grief one day at a time, and to trust that God meets us even when the pain doesn't quickly resolve.As the conversation continues, they reflect on Jacob's ongoing legacy and the calling they felt to share his story through their book and beyond. Jacob's life, they remind us, continues to speak—pointing others toward faith, compassion, and the enduring truth that every life is worth living.Click HERE to listen to Part One of our conversation. Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook - Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.comI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
In this episode, I talk about the part of grief that doesn't fit the mold—the way loss makes you different, and how few people truly understand the way we navigate the world afterward. There's an unexpected empowerment that comes from owning that difference. From letting go of how grief should look. From stopping the need to be understood. And from building a life after loss in the way you need to, not the way others expect. If you've ever felt like a misfit in your grief, about how you're doing this and am looking for guidance on owning it, this one is for you. JOIN LOSSLINK.COM to find your loss posse ************************************* 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 @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Email: thekatherinelazar@gmail.com Website: 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 I'm joined by Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they begin sharing the story of their son Jacob—a story that would shape their family, their faith, and their understanding of what gives a life meaning.Our conversation takes us into the early years of Jacob's life, including his fragile beginning, a prolonged hospital journey, and the realities of raising a child with significant disabilities. Ken and Mary Sue reflect on the emotional and practical challenges they faced, as well as the unexpected joy and purpose they discovered along the way.They talk about Jacob's personality, his love for people, his unique way of communicating, and the quiet ways he ministered to others. Ken and Mary Sue also share how their questions, grief, and uncertainty gradually gave way to trust—and how Jacob became a teacher in their home, shaping their hearts and their perspective. In next week's episode, Ken and Mary Sue will continue sharing Jacob's story—walking us through the day his earthly journey came to an end, the sacred moments that followed, and the way God has met them in grief, healing, and hope. They'll also reflect on what Jacob's life and legacy continue to teach them, and how his story is still reaching others today, so be sure to come back next week!Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook - Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.com websiteI 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
Today's episode features a continuation of my conversation with Dawn Helms as we focus on life after the loss of her only child, Ben.Dawn shares practical, compassionate wisdom for parents in the early days of grief—about accepting help, resisting isolation, and leaning into community even when it feels hard. She reflects on the quiet that follows years of caregiving, navigating everyday questions, and approaching holidays when traditions feel overwhelming.Throughout our conversation, Dawn points to the faith that has sustained her—not a faith that takes the pain away, but one that meets her in it. She shares the Scriptures, music, and moments of God's provision that have helped her keep going.If you're a grieving parent listening today, I want to remind you that you don't have to walk this road alone. The While We're Waiting ministry hosts free, faith-based retreats for bereaved parents across the country, offering space for rest, understanding, and community. I would love to have the opportunity to meet you at one of our retreats! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
After the loss of a child, joy can feel impossible, like a door that has been permanently locked shut. In this episode, Laura gently shares three biblical, grace-filled keys that can help unlock your heart again after child loss. Drawing from her own journey as a bereaved parent and from her book When Tragedy Strikes, Laura explores how thankfulness, the Word of God, and extending care to others can slowly allow joy to take root, not as surface happiness, but as a deep, steady undercurrent. This episode offers encouragement for grieving parents who long to believe that joy is still possible, even when life will never look the same. Links Mentioned in this episode: This episode includes a session from the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss online workshops, created specifically for grieving parents navigating life after child loss. The workshops are based on the award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes and comes with a free eBook copy. Learn more at gpshope.org/wtscourse Click here to share your thoughts on the GPS Hope Facebook page (under the post of this podcast episode) or click here to share directly on the GPS Hope website in the comment section under the episode. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28. Adrian Augustine was born on January 17 and is forever 18. 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.
In this episode, I talk openly about God after the death of my son, Brody—what my faith looks like now, what it doesn't, and how it has changed in ways I never expected. I share my honest thoughts, doubts, anger, comfort, and the quiet moments where belief feels complicated but still present. I also dive into what it's like to parent after loss—how grief shows up in anxiety, how it lives in my body and my thoughts, and the things that genuinely help me when the fear gets loud. This isn't about having it all figured out; it's about surviving, regulating, and finding ways to feel safe in a world that no longer feels predictable. Finally, I talk about the way Brody's death reshaped how I show up in the world. The attitude I try to carry. The energy I try to contribute. The way loss softened me, sharpened me, and changed how I treat others—and myself. I also talk about a lot of other random stuff too LOL This episode is for anyone navigating faith after loss, parenting with grief, or trying to live gently and intentionally after their world has been shattered. You're not alone here.
This week on The Upload, host Brooke Taylor and co-host Pastor Mark Evans sit down with one of the most influential voices in Christian music, Steven Curtis Chapman, for a deeply personal and faith-filled conversation about transformation, tragedy, and the sustaining presence of God. Steven takes listeners back to the very beginning of his faith journey, growing up in what he describes as a “little crazy” home marked by conflict, broken examples, and hardship. He shares how, as a young boy in Paducah, Kentucky, he witnessed a miraculous shift in his family during a revival at their Baptist church — a moment that forever changed the trajectory of his parents’ lives and planted the first seeds of his own faith. About a year later, a single verse from Revelation “I stand at the door and knock” became the moment Steven says Jesus knocked on the door of his heart, beginning a lifelong walk with God. The conversation turns to one of the most painful chapters of Steven’s life: the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Maria Sue. With honesty and grace, Steven opens up about how his family navigated unimaginable grief, how the shortest verse in Scripture “Jesus wept” took on profound new meaning, and how God met them in their sorrow rather than abandoning them in it. He reflects on how the Lord has faithfully sustained his family and how Maria’s life and legacy continue through their work with Show Hope. Steven Curtis Chapman reminds us that faith is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God in the middle of it. This episode is for anyone who has wrestled with loss, questioned God in suffering, or needed reassurance that Jesus still draws near in our deepest grief.
Today's episode features the first half of my recent conversation with Dawn Helms, in which she shares the story of her only son Ben and the long journey of loving him through significant mental health challenges.For years, Dawn lived in a constant state of vigilance—managing diagnoses, medications, school struggles, substance abuse, and periods of incarceration. Her home was rarely quiet, not because life was easy, but because Ben required constant attention and advocacy. Dawn helps us get to know Ben beyond his struggles—his humor, compassion, and the deep bond they shared. She also reflects on a brief, sweet season when Ben was home before his death, and how everything changed for her when the caregiving ended and the house grew quiet.This episode will be especially meaning for parents who have lost an only child or who spent years living on high alert due to a child's mental health issues. Be sure to return for next week's episode when Dawn will share more about the early days of grief, the choices that helped her survive, and how God met her in the quiet. 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
January can feel isolating when you're grieving your child. The world is talking about fresh starts and new goals, but you may feel like you're living in a world you don't recognize anymore—because your child is no longer in it. In this episode, I'm naming why January often feels heavier than people expect after child loss, and why it makes sense if you don't want to "reset," "start over," or plan your way into a better version of yourself right now. This is about stepping out of the world's pressure—and finding a steadier place to stand. In this episode, you'll learn… Why the "new year" narrative can feel so disorienting after child loss How to recognize when cultural pressure is adding weight to your grief What it means to opt out of timelines and expectations that no longer fit your life How God begins in the empty, formless places—when you have nothing left to give If January has been making you feel out of place, behind, or quietly exhausted, I want you to know this: there is nothing wrong with you. You don't have to force progress to prove you're okay. Press play, take a slow breath, and let this episode remind you that God meets you right where you are—and He will not rush you. Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
Tis a new year my friends and honestly, it's the same shit. In this episode, I get super vulnerable you guys. I even go a little Tony Robbins on ya...I will say I'm super proud of myself for what I did in 2025 when it came to my health and wellness. I went IN trying to get my physical health and mental health back on track. Like GLP-1s, I did Ketamine, back to working out consistently, bible study, being present with my babies, changing up career paths, getting grief coach and educator certified, finding that balance with motherhood and grief, and just trying to get ME back...Well it was tough but I made it and I am proud but no one talks about that "Dig Out"...Where you have to consistently dig yourself out of a dark place all the time. It's honorable and shitty but we have to do it. I dive into this phenomena in hopes to hype you up and share that it's hard for me too.This is real life, I'm always honest with y'all and I always will be.Hope this helps mama
“Moving forward doesn't mean leaving my child behind.” As one year ends and another begins, many people are eager to turn the page. For bereaved parents, however, the arrival of a new year can feel heavy and overwhelming. A new calendar can make us feel like we're leaving our child behind—and that can be deeply painful.In this encore episode, Jill shares ten faith-anchored resolutions shaped by her own journey of grief after the loss of her daughter, Hannah. These are not resolutions about self-improvement or moving on, but about extending grace, caring for a grieving heart, and leaning fully on God's strength.Originally recorded near the close of 2020 in the height of the Covid pandemic, this episode acknowledges both personal loss and collective weariness, offering encouragement for grieving parents entering a new year they may not feel ready to face.In this episode, you'll hear reflections on:Why stepping into a new year can feel especially difficult after child lossBeing patient and kind with yourself as grief unfoldsExtending grace to others who don't know what to say or doLearning to communicate what you need—and honoring your limitsFinding joy in small, God-given momentsLetting go of guilt, blame, and “if only” thinkingStanding on God's truth when emotions feel overwhelmingDepending on God's strength when your own is goneThe episode closes with a prayer from Verdell Davis's book Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever, reminding listeners of the deep lessons learned in the valley and the sustaining grace of God who meets us there.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, & 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 Sean Dadashi to explore how journaling can support healing after suicide loss. We talk about why journaling often becomes a lifeline for grievers, how reflective practices help after traumatic loss, and why having accessible tools for processing grief matters — especially in the aftermath of a death by suicide.(P.S... I use and love this app!) Sean shares his own lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager, and how journaling helped him survive during a time when he felt untethered and overwhelmed. That experience eventually led him to co-found Rosebud, a therapist-backed journaling app designed to support emotional awareness, reflection, and personal growth.In this conversation, we discuss the cognitive science behind journaling, why it can be especially supportive after suicide loss, and how reflective practices help grievers begin to make sense of their inner world — without replacing therapy or crisis care. We're clear about boundaries: journaling is not treatment, and it is not emergency support — but it is a powerful companion tool for many people navigating grief and trauma.We also talk about:Why journaling after suicide loss can feel safer for some grievers than talking out loudHow micro-habits and gentle prompts support consistency without pressureThe difference between journaling, therapy, and crisis resourcesEthical technology use in mental-health spacesPrivacy, encryption, and responsible data handlingThe CARE Initiative, focused on safeguarding and accountability in mental-health technologyI also share why I personally value journaling as part of a broader support system after loss — including the option to speak rather than type, receive thoughtful prompts, and engage in reflection without having to “know what to say.”This episode is grounded, educational, and honest — offering grievers, supporters, and clinicians alike a clearer understanding of how journaling can support healing after suicide loss, while honoring the reality that no single tool is enough on its own Rosebud — Journaling App & Resources:
As the calendar turns toward a new year, many grieving moms feel an unexpected weight. Moving forward can feel disloyal. Hope can feel complicated. And the quiet question rises: How do I walk into a new year when my child is no longer walking beside me? In this episode, we return to Mary one final time. Scripture tells us she treasured these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary did not move forward by forgetting what she carried. She moved forward by holding love and life together. In this episode, you'll hear: Why stepping into a new year can stir guilt after child loss How Mary teaches us to carry memory and movement together Why loving your child deeply and living forward are not opposites How faith invites you to walk gently into what comes next This conversation offers permission to grieve, remember, and continue living — all at the same time. Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
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!
“The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child's name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.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!
In this final episode of the Advent series, we sit with Mary at the edge of Christmas — waiting, holding, trusting — long before joy was fulfilled. Mary did not know how everything would unfold, but she carried hope inside uncertainty. Her story reminds grieving moms that hope does not begin when circumstances change. Hope begins in the waiting. In this episode, you'll hear: Why hope often arrives before comfort or clarity How Mary held sorrow and promise together without forcing joy What quiet, real hope looks like for grieving moms during Christmas Why you don't need to perform happiness to experience God's presence If Christmas feels tender this year, this episode offers a gentle place to rest. Teresa Davis Your Grief Mentor Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
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!
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.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
