Those of us who have lost a child have been through a trauma. We are dealing with traumatic grief. Many parents also have PTSD. How do we get through the suffocating darkness and things like night terrors? Some go to their physician who will write them prescriptions for anxiety or to help them sleep.
It is very easy to get hooked on these prescriptions, needing higher and higher doses to work. Quite often, alcohol gets added to the mix of trying to numb the pain.
What happens when your spouse turns to these things? Today’s episode is talking to two dads who both lost their sons, and whose wives turned to these harmful ways of coping with the pain of child loss for several years. (You can hear both of these moms/wives share their stories in episode 154.)
Being a believer in Christ does not automatically keep you from experiencing heartache and tragedy in this world. It also does not mean you will run to Him immediately for comfort, especially when we know He could have prevented the tragedy. Things like prescription drug abuse and alcohol abuse are more common among Christians after child loss than we might think and is important to talk about.
There is no judgment in this, only care, compassion and extending hope for a way out, along with encouragement for those who have a spouse who is making harmful choices in their deep grief.
Jeff Snider is the father of three adult children, 
Brenton forever 24, Charlie and Cheyenne. He also has two grandsons and twin granddaughters born at only 28 weeks in April. Jeff and his wife, Stacie, recently moved to their dream home in north-central Texas with lots of acreage and a barn for animals. He retired from the trucking industry at the beginning of this year to take care of their little farm and spend time with his family.
Curtis Stovall lives in Greer, South Carolina, is the 
father to seven children and a Papa to one. Two red-headed young ones still live at home, keeping he and his wife, Courtney, very busy. Curtis works as a receiving associate at Mitsubishi Chemical. Along with juggling work and home, Curtis is also pursuing his Biblical Studies degree, which he will receive from Liberty University in 2 more semesters. As a pareavor who is four years into this journey, Curtis enjoys nothing more than spending every available moment with his family.
(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)
Links Mentioned in this episode:
Email Jeff: jssnider@rocketmail.com
Email Curtis:curtisjstovall@gmail.com
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Birthdays:
Colby Brown was born on May 17 and is forever 19.
Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and is forever 21.
Christopher Rueben was born on May 19 and is forever 16.
Ryan Drew was born on May 19 and is forever 31.
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The special song “I Remember Well“, which was written by Laura for our children’s birthdays, can be heard on your favorite music app. To hear samples of Laura’s other songs, click here.
Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!
Would you like to have Laura come and speak to your group? 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.
also lost Timothy and Benjamin, the two youngest of our five sons. It has taken many years of leaning into my grief to move along in my journey. It is far from over as I find myself in that place of raw grief once again. There are times when the enormity of my loss overwhelms me. I don’t pretend to understand it all, but I trust God and I know He will continue to faithfully carry me.
Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (
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