In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen.
Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal way. John and Laura talk about the soul-searching journey of faith after loss, the spiritual unmooring that many bereaved parents experience, and how putting words to your pain can bring clarity, peace, and even glimpses of joy again.
John shares practical tips on how to begin writing (whether journaling, storytelling, or simply putting thoughts to paper) and why it doesn’t matter what form it takes. Writing can be a sacred act of remembrance, helping you express emotions you may not be able to speak out loud.
Laura also reflects on how writing can be a spiritual practice, like David’s raw and honest psalms as a way to lament, process, and honor your child’s continuing place in your heart and life.
If you’ve ever wondered whether writing could help you heal, this heartfelt discussion will give you gentle encouragement and practical insight to start.
John Dedakis is a writing coach, an award-winning novelist of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels, and manuscript editor. He is a former White House correspondent and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”, John regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John DeDakis”. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, John now lives with his wife Cindy in Baltimore, Maryland. In his spare time, what little he has of it, is a jazz and rock-and-roll drummer.
(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:
Click here to connect with John on his website.
Order your signed copy of My Grief Journey here.
Click here to write a review for My Grief Journey.
Ask to join the GPS Hope Private Facebook page.
Share your thoughts with Laura about this podcast episode.
Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (November Edition).
Find out more about how to join Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise this coming February here.
Birthdays:
We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:
Hannah MacFarlane was born on October 26 and is forever 9.
Myles Wofford was born on October 27 and is forever 4 weeks.
Eric Birth was born on October 28 and is forever 29.
Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.
Cassius John Franswah Jr was born on October 30 and is forever 26.
James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months.
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!
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.
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