All Episodes

Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents

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.

341: Heaven Feels Closer When Your Child Is There

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:53 +0000

For grieving parents, heaven is no longer just something we believe in—it becomes deeply personal. When your child is there, heaven feels closer in a way you never expected, yet the pain of missing them here remains just as real. In this episode, Laura gently shares five heartfelt truths about heaven that can bring comfort, even in the middle of deep sorrow.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about where your child is, longed more to see them than anything else, or wondered how to hold onto hope while living with their absence, this conversation will meet you right where you are. As we shift our focus from where our children are not to where they are, we begin to see that while our pain is deep, the glory they are experiencing is beyond comparison—and that can bring a quiet sense of peace to our hearts.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to register for the Bereaved Mother’s Day Luncheon.

Click here to get your copy of The Bible’s Grieving Parents and Companion Journal.

Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents

To support this podcast and, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content, visit us on Patreon.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jeremy Capots was born on March 26 and is forever 47.

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!

Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents

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.

340: When God’s Ways Don’t Make Sense After the Death of a Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:07 +0000

After the death of a child, many grieving parents struggle to understand God’s ways. Questions about why tragedy happens and how a loving God could allow such deep loss can shake even a strong faith. In this episode, Laura gently speaks to bereaved parents who are wrestling with these difficult questions, sharing encouragement about trusting God even when His ways don’t make sense.

Through Scripture and compassionate insight, this episode reminds listeners that faith does not require having all the answers. Many people in the Bible experienced profound suffering, yet discovered God’s presence and strength in the middle of it. If you are struggling to trust God after the death of your child, this conversation offers comfort and hope, reminding you that God sees your pain and walks with you through every step of your grief journey.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Get your free copy of Rebuilding Your Life: A Gentle Guide Toward Hope and Healing After Child Loss

The Bible’s Grieving Parents and Companion Journal

To support this podcast and, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content, visit us on Patreon.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Matthew Branca was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Rohit Matthew was born on March 16 and is forever 23.

Joey Miller was born on March 17 and is forever 48.

Daniel Wilson was born on March 21 and is forever 30.

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!

Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents

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.

339: Your Grief Does Not Have to Define You (with Jody Hudson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:54 +0000

In this episode, Laura talks with bereaved mom Jody Hudson, whose daughter Alex died at the age of 22 after a long battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease. Jody shares the heartbreaking journey of watching her daughter suffer through years of unanswered medical questions and treatments, and the deep grief that followed Alex’s death. Yet in the midst of unimaginable loss, Jody made a conscious decision not to allow grief to define her identity, but instead to seek God’s direction for how to move forward.

Through faith, honest conversations with God, and a desire to honor Alex’s life, Jody found purpose in helping others, including starting a foundation to support Lyme disease patients. Her story offers encouragement for grieving parents who feel lost in the darkness, reminding them that while grief is real and lasting, it does not have to define their future. With God’s help, it is possible to carry our children with us while still finding meaning, hope, and purpose again.

Jody Hudson is a faith-filled mother, author, and speaker who shares hope from the depths of loss. After walking alongside her daughter Alex through years of medical uncertainty (which was correctly diagnosed as Lyme disease in 2017), Jody now speaks honestly about grief, identity, and choosing how we show up after life-altering loss. She is the author of My Promise to Alex, an award-winning memoir woven with themes of faith, resilience, and a mother’s enduring love. Jody encourages grieving parents to trust God, move forward with purpose, and remember that grief may shape us, but it does not define us.

(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:

Jody’s website and book: My Promise to Alex: Through Pain Comes Purpose

Get your free copy of Rebuilding Your Life: A Gentle Guide Toward Hope and Healing After Child Loss

To support this podcast and, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content, visit us on Patreon.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jeremiah Wofford was born on March 9 and is forever 44.

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and is forever 54.

Kirsten Brown was born on March 12 and is forever 25.

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.

338: When Jesus is Holding Your Baby (with Ashley Opliger)

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:00:21 +0000

In this tender episode, Laura welcomes Ashley to share the story of her daughter, Bridget, who was stillborn at 24 weeks after a complicated pregnancy. Ashley speaks candidly about the trauma of delivering a baby who never cried, the sacred hours they were able to hold her, and the heartbreak of leaving the hospital without her. She also addresses the unexpected layers of grief that follow pregnancy loss—returning to an empty nursery, physical reminders like milk coming in, and the deep struggle with self-blame, offering reassurance that these painful realities are both common and valid.

Out of that sorrow, Ashley describes how surrendering her pain to Jesus transformed her faith and eventually led to the ministry of Bridget’s Cradles and her book, Cradled in Hope. The conversation explores biblical lament, holding both joy and grief at the same time, resting in God’s sovereignty, and finding healing through Christ-centered support. With honesty and hope, Ashley reminds listeners that grieving with hope means trusting in eternity while allowing Jesus to walk closely with us in the present pain.

Ashley Opliger is the USA Today bestselling author of Cradled in Hope and the founder and executive director of Bridget’s Cradles, a national nonprofit providing hope and healing to more than 30,000 bereaved families each year in over 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. She hosts the award-winning Cradled in Hope podcast and is a sought-after speaker and writer. Ashley also leads in-person and online support groups and organizes Wave of Light, an annual remembrance event held on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and two sons.

(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:

Learn more about Ashley at AshleyOpliger.com and BridgetsCradles.com.

Send email to laura@gpshope with Bridget in the subject line for book drawing

The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal are now available; order now on Amazon or directly from GPS Hope.

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Miesha Grimes was born on March 1 and is forever 24,

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and is forever 24.

Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and is forever 32.

Courtney Harris was born on March 4 and is forever 34.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 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!

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.

337: Renewing Your Mind after Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:00:21 +0000

After the death of a child, the darkness can feel suffocating. In this deeply personal episode, Laura shares from her own journey of losing her daughter, Becca. The panic attacks, the desperate prayers and the overwhelming thoughts told her that she would never survive this kind of pain.

When everything inside us says life will never be worth living again, how do we begin to move forward? Rooted in Romans 12:2, this conversation gently explores how transformation begins in the mind, even when the heart feels completely shattered.

With both biblical truth and insights from neuroscience, this episode addresses how repeated thoughts can shape beliefs and identity, and how intentional, faith-filled shifts in thinking can begin creating space for light. Renewing your mind after child loss is not about denying grief or minimizing love; it is about challenging the lies that keep grieving parents trapped in despair and learning that it is our love, not the pain, that keeps us connected to our child. With deeply heart-felt compassion and clarity, Laura offers encouragement that, with God’s help, it is possible to move forward without leaving our child behind.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

The paperback and Companion Journal are now available for orders on the GPS Hope webstore, along with the free gift of My Grief Journey when ordered in February. Click here to order. (They are both also available on Amazon.)

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Mark Patrick King II was born on February 22 and is forever 29.

Dharahan Walker was born on February 23 and is forever 31.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28.

Paul Huprich was born on February 24 and is forever 19.

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33.

Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and is forever 17.

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.

336: Clinging to God After the Death of a Child (8 Heart Skills – Part 2 with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:00:46 +0000

What does it look like to cling to God after the death of a child, when the pain feels suffocating, forgiveness feels impossible, and trust feels fragile?

In this powerful continuation of Laura’s conversation with Linda Dillow, they explore the remaining heart skills that help grieving parents hold on to God and not give up. They talk honestly about lament as worship in a minor key, choosing trust over fear, the ongoing act of forgiveness (even when it must be repeated again and again), finding encouragement in God’s presence, and allowing praise to slowly become the language of a surrendered heart.

If you are walking through child loss and wondering how to keep going, this episode will gently remind you that you are not expected to “get over” your grief. This is a journey taken one step, one breath at a time. God meets you in the mess, in the anger, in the questions, and invites you to experience His love in a deeper way than head knowledge alone.

You may not know what tomorrow holds. But you can learn, even in grief, to trust the One who holds tomorrow.

Linda’s new book is Hope for my Hurting Heart. She is also the author of several bestselling books, including Calm My Anxious Heart, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul and Intimate Issues.

Linda and her husband, Jody, ministered in the former East European Communist countries and in Asia for eighteen years, training the leadership of the church. They have four grown children (one in heaven) and ten amazing grandchildren. Linda loves to encourage women to hope in God and trust in His faithfulness!

(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 preorder The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal on the GPS Hope webstore. Order in February and receive a free My Grief Journey. Also available on Amazon starting February 19th.

Click here to order Linda’s book Hope for My Hurting Heart. (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.)

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and is forever 24.

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35.

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.

335: Hope for My Hurting Heart (with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:55:59 +0000

In this first of a two-part conversation, Laura sits down with Linda Dillow to explore the heart behind her book “Hope for My Hurting Heart” and the personal losses that shaped it, including the death of her daughter, Joy. Together they begin unpacking the first three of eight “heart skills” designed to help hurting hearts cling to God and not give up.

As they discuss loss, Linda shares how grief must be faced rather than resisted, drawing from her own experiences of multiple life-altering losses. She offers gentle wisdom on endurance, perspective, and allowing pain to become a transforming work in God’s hands, setting the stage for part two of this rich and hope-filled discussion.

Linda’s new book is Hope for my Hurting Heart. She is also the author of several bestselling books, including Calm My Anxious Heart, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul and Intimate Issues.

(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 order Linda’s book Hope for My Hurting Heart. (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.)\

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Coming soon: The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

Gage Purcell was born on February 10 and is forever 11.

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.

334: When God Feels Silent After the Death of a Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:02 +0000

When God feels silent after the death of a child, many grieving parents wonder if their faith has failed, or if God has stepped away. In this tender and honest episode, Laura speaks to pareavors (parents bereaved of their child) who love God yet feel disconnected, angry, or unable to sense His presence in the depths of grief.

Through real words from grieving parents and gentle spiritual reflection, this conversation offers space for honesty, lament, and the possibility of encountering God again; not through answers, but through His quiet presence within.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to grab a copy of The Bible’s Grieving Parents eBook and find comfort in God’s Word for your grieving heart.

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Josh Peterson was born on February 2 and is forever 35.

Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20.

Rose Elizabeth Charlton was born on February 5 and is forever 27.

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.

333: How Your Thoughts Affect Grief After the Death of a Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:00:50 +0000

After the death of a child, grief can feel suffocating and impossible to escape. Many bereaved parents find themselves overwhelmed by painful thoughts that deepen the darkness and make it hard to imagine ever breathing freely again. In this episode, Laura explores how your thoughts affect grief after the death of a child, and why what happens in our minds matters so much in the healing journey.

With honesty, compassion, and faith-centered encouragement, Laura shares how anger, bitterness, and false beliefs can quietly take root—and how, with God’s help, those thought patterns can begin to change. While we cannot control every thought that enters our mind, we can learn how to recognize which thoughts are pulling us deeper into despair and which ones can gently guide us toward hope. This episode offers reassurance, understanding, and a reminder that even in the darkest places of grief, you are not alone—and that healing can begin one thought at a time.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope

Click here to grab a copy of The Bible’s Grieving Parents eBook and find comfort in God’s Word for your grieving heart.

Sorry, When Tragedy Strikes Kindle version is no longer 50 cents. But the paperback version is on sale for only $11.99 (as of 1/27/26). Click here to order from Amazon. (Note: using this link may give GPS Hope a small commission from your purchase.)

If When Tragedy Strikes has encouraged you, I’d be grateful if you’d click here to leave a rating or review.

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Lucas Wildgoose was born on January 25 and is forever 17.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Lion Kingsbury was born on January 29 and is forever 20.

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.

332: Sibling Loss: Understanding the Unique Grief of Your Surviving Children (with Bobby and Gabby Bisterfeldt)

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:43 +0000

Sibling loss runs far deeper than many people realize. When a child loses a sibling, they lose not only shared memories of the past, but also the future they imagined growing up together. For bereaved parents, this grief can be especially painful to witness—because sibling loss is rarely talked about and often misunderstood.

Siblings who lose a brother or sister are often called the forgotten grievers. While much of the support and acknowledgment rightly centers on parents, surviving children may feel overlooked, unsure where their grief belongs, or hesitant to express their pain. Many parents are left wondering how to best support their children while navigating their own overwhelming loss.

In this episode, Laura is joined by two guests who have each experienced the profound loss of two siblings. They also share a unique family connection as father and daughter-in-law. Together, they offer honest insight into what sibling loss truly feels like, what grieving children often carry silently, and how parents can gently and intentionally support their surviving children through the loss of a brother or sister.

Whether you are a parent seeking to better understand your child’s grief, or someone wanting to acknowledge the often unseen pain of sibling loss, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope for walking this road together.

Bobby is married to his wife, Amy, and together they have four adult children. He serves in the Air Force and lives in the country near Wichita, Kansas and is the Founder of Sibling Lifeline. Bobby is deeply committed to service both in uniform and in the community. He volunteers with Make-A-Wish, the Wichita Children’s Home, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). He is also actively involved in leading fellow Airmen into the local community through various youth outreach events.

In his personal time, Bobby enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking trails, and playing sports. He carries the memory of his two brothers, Robert and Carl Bisterfeldt, both in Heaven, which continues to shape his compassion for others and his dedication to serving those navigating grief and loss.

Gabby is married to her husband, Caleb, and together they share life with their two amazing cats, Miles and Willow, along with their dog Murphy. She works in business management and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. Gabby is the Co-Founder of Sibling Lifeline.

Gabby enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling. She has a deep passion for serving others and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations. Having both a brother and a sister in Heaven, Caleb Lillis and Jessicca Haveman, Gabby brings compassion, empathy, and lived understanding alongside those navigating grief and loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find comfort in The Bible’s Grieving Parents now on Kindle or PDF while the paperback edition is on its way.

If you would like to receive a weekly word of hope alongside thousands of other bereaved parents, click here.

To learn more about Sibling Lifeline and connect with Bobby and Gabby, click here

Bereaved siblings can join the Facebook community here

Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

Luke Joseph Raymond was born on January 18 and is forever 30.

Joshua David Raymond was born on January 18 and is forever 34.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

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.

331: Three Keys to Unlock Your Heart After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:05 +0000

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!

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.

330: Is Joy Even Possible… Ever Again?

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:00:21 +0000

After the death of a child, the idea of joy can feel unreachable, or inappropriate. In this tender episode, we explore a deeper understanding of joy that does not cancel grief or require happiness.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is a quiet, steady work of God within us. It is something that can exist even while sorrow still weighs heavily on the soul. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, this episode offers hope to grieving parents who wonder if joy can ever return, and reassurance that joy may look different now, and that’s okay.

This conversation offers hope for grieving parents who are asking hard questions, holding onto faith, and wondering what healing might look like now. If you are searching for hope after loss and reassurance that joy may return, even if it looks a bit different, this episode meets you where you are.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more at gpshope.org/wtscourse

Click here to post your picture on the GPS Hope Facebook page, under the post of this podcast episode.

Support the podcast and keep it ad-free: patreon.com/gpshope

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

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.

329: Entering a New Year Without Our Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:00:17 +0000

Entering a new year without our child bring heavy emotions for bereaved parents. The turning of the calendar can feel like we are leaving our child behind, especially if this is the first new year since their death. Even years later, the weight of time passing can still take our breath away.

In this episode, Laura pulls up a recording from the archives, inviting listeners to hear from several experienced bereaved parents (pareavors) who have walked through anywhere from six to over thirty new years, without their child. Each guest shares their thoughts and suggestions about how to soften the pain of this difficult transition of entering a new year without our child.

You may find that one or more of these voices speaks directly to your heart as you step into this new year.

Featured Guests

Linda Findlay – International Grief Institute & The Grief Cruises www.internationalgriefinstitute.com
Michele Paul – Umbrella Ministries www.umbrellaministries.com
Mitch Carmody – Heartlight Studios www.heartlightstudios.net
Sara Nelson – Footsteps of Hope www.hopefootsteps.com
BJ Jensen – Love in Motion Signing Choir www.healinghallelujah.org
Glen Lord – The Grief Toolbox www.thegrieftoolbox.com

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved ParentsA full year of encouragement written specifically for parents who have lost a child. It doesn’t have to be read daily. Just pick it up on the days you need extra hope and encouragement. Click here to learn more.

Please take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, so other parents can find the same hope you are receiving from this podcast.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Aria Arrona was born on December 31 and is forever 15.

Trenton Plummer was born on December 31 and is forever 22.

Madison Clark was born on January 2 and is forever 20.

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.

328: A Christmas Prayer for Bereaved Parents

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:00:20 +0000

As Christmas draws near and a new year approaches, this episode is a gentle pause; a sacred moment set aside to pray over grieving parents who are carrying love and loss side by side.

The heart of the episode is a heartfelt Christmas prayer, spoken just two days before Christmas, acknowledging the unique pain this season holds for parents who are missing a child. Rather than forced cheer, this prayer invites God’s presence, Emmanuel, God with us, into the quiet, heavy and complicated moments of grief.

Listeners are reminded that:

God sees every tear, every memory, and every ache
Love does not end with death
Our children are known, seen, and held by God
Peace is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ

This episode closes with reflections on love, hope, and purpose; how the love we have for our child, when wrapped in God’s love for us, can become a powerful force in this world, even after profound loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Patreon community as a way to help keep the podcast ad-free, along with getting special access to things Laura only shares in the Patreon community. Click here.

As the new year approaches, many grieving parents feel the weight of moving forward without their child. Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents, written specifically with that reality in mind. Learn more: gpshope.org/reflections

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

Megan Tryphaena Petkau was born on December 23 and is forever 8.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Diane Holt (Laura’s sister) was born on December 25 and is forever 62.

Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 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.

Subscribe, share, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Support the podcast and keep it ad-free: patreon.com/gpshope

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.

327: Surviving the Holidays After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:54 +0000

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!

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.

326: Finding God’s Peace After Child Loss at Christmastime

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:00:20 +0000

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!

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.

325: Who Am I Now After Losing a Child? Finding Identity and Hope as a Pareavor

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:00:11 +0000

When we lose a child, part of us dies too. One of the deepest questions a grieving parent asks in those early months and even years is, “Who am I now?” The identity we had as a parent suddenly shifts, and our role looks nothing like what we thought it would. Today’s episode looks at that identity after child loss and what it truly means to be a pareavor.

Most of us never heard a word for a parent who has lost a child until the word pareavor came along. Pareavor gives language to a grief and experience that was never named in our culture. It validates our loss and our story. But as powerful as it is, it still isn’t the whole story of who you are.

In this episode we talk about the deeper identity we carry as believers—one that goes beyond grief and beyond the label of pareavor. We look at who we are in Christ, why God calls us His children, and why it changes everything for our future.

Whether you are new to GPS Hope or have been walking with us for years, you are not alone. You carry a story that continues beyond death. Your child is safe with God, and you are held firmly in His hands. Your purpose is not over, and your life still has great meaning.

If you’ve ever asked, “Who am I now after losing my child?” this episode is for you.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the GPS Hope Community on Patreon Here: Help us keep this podcast ad-free while receiving special encouragement and bonus content.

Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here.

Click here to look at Laura’s books and get your free pareavor/hope bracelet when you place your order through the month of December. (This excludes digital books or Reflections of Hope.) See the bracelet or order more here.

Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21.

Drew Jaggars was born on December 2 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!

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.

324: Life After Losing a Child: How One Dad Found Meaning, Purpose, and God Again (with Tracy Brinkmann)

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:00:05 +0000

Today’s guest has lived life after losing a child for nearly thirty years, which means he brings decades of hard-won wisdom and the honesty of someone who still remembers the darkness well. Like most pareavors, Tracy Brinkmann never imagined he could climb out of that crushing place of grief. But his story is a powerful example of how one dad found meaning, purpose, and God again after the unthinkable happened.

In our conversation, Tracy shares openly about the deep anger he carried toward God after his 18-month-old daughter, Krysta, died in his arms. We talk about what it looks like to move through that anger instead of living in it, the surprising ways his prayers and relationship with God were reshaped, and the conscious decision he made to rebuild a life that mattered again.

This episode is a heartfelt look at the real journey of life after losing a child; a journey full of questions, rebuilding, unexpected grace, and the slow return of purpose. Tracy’s honesty shows that even when faith feels shattered, God has a way of meeting us in the dark and gently leading us forward.

Tracy Brinkmann is a father of four, a former military man, and the voice behind The Dark Horse Entrepreneur – AI Escape Plan and Your Success DNA, two shows drawing more than 300,000 monthly downloads. His life reads like a redemption story—addiction, the devastating loss of his daughter, divorce, bankruptcy—yet Tracy rose from it all to lead corporate marketing teams and build a thriving digital brand.

Today, he helps parents and small business owners compress time and multiply income through AI, podcasting, and automation. His reactivation campaigns have produced a month’s worth of revenue in under seven days. Tracy speaks with compassion, clarity, and conviction—living proof that no setback is final, and no dream is too late.

(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:

Connect with Tracy Brinkmann: Website | Podcast

Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon.

Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here.

Share with Laura and others a way you brightened your own day a bit by brightening someone else’s here on the GPS Hope website under the show notes. (Or on the public or private GPS Hope page under the podcast episode.)

Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Elizabeth Pasqualone was born on November 14 and is forever 28.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Brendan Weidner was born on November 28 and is forever 14.

Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21.

Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1.

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.

323: Honoring Our Children Who Died by Suicide (with Carol Krawiec)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:36 +0000

In recognition of National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Nov. 22), today’s episode features a deeply heartfelt conversation with a remarkable pareavor, Carol Krawiec. Carol has endured the unimaginable, losing three of her five sons, with her most recent loss being to suicide.

She opens her heart and shares the stories of her boys, the weight of navigating suicide loss, and how God’s steady presence has carried her and her husband, Fran, through overwhelming grief. Carol speaks honestly about mental illness, addiction, guilt, questions, and the lifelong ache of losing a child.

Although this episode focuses on suicide loss, the wisdom, comfort, and hope Carol offers are meaningful for every grieving parent.

Carol and her husband Francis have been married for 48 years. Carol is a retired Special Education teacher. For over 50 years she worked to develop programs for children and adults with special needs in the community, the classroom and in local churches. Carol is currently a Leader with Grieving Moms Finding Hope and conducts several Zoom Groups each week. She has also been a speaker and group leader for Umbrella Ministries. Carol and Fran facilitate a BASIS support group for parents that have experienced child loss each month in Cape May County, NJ.

After the inconceivable loss of her 3 sons, it has become Carol’s desire that none of her pain would be wasted, but rather used by God to strengthen the hearts of others walking the journey of child loss.

(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:

Connect with Carol: ckrawiec806@yahoo.com

Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon.

Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here.

Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent.

Check out all the ways to wrap yourself in warmth and hope here.

Would you like to sponsor an episode in honor of your child? You can do that here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15.

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27.

Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32.

Matthew Conte was born on November 22 and is forever 36.

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.

322:Holding Onto Hope Through the Holidays

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:52 +0000

The holidays can highlight our grief in painful ways when our child is no longer here with us. This week, Laura talks about how gratitude and grief can coexist — especially during the holiday season — and how God gently meets us in both.

You’ll hear Laura share a deeply personal story about Becca’s last Thanksgiving — how supporting her desire to host created a bittersweet memory that has become precious. It’s a beautiful reminder that the smallest gifts and moments can be sacred, even in the ache of loss.

She also shares that God truly can be Emmanuel – God with us – through the Christmas season.

This episode offers gentle encouragement to recognize the goodness still present, without denying or minimizing the pain.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon.

Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents — Click here

If this episode encouraged your heart, would you share it with another grieving parent who may need to know they aren’t alone this holiday season?

You can also connect with Laura and other pareavors through: Website | Facebook | YouTube

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jake Hammaker was born on November 4 and is forever 26.

Everett Molino was born on November 9 and is forever 15.

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23.

Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and is forever 2.

Solange Pantoja was born on November 13 and is forever 33.

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.

321: Watering the Seed of Hope After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:15 +0000

When our child leaves this earth before we do, it can feel like everything inside of us has died too. But God has already planted a small seed of hope deep within our hearts, because Jesus, the giver of Hope lives in us (through the Holy Spirit). However, we need to water that seed of hope after child loss. It is a seed that needs care, connection, and time to grow.

In this heartfelt episode, Laura shares how healing begins to take root when we stay connected with God and with others who understand our pain. You will also hear from other pareavors what they have done to water that seed of hope.

As we water the seed of hope in our own hearts, we will find that sharing our hope with others actually multiplies it. In this episode, Laura also shares how you can do that through GPS Hope, the ministry behind the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast, and how together, we can build a community where no grieving parent walks alone.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon.

Order your signed copy of My Grief Journey here.

Click here to write a review for My Grief Journey.

Ask to join the My Grief Journey Facebook group here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Chione Beverly McNeil was born on October 31 and is forever 15. Chaney Patrich was born on November 4 and is forever 20.

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.

320: Can Writing Really Help with My Grief? (with John DeDakis)

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:46 +0000

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.

319: No Rainbow Baby after Pregnancy Loss (with Shelley Hitz)

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:42 +0000

When a baby is born after a pregnancy loss, it is often called a “rainbow baby”. We all know one child can never replace another, and it certainly does not remove the grief of the child who was conceived but is not here with us. However, most will agree that there is an ache that has been filled in having a baby after that devastating loss.

But what about the parents who have a pregnancy loss and there is no rainbow baby? In today’s interview, Laura talks with Shelley Hitz, who lives that out with words of comfort, hope and encouragement of all the blessings God still has for those who find themselves in the same place, or anyone who has lost a child.

October is Pregnancy Loss awareness month, and GPS Hope wants to acknowledge those parents who have lost a child, but their grief is often downplayed or ignored. We see you, we hear you, and we hurt with you.

Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and best-selling author of over 40 books. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

Shelley’s openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her book, Broken Crayons Still Color, will inspire and encourage you.

(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:

Connect with Shelley online and download all the book extras at www.BrokenCrayonsBook.com

Find out more about the full program of Christian Book Academy here.

Check out some of Shelley’s writing workshops here.

Get Shelley’s book Kingdom Writers here.

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:

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker was born on October 19 and left us at age 1.

Samuel (Sam) Buss was born on October 19 and left us at age 21.

Matthew Anthony Sulikowski was born on October 22 and left us at age 36.

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.

318: One Step at a Time Through Our Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:44 +0000

In this episode, One Step at a Time Through Our Grief, Laura shares how God used the beauty of His creation — mountains, rivers, the ocean, and even the warmth of the sun — to remind her that He is always present, even in the hardest moments of deep loss.

As grieving parents, we often wonder how we’ll ever make it through another day. But through her gentle storytelling, Laura helps us see that our healing truly happens one step at a time through our grief. Some days the path is steep and exhausting, other days it’s smoother and more peaceful, yet every step is part of the journey forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear Laura share a couple of stories from the Hope Mobile travels that reflect our grief journey, as well as the song “Keep Walking,” written and sung by Laura, offering hope and comfort to every grieving heart.

It’s okay to rest, to take breaks, and to simply breathe when the climb feels too hard. But no matter where you are, God is walking beside you, holding you steady. If you’re feeling weary today, may One Step at a Time Through Our Grief remind you that hope is still alive inside of you, and that you are not walking this path alone. God’s faithfulness will meet you in every step you take.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to listen to samples of the songs on Laura’s CD “Together Forever”. She can also be found on most music apps. (You can order the CD here.)

Find out more about The Grief Cruise: gpshope.org/cruise

Don’t forget to give an Amazon rating and review for The Bible’s Grieving Parents. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR7KM44G

Let Laura know where you are on this journey. Join the conversation here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and left us at age 17.

Pike Petersen was born on October 17 and left us at age 14.

Alicia Martin was born on October 17 and left us at age 36.

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.

317: Facing the One-Year Anniversary After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:13 +0000

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 her daughter, Becca, and after walking along side others for over a decade.

You will also get to hear what others have done to get through that first year, and through the one-year anniversary of their child’s death. This episode both acknowledges the intense pain leading up to that day, as well as giving hope that you can get past it, doing it your own way as needed.

Whether you find yourself in tears, in silence, in stories, or even in laughter, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to move through this painful milestone. You are not alone. And as Laura reminds us, even in the darkest moments, there is still hope.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

If you’d like more encouragement, Laura’s new book The Bible’s Grieving Parents is now available. You can find the Kindle version on Amazon, Link Here or get a PDF copy directly from gpshope.org.

GIVE AN AMAZON REVIEW HERE. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR7KM44G

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jeffrey Dunkleman was born on October 10 and left us at age 53.

James Fielding was born on October 10 and left us at age 28..

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.

316: Finding Jesus After the Death of His Child (with Mick Wienholt)

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:34 +0000

When our child dies, life as we know it comes to a sudden stop. There is now a before and after. Today’s guest, Mick Wienholt, shares his story of losing his firstborn son, Luke, and how that loss changed not only his life, but his eternity.

Mick admits that before Luke’s death, he and his wife wanted nothing to do with God. But in their grief, they discovered that the deep hole left by Luke’s absence was actually a God-shaped hole that only He could fill. Out of that dark place, God met them with love, hope, and the kind of peace that forever altered the trajectory of their family.

If you are questioning God’s goodness, or wondering if you’ll ever find light beyond the suffocating darkness of child loss, Mick’s story is a gentle but powerful reminder that God is not finished yet.

Mick’s story is one of grace and redemption. His firstborn son, Luke, was a full-term stillbirth. As a result of Luke’s death, everything changed for Mick and his wife, as their child’s death was the turning point where they both began a relationship with Jesus. Eighteen months after Luke’s death, Mick and his wife welcomed their first living child into their family. They were al so blessed to have identical twin boys, 7 years after Luke’s death and birth.

Mick hosts the When You Look podcast where ordinary people share their extraordinary experiences and you get to decide if it was coincidence, or God. A native of Maryland, Mick and his family live in the greater Richmond, Virginia area.

(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:

Connect with Mick Wienholt

Website: whenyoulook.com
YouTube Channel: When You Look Show

Or find the When You Look Show on your favorite listening app.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book The Bible’s Grieving Parents: Finding Comfort, Hope and Faith from Their Stories.

If you’ve been struggling with questions like “Where is God in this pain?” or “How do I keep living with a broken heart?” I wrote this book for you. My prayer is that these biblical stories will remind you that you are not alone, and that God’s goodness and mercy are still at work in your life, just as He was in the lives of those we read about in the Bible. – Laura

Click here for the Kindle edition on Amazon (Affiliate link – GPS Hope will receive a small portion of the purchase price)

Click here for a PDF download from GPS Hope

Help other pareavors find this book by leaving a rating and review here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jacob Rhoades was born on September 28 and left us at age of 21.

Shea Thomas Patno was born on September 29 and left us at age 15.

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and left us at age 4.

Samuel Seet was born on October 4 and left us at age 28.

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.

315: Grieving Parents in the Bible

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:55 +0000

Have you ever taken the time to look at parents in the Bible who have lost a child as a powerful resource that speaks directly to the heart of grieving parents walking through child loss today?

In this episode, Laura takes us on a short journey of just a few parents in the Bible who experienced the death of a child. From Adam and Eve’s loss of Abel, to King David’s grief over his infant son, to Job’s unimaginable pain of losing all his children, these ancient stories have deep truths for those of us who have lost a child, as well as reminding us that we are not alone in our grief.

Laura also takes a deeper look at God’s goodness and mercy, even within the intense pain of child loss, and why our faith must rest on who God is rather than what we think He should (or shouldn’t) do.

This conversation will reassure you that you’re not alone, and that there is no pressure or timetable when it comes to what you keep or release. Your child’s life is worth remembering in the way that brings you comfort and peace.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

The insights Laura shares in this episode were taken from her newly released book The Bible’s Grieving Parents: Finding Comfort, Hope and Faith from Their Stories.

If you’ve been struggling with questions like “Where is God in this pain?” or “How do I keep living with a broken heart?” I wrote this book for you. My prayer is that these biblical stories will remind you that you are not alone, and that God’s goodness and mercy are still at work in your life, just as He was in the lives of those we read about in the Bible. – Laura

Available now through September 26 at a special price:

Kindle edition on Amazon: only $2.99 Click here (Affiliate link – GPS Hope will receive a small portion of the purchase price)
PDF download from GPS Hope: only $4.99 Click here

Grief Cruise & Renew and Remember Retreat – February in FloridaSpecial discounted cabin prices coming to an end soon! Click here

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and left us at 16 months.

Cassandra Noel Persichetti was born on September 24 and left us at age 17.

Jennifer Howell was born on September 27 and left us at age 50.

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.

314: Sacred Reminders

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:51 +0000

As grieving parents, we often find ourselves, understandably, holding tightly to the belongings of our child who has died. A favorite shirt, a treasured toy, a blanket, even something as simple as a toothbrush. These are not just objects. They are sacred reminders of the bond we still have with our child.

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura opens her heart about facing this very struggle herself. While sorting through family belongings, she was reminded how difficult it is to decide what to keep and what to release. Through her personal story of a current situation she finds herself in, along with the experiences of other bereaved parents, she shares gentle encouragement that:

Keeping or letting go is not about being “stuck” in grief. It’s about love.
It’s okay to hold onto items for as long as you need.
God will give you peace and direction in His timing.
The bond with your child remains, no matter what happens with their belongings.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Renew & Remember Weekend + Grief Cruise – February in Florida, with an optional 4-night grief support cruise click here.
GPS Hope & Healing Retreat – October in New York State – A safe space for connection and healing click here.
Weekly Word of Hope – Sign up for Laura’s weekly encouragement emails click here.
Get a free PDF that will help you take steps toward a greater measure of hope and healing click here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and left us at age 49.

Cali Minor was born on September 19 and left us at age 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!

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.

313: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:21 +0000

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 grief; the fogginess, the forgetfulness, the moments of overwhelming disorientation that can feel both terrifying and isolating. This is part of the journey of Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Raw and relatable stories about the mental chaos of grieving—like driving away from a grocery store without your groceries, or feeling lost in your own car.
A compassionate reminder that these experiences are more common than we realize and they aren’t a sign of failure.
Gentle truths to hold when you feel alone in the fog, and permission to believe that mental clarity and peace are possible again.
Practical encouragement on how to begin transforming thoughts and faulty beliefs, moving from “I’ll never function again” to “this is hard, but it doesn’t define me.”

This episode also introduces a hopeful next step, as Laura invites you to stay connected as she unveils a series of workshops that are gentle, faith-based paths designed to guide grieving parents toward healing and purpose. Think of them as nourishing steps, not flashy fixes, crafted to help you move forward because of your love, not despite your loss.

Grief is disorienting, but you are not disqualified. Even foggy moments aren’t failures, but invitations to remember: clarity does return, and one small step can help you walk toward a life of meaning again.

Whether you stay just to listen, or one day feel ready to walk forward with community, you are always welcome here.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Explore gentle, self-paced workshops that walk alongside you as you reclaim your mind, your identity, and your future: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss Workshops
Join the GPS Hope community—where grief is seen, your doubts are understood, and hope is real: About GPS Hope GPS Hope

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and left us at age 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and left us at age 32.

Emma Ho was born on September 9 and left us at age 10.

Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and left us at age 23.

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.

312: Can God Really Heal My Hurting Heart? (with Rachel Wojo)

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:30 +0000

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope: Can God Really Heal My Hurting Heart?, I sit down with Rachel “Wojo” Wojnarowski, who knows the deep pain of child loss firsthand. After miscarriages and saying goodbye to her precious daughter Taylor, who lived 22 years with courage and faith, Rachel learned to cling to prayer as her lifeline in the darkest valleys.

Rachel shares Taylor’s story, the peace God gave her in the hardest moments, and how prayer has carried her through seasons of grief. We talk about her book Desperate Prayers, the surprising “secret fast-track to healing,” and the ways God meets us when we feel like we can’t breathe, let alone pray.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can really heal your broken heart, this conversation will remind you that His grace is stronger than our deepest pain. Rachel’s honesty and faith are a true gift for pareavors walking this hard road.

After experiencing profound loss through miscarriage and saying goodbye to her beloved daughter, who blessed their family for 22 years, Rachel “Wojo” Wojnarowski embraced prayer as her lifeline in life’s darkest valleys. Her transformative “Three-Word Prayers” approach has become a sanctuary for countless believers when words seem impossible.

The author of “Desperate Prayers” and three forthcoming books on prayer, Rachel’s authentic ministry reaches families worldwide. A sought-after speaker who brings both compassion and biblical wisdom to faith-based events, Rachel lives in Ohio with her husband Matt and six children. Rachel’s ministry stands on the unshakable truth, discovered in her darkest valleys and shaped by the memory of her two children in heaven: Prayer moves mountains.

(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:

Take the free prayer class and connect with Rachel at: DesperatePrayers.com
Parents in the Bible Who Lost a Child – my upcoming eBook (currently in editing, coming soon!)
The Grief Cruise & pre-cruise Renew and Remember retreat – learn more at gpshope.org/cruise

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Daniel Cavallaro was born on September 2 and left us at age 21.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and left us at age 22.

Bryanna Dugan was born on September 5 and left us at age 22.

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.

“When we wonder, ‘Can God really heal my hurting heart?’ the answer isn’t found in having the pain erased, but in discovering His presence right in the middle of it. Healing is knowing we are never alone.”

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.

311: Bringing Our Pain to God After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:54 +0000

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope: Bringing Our Pain to God After Child Loss, I talk with Carol Renfro, a mom just two years into this journey of child loss. Carol’s only child, Jeff-Free (known as Free), died by suicide at the age of 33. Though her grief is still very fresh, she leans heavily on God and has found unexpected joy in the midst of deep pain.

Carol shares her son’s story, her raw emotions, and the ways she has experienced God’s comfort, even through something as simple as watching the night sky. You’ll hear how she has learned to bring her pain to the Lord, allowing Him to meet her there with His truth, comfort, and hope.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to hide our feelings from God. He already knows. What He desires is for us to come honestly to Him so that He can exchange our pain with His peace and help us carry the unbearable weight of child loss.

Whether you’re new in this journey or years down the road, Carol’s testimony will encourage you to keep looking up and trusting that God can take the ashes of grief and make something beautiful.

Carol Renfro lost her son and only child to suicide on July 18th, 2023. He was 33 years old. Shortly after, she and her husband moved next door to the little 105-year-old Baptist Church that her husband pastors. Carol retired from her job as Administrator of an assisted living facility and now spends her days helping with needs of the church and leading the women’s ministry. Her hobbies are crafting, decorating and working in her flower beds. She loves spoiling her 3-year-old grandson as much as possible and the rest of her day is filled with taking care of the needs of her beloved pets. Carol gives all the glory to our Lord for providing the comfort and strength she prays for and so desperately needs every moment of every day.

(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:

GPS Hope Share and Care Groups – connect with other pareavors in your area or learn how to start a group.
Reflections of Hope – September Edition – daily readings and scriptures for encouragement through a difficult month.
Forever Free Grief Support (Carol’s page)

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Nathan Hatfield was born on August 25 and left us at age 16.

Corey Thompsen was born on August 28 and left us at age 28.

Samantha Kesich was born on August 28 and left us at age 22.

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.

“Bringing our pain to God doesn’t remove the sorrow, but it opens the way for His comfort, peace, and even glimmers of hope in the midst of grief.”

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.

310: When “Why?” Can Become the Wrong Question After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:00:52 +0000

After the death of our child, one of the first—and most desperate—questions we ask God is “Why?”

Why my child? Why didn’t You stop it? Why couldn’t it have been different?

But what if “why” isn’t the question that will bring us to a place of healing? What if there’s another question that opens our hearts to God’s love and help in the middle of our pain?

In this episode, Laura shares her own journey from wrestling with “why” to discovering a far better question—one that God actually delights in answering. You’ll hear personal stories, scriptural encouragement, and an invitation to shift your focus toward hope and restoration.

Whether you’re in the raw early days of loss or years down the road, this conversation can help you take one small step out of the darkness and into God’s loving presence.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Get a word of hope from Laura delivered to your inbox once a week by signing up here. (You can easily unsubscribe any time you no longer want to receive it.) Subscribe Here.

Don’t forget to check out the GPS Hope & Healing retreat here.

Want to join us for a weekend in Cocoa Beach, Florida for the Renew and Remember Retreat? How about joining Dave and Laura and other pareavors on a 4-night cruise, with one day at sea dedicated to a grief seminar? You can find out more about both of these here.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and left us at age 18.

Keaton was born on August 18 and left us at age 23.

Natalie Rodriguez was born on August 19 and left us at age 36.

Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and left us at age 33.

Hope Katherine was born on August 21 and left us at age 19.

Destine Wood was born on August 21 and left us at age 40.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

309: Losing a Disabled Child: Finding Hope After a Lifetime of Care

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:29 +0000

308: Our Relationship With God After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:31 +0000

In this heartfelt episode, we continue the conversation on how the death of our child impacts our relationship with God—specifically shifting from a transactional relationship to an intimate one built on trust, even when we don’t understand Him.

Laura gently challenges us to examine the ways our fast-paced, internet-driven culture may be shaping our spiritual expectations, making it harder to trust and wait on God. Drawing from insights by John Eldredge and personal stories, she explores the healing power of lingering in God’s presence and learning to embrace a relationship that’s based on love, not spiritual performance.

You’ll be encouraged to:

Let go of the need for immediate answers
Rebuild trust with God in the midst of your grief
Move beyond “I did my part, God should do His” thinking
Rediscover the beauty of waiting and intimacy with Him
Shift from skepticism to childlike faith

Links Mentioned in this episode:

GPS Hope & Healing Retreat (Oct in New York) Only two rooms left! A weekend getaway with others who truly understand the pain of child loss. Find healing, laughter, connection, and encouragement—especially for both grieving moms and dads. Details and registration: gpshope.org/retreat

Want to host a retreat in your area? Email us at office@gpshope.org

New Merchandise: Pareavor with Hope Shirts & Hats

Wearing one of these items is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of your identity as a pareavor, someone choosing to walk with grief and hope. Shop the collection here: gpshope.org/store

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Neena Renee Rey was born on August 5 and left us at age 2.

Gabriel Andrew Moreno was born on August 5 and left us at age 28.

Erinn McGee was born on August 7 and left us at age 34.

Austin Phelps was born on August 7 and left us at age 24.

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and left us at age 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

307: I Am So Mad at God for Taking My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:46 +0000

This is one of the most honest and difficult topics we’ve ever addressed on the podcast—being angry at God after the death of your child. If you’ve felt intense anger toward Him, or even found yourself hating God for “taking” your child, know that you’re not alone.

You’ll also hear Laura share a deeply personal moment she had with the Lord, and reflect on how God may have chosen to bless our children in ways we don’t understand yet—but one day will.

“I know we wanted to live out our lives here with them, but God, in His wisdom, His love, and His all-knowing power, decided to bless our child with a life of perfection before we get to experience it.”

Links Mentioned in this episode:

August’s “Reflections of Hope” Devotional

If August is a difficult month for you, this devotional offers a short daily reading to help carry you through. Visit gpshope.org/reflections to learn more. You can also check out the full-year hardback edition.

New Merchandise: Pareavor with Hope Shirts & Hats

If you would like to start receiving the Weekly Word of Hope email that Laura referred to, click here. Your email address is safe with GPS Hope, you will not get spammed, and you can unsubscribe any time.

Birthdays:

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and left us at age 32.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and left us at age 39.

Joey Ray was born on July 28 and left us at age 26.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and left us at age 21.

Lauren Miller Dobbins was born on July 30 and left us at age 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

306: When Life Stands Still After the Death of Your Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:00:55 +0000

In this raw and heartfelt episode, Laura Diehl shares what it’s like when the death of your child causes your life to come to a complete standstill—while the rest of the world just keeps going. She opens up about deeply personal moments from her own grief journey, including the recent reminder of that paralyzing feeling when her father-in-law suddenly passed away and caregiving responsibilities took over her life once again.

Laura gently reminds grieving parents that even though life may feel stuck right now, healing is possible. She shares hope through Scripture, personal experience, and the powerful truth that “this too shall pass.” With compassion and authenticity, Laura speaks directly to pareavors who feel like they’re frozen in time while everything around them keeps moving.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

What it feels like when life stops after child loss
Laura’s vivid story of sitting at a stoplight, frozen in grief
How a sudden family death brought those feelings back years later
The difficult season of caregiving and halted plans
Encouragement from 2 Corinthians on finding comfort and strength
A hopeful reminder: if others have made it through, you can too
A heartfelt invitation to be someone others will look to, for hope

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Pareavor with Hope Apparel Line Wear your grief and hope with courage. Browse the new GPS Hope merchandise featuring a shattered heart pieced back together with the words Pareavor with Hope. Shop now: gpshope.org/store

Reflections of Hope: August Edition Need daily encouragement? The August volume of Reflections of Hope for Bereaved Parents is available, or you can get the full-year edition. Learn more: gpshope.org/reflections

Birthdays:

Tony Crane was born on July 23 and left us at age 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

305: Waiting for Answers After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:40 +0000

Have you found yourself stuck in the endless questions of why after your child died? Why did this happen? Why my child? Why didn’t God stop it? In this raw and tender episode, Laura gently explores what it means to live in that painful space between loss and healing—where answers often never come, and “closure” feels like a betrayal.

Drawing from a powerful quote, “You can get closure, or you can move on, but you can’t have both”, Laura speaks directly to grieving hearts. She reassures us that moving forward does not mean letting go of our child, but instead carrying their love with us into a life that can still have purpose, even without answers.

Through honest reflection and Scripture, you’ll be reminded that:

It’s okay to not have closure.
It’s okay to not be okay.
And it’s okay to begin hoping again.

Laura also prays a heartfelt prayer of comfort, peace, and a gentle nudge toward hope, even if it’s just a flicker.

Whether you’re barely breathing or beginning to take tiny steps, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that you are not alone—and you can be a pareavor with hope.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

New “Pareavor with Hope” Merchandise Line Every item in this new collection is designed for grieving parents—featuring a shattered heart lovingly pieced back together, with the words “Pareavor with Hope” across the front. It’s not just apparel—it’s a sacred statement of who we are.

Click here to see the full line of “Pareavor with HOPE” shirts, hoodies, ball caps and stocking hats.

Birthdays:

Join us as we honor the precious children being remembered this week.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and left us at age 18.

Hayden Beck was born on July 17 and left us at age 16.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and left us at age 39.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

304: Getting Through the Grief of Child Loss, One Step at a Time (with Lisa Espinoza)

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Laura welcomes Lisa Espinoza to share the deeply personal story of losing her 25-year-old son, Chandler, after he was struck by a car and spent 18 days in the ICU before passing away on January 1st. Lisa opens up about the unique challenges of grieving during the holiday season, the lessons she’s learned from past loss, and how she’s choosing to walk through her grief with authenticity and faith.

Lisa shares how her earlier experience of losing her mother at just 18 years old shaped the way she grieved Chandler’s death—and what she did differently this time. She speaks candidly about the importance of not skipping over the pain, but also not getting stuck in it.

Laura reads a touching excerpt from Lisa’s journal, now published in her book First Brush Your Teeth: Grief and Hope in Real Time, which reflects Lisa’s resolve to trust God even in the heartbreak.

Lisa’s message is one of permission—permission to feel, to fall apart, and to rebuild in time, one small step at a time.

Author and speaker Lisa Espinoza is a trusted companion to others along their journeys of grief. In her book First, Brush Your Teeth: Grief and Hope in Real Time, Lisa shares with raw honesty the story of losing her youngest son Chandler, reminding us that hope and joy are possible, even after the greatest heartache and loss.

What They Talk About:

What “grieving the wrong way” looked like for Lisa after her mom’s death
How she is choosing a healthier, more present grief journey with Chandler
The role of faith and God’s presence—even in the blank spaces
Her God and Moments Gratitude Journal and why it matters now more than ever
How to hold both joy and sorrow at the same time

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Lisa and learn more at LisaEspinoza.com

Don’t forget to give the podcast a rating and review to help other pareavors find the same hope you have found.

Birthdays:

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and left us at age 9.

Rachel Corn was born on July 10 and left us at age 22.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and left us at age 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

303: A Different Kind of Freedom for Grieving Parents

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:00:47 +0000

As the United States celebrates Independence Day with fireworks and festivities, grieving parents often feel out of place — bound by pain instead of celebrating freedom. In this gentle and honest episode, Laura speaks to the heart of what “freedom” can look like after the loss of a child. It’s not about moving on… but about slowly learning how to live again.

Whether you’re skipping the celebrations, silently remembering your child, or simply trying to breathe today, this episode reminds you that your journey matters — and you are not alone.

What You’ll Hear:

Why holidays like the 4th of July can feel especially painful
A new perspective on freedom in the midst of grief
The quiet strength of your personal “declaration”
Permission to grieve differently than the world expects
Gentle hope that healing and freedom can still be possible

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Be sure to click here to find out more about the Reflections of Hope book – both for a full year and the individual months (especially July and August).

Don’t forget to give the podcast a rating and review to help other pareavors find the same hope you have found.

Find more support and resources at GPSHope.org

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

302: Rediscovering Purpose After Child Loss (with Kim Harms)

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:36 +0000

In today’s episode, Laura talks with Kim Harms, who has lost both a mom and a son to suicide and also found herself widowed. Even with all these losses, Kim has been able to learn how to live a life of meaning and purpose, and loves to encourage others that they can do the same.

Dr. Kimberly Harms has been around the block in life. She has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service, a dental school professor, a grief counselor, a death doula, a civil mediator, a clinical dentist with her late husband Jim in Farmington MN, a school board Chair, President of an international women’s organization, the first woman President of the Minnesota Dental Association, a National Spokesperson for the American Dental Association (21 years), an award-winning, best-selling author and international speaker on the topics of grief, conflict and legacy planning. She has also suffered many personal losses, including the deaths by suicide of her mother and son and the death by broken heart of her husband after their son’s death. Her most important role now is mother to her two surviving children and grandmother to 6 precious grandchildren.

(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:

To connect with Kim: DrKimberlyHarms.com and RethinkingDeath.Life

Click here to find out more about the Reflections of Hope: July Edition

Birthdays:

Cassie Martinez was born on June 22 and left us at age 19.

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and left us at age 19.

Dominic Cardenus was born on June 28 and left us at age 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

301: Is God Punishing Me?

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:00:36 +0000

In this compassionate episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura Diehl speaks directly to grieving parents who are silently battling guilt after the loss of their child—especially when they wonder, “Was this my fault?” or even, “Is God punishing me?”

Drawing from personal emails, Scripture, and real-life stories, Laura offers insight into:

Why suffering is not a sign of God’s punishment
How guilt can wrongly silence your right to grieve
A powerful reminder that Jesus has already taken all our guilt and shame
Practical ways to begin releasing guilt and walking in freedom

Whether you’re struggling with what your child did—or didn’t do—or simply feeling crushed by the weight of “what ifs,” this episode is a lifeline of truth and grace.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Click here to request 10 Tips to Overcome Guilt.

Listen to the episode The Difference Between Regret and Guilt with guest Nancy Weil.

Birthdays:

Kari-Lee Venning (Birrell) was born on June 19 and left us at age 25.

Cassie Martinez was born on June 20 and left us at age 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

300: Two Dads Talk about Child Loss and Father’s Day (with Matt Poelman)

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:45 +0000

In today’s episode you will be hearing from Laura’s husband, Dave, along with a long-time friend, Matt Poelman, who lost his son, Eric, while serving in the military in Iraq.

Some of the things discussed were:

The emotions Matt felt
How he and his wife, Sally, dealt with the death of their son differently
How he feels about Father’s Day
How losing his son has impacted his faith in God

Matt also shares what it is like, twenty years later, offering hope to those who are just starting this journey, closing in a prayer especially for the listeners who are fathers.

Matt Poelman has been a Christ-follower since his youth. He was the 5th of 6 children whose family moved from the Netherlands to the state of Michigan. Matt was born and raised in Michigan and the Chicago area.

When volunteering at a mission aviation facility in North Carolina, Matt met his wife, Sally, and they were married in 1980. They became a Gold Star family in 2005 when their son, Eric, lost his life in the Army while deployed in Iraq.

Matt has a twenty-six year aviation career in maintaining a variety of aircraft, and another twenty-one years as an instructor in avaiation maintenance. He has just retired from full-time teaching but continues with aviation for the FAA, testing graduate students to issue aircraft mechanic certificates. Matt & Sally are enjoying their 5 grand-daughters and 2 grand-sons.

(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:

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Click here to look at both the monthly and the yearly Reflections of Hope books.

Birthdays:

Tyler Harkness was born on June 8 and left us at age 26.

Allie Custer was born on June 12 and left us at age 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

299: Can I Trust God Leading Me?

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:06 +0000

Can we still trust God when we feel like He led us into such a dark place, allowing our child to be taken from us?

In today’s episode, Laura takes a look at this question through the familiar verse of Psalm 23:2.

(Laura shared her thoughts on Psalm 23:1 in the previous two episodes 297 and 298.)

Note: Today’s podcast episode, along with the other June episodes, are being sponsored by Ho Teck Min from Singapore, in memory of his daughter, Emma.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To find out more about the next GPS Hope retreat in New York this October click here.

Click here to look at both the monthly and the yearly Reflections of Hope books.

Birthdays:

Ocean Yohannes Emru Campbell was born on June 7 and left us at age 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

298: Psalm 23:1 Through the Eyes of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:27 +0000

Last week Laura started looking at Psalm 23:1-2 through the eyes of child loss. She only got through the first few words, “The Lord is my Shepherd…”

In this week’s episode, she finishes out the verse which says, “…I shall not want.” Listen in as Laura talks about how that may mean something different than what we have thought in the past.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To hear the podcast Laura referred to, with Kim Avery as a guest click here.

To find out more about the next GPS Hope retreat in New York this October click here.

Click here to look at both the monthly and the yearly Reflections of Hope books.

Birthdays:

Jessi Wilfong was born on May 26 and left us at age 20.

Jessi Castile was born on May 26 and left us at age 21.

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and left us at age 24.

Nathan Jeremiah Lee was born on May 28 and left us at age 20.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and left us at age 11.

Mark (Markie) Sweitzer was born on May 30 and left us at age 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

297: The Lord is My Shepherd

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:32 +0000

When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, too often we don’t fully understand what that means. We sometimes take it to mean that God will not let anything really bad happen to us. Then when our child dies, it can be hard to trust Him or to see Jesus as the “good” shepherd.

In today’s episode, Laura looks at the familiar scripture of Psalm 23:1 in a way that brings greater understanding to these seemingly contradictory things.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the cruise or retreat here.

Birthdays:

Jason Turner was born on May 20 and left us at age 36.

Jason LaFave was born on May 21 and left us at age 35.

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and left us at age 16.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

296: Getting Past the Trauma of Child Loss (with Jacke Rose)

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 May 2025 06:00:46 +0000

Today’s guest has a very traumatic story. Before ending his own life, Jacke’s son, Randy, attempted to kill his wife, his two young children and his father-in-law.

It is a riveting story (within the horrible tragedy) that ends with hope and encouragement.

However, Laura fully understands there may be some triggers, as Jacke shares some of the details, so if you want to skip parts of it, you can do so, based on the information below on where the various parts of Jacke’s story are recorded.

Randy’s childhood: 3:00

Randy’s adult years: 6:46

The night it all happened: 12:20

Randy ends his life: 18:40

First visit to the hospital to see Randy’s family: 24:59

Heading back home with Randy’s family: 32:10

The current situation: 36:44

How Jacke’s life has been blessed: 39:27

The divorce: 41:55

Answering various questions with some nuggets of encouragement: 45:06

Jacke prays for the listeners: 57:32

Jacke Rose is no stranger to personal trials. In January of 2016, she faced an overwhelming obstacle, the death of her 30-year-old son, Randy, to suicide, a tragedy that left her, as well as his grieving wife and two young sons, devastated. Jacke is the author of the book, Resurfacing, a twelve-week hope-filled guide designed to share with other grieving moms and the Just Be Journal for grieving moms. Having blended her life challenges and passions, she has created a life she truly loves, using her talents to encourage others to find balance and purpose amid life’s darkest moments. Jacke currently lives in Bend, Oregon.

(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:

Connect with Jacke on her website at grievingmoms.com

Go to the GPS Hope website here: gpshope.org

Birthdays:

Leah Van Emmerik was born on May 13 and left us at age 39.

Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and left us at age 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

295: What is Hope?

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:00:08 +0000

Most people think that hope is wishful thinking, as in, “I hope they win this game.” However, that kind of hope is not what will get us out of the suffocating darkness of grief after the death of our child.

In today’s episode, Laura revisits true hope – the hope that God gives. This is a hope we can rely on in the darkness as He brings us back into the light, to be able to live a life of meaning and purpose once again, until being reunited with our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to see/order the award winning Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (both the complete year hardback book and the monthly books).

Go to the GPS Hope free members libray here.

Birthdays:

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and left us at age 28.

Michael Slater was born on May 8 and left us at age 26.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and left us at age 34.

Isaac Wills was born on May 10 and left us at age 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

294: Child Loss by Suicide Part 2 (with Greg and Cathy Buffkin)

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:21 +0000

Today is the continuation of a conversation Laura had with Greg and Cathy Bufkin. In last week’s discussion and this week, the talk goes beyond the topic of suicide, so no matter how your child left this earth, you will be encouraged by what is shared.

Greg and Cathy Buffkin lost their son, Ryan, to suicide in 2015. On their journey that began out of unspeakable trauma and brokenness, God has brought them through to a place of restoration, hope and joy with a passion to help other grieving families on their journeys. They are co-founders of The Empty Chair Endeavor, which is designed to support and equip survivors of child loss in rediscovering life, hope, and joy after unspeakable tragedy. Additionally, their mission involves educating the public about the life altering impact the death of a child has upon survivors, both parents and siblings, and equipping them to better support and minister to them. Greg and Cathy live in South Carolina.

(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:

Connect with Greg and Cathy Buffkin at www.emptychairendeavor.com.

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Birthdays:

Christi Gayheart was born on April 29 and left us at age 49.

Eric Merciers was born on May 1 and left us at age 38.

Aaron Opoku was born on May 1 and left us at age 27.

Milo Kostrna bloomed on earth to blossom in heaven on May 3.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

293: Child Loss by Suicide (with Greg and Cathy Buffkin)

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:00:22 +0000

Today Laura is diving into the topic of suicide with guests Greg and Cathy Buffkin. However, their conversation goes beyond that, giving help and hope to anyone who has lost a child.

(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:

Connect with Greg and Cathy Buffkin at www.emptychairendeavor.com.

Click here to order Laura’s books at 20% off from April 22-25. (Note, this does not include the Reflections of Hope books on Amazon. The Hard Cover option link is already discounted.) Remember to use the code bookday for any other book iny our store.

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Birthdays:

Stephen Francis Reeve was born on April 25 and is forever 25.

Michael Patnaude was born on April 27 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Sign up for the Weekly Word of 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.

292: Helping You Navigate Through the Darkness of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00:40 +0000

Today’s episode is being sponsored by recent followers of GPS Hope, in honor of Becca’s birthday (Laura and Dave’s daughter who passed). Laura was asked to share some stories about Becca as part of the sponsorship, so she asked Dave to join her for this.

As listeners of the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast, you may not know a whole lot about GPS Hope, which is the ministry behind the podcast. We are here to help you navigate through the suffocating darkness of child loss, and wanted to share with you the God-story of how it all got started, how God has used it over the past ten years, and the various resources GPS Hope offers that you might not be aware of.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Take me to www.gpshope.org.

Click here to see the video that is played in todays episode.

Click here to see photos and read more about Becca or here to read more about Laura and Dave with photos.

If you want to know more about the Wall of Remembrance, click here.

Sponsor an episode the week of your choice here.

Click here to make a donation to GPS Hope or to become a monthly supporter.

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Birthdays:

Becca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and left us at age 29.

Jodie Fuller was born on April 14 and left us at age 37.

Briana Martinez was born on April 17 and left us at age 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

291: When We Don’t Think God is There

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:00:51 +0000

As parents who have lost a child from this earth, we know what it is like to be in a place that is so dark it does not seem like Jesus is there for us.

In today’s episode Laura reminds us that there are several people in the Bible who also went through a dark time that felt like God was not there with them, including Jesus Himself.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the 2026 Grief Cruise and/or the Renew and Remember Retreat here.

Birthdays:

David J. Spinnanger was born on April 9 and left us at age 19.

Colby Lewis was born on April 12 and left us at age 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

290: The Gift of the Holy Spirit in Our Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:30 +0000

As believers in Christ, we are familiar with who Jesus is and what He did for us. We hear a lot about who God (our Father) is as well. But how much do we know about the third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit?

Why do we need the Holy Spirit, and how can He help us in our grief? This is what Laura talks about in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Order the April Edition of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents here.

Click here to see/order the award winning Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (complete year hardback book).

Birthdays:

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 5 and left this earth at 4 ½ months.

Amie Bichard was born on April 5 and left this earth at age 45.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

289: When God Doesn’t Make Sense

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:00:35 +0000

There have been plenty of times when God does not make sense, but none as much as when our child dies and leaves this earth ahead of us.

Join Laura today, as she talks about this, with some scriptures that might bring some clarity to our thought process on this topic.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Order the April Edition of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents here.

Click here to see/order the award winning Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (complete year hardback book).

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to share this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

288: The Difference Between Guilt and Regret (with Nancy Weil)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:00:45 +0000

A few weeks ago, Laura’s friend, Nancy Weil, sent out an email to the presenters on the 2025 Grief Cruise, asking what they thought about the difference between regret and guilt. One of Nancy’s grief support groups were discussing this, so she decided to see what the presenters’ thoughts were on this.

Laura decided this made a good topic for a podcast episode, so she packed her podcast microphone and took it with her on the cruise, so that she and Nancy could talk about it, letting Laura’s listeners in on their discussion.

Nancy Weil is the founder of The Grief Academy and a leading authority on the relationship between humor and grief. Nancy is known for her energetic, entertaining and content rich programs. She has certifications as a Grief Management Specialist, Grief Service Provider, a Funeral Celebrant, and Laughter Leader. Her award-winning Hope After Heartache grief support group meets on Zoom, in order to reach people across the country.

(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:

Nancy Wiel website: The Grief Academy

Click here to catch the special to get When Tragedy Strikes for half-price. Find out more about the book here.

Birthdays:

Jeremiah Wofford was born on March 9 and left us at age 44.

Rohit Matthew was born on March16 and left us at age 23.

Danielle Jerome was born on March 16 and left us at age 32.

Daniel Wilson was born on March 21 and left us at age 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

287: Digging Ourselves Out of the Darkness After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:00:52 +0000

When our child dies, we are thrown into a suffocating darkness that we can believe will be with us for the rest of our time here on earth.

Join Laura today as she shares how we can rebuild our lives by comparing it to rebuilding a house, room by room. It won’t look the same, but we can come out of the darkness and learn how to live a life of meaning and purpose again.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to the podcast episode Health and Self-Care After Child Loss.

Listen to the podcast episode about our identity after child loss here.

Click here to catch the special to get When Tragedy Strikes for half-price. Find out more about the book here.

Birthdays:

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and left us at age 28.

Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and left us at age 54.

Kirsten Brown was born on March 12 and left us at age 25.

Matthew Branca was born on March 15 and left us at age 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

286: How Can I Trust God Again?

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:00:47 +0000

Many of us thought we were building our lives on the Rock, until our child died, and we found ourselves in the sinking sand. Last week Laura shared from the hymn The Solid Rock as a springboard to talk about that.

This week, Laura continues the conversation, using a second hymn to share how she believes we can get out of the sinking sand and back onto the Rock.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Go to gpshope.org to check out the website for resources, and to get to know Becca, Laura and Dave better.

Check out Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents here. (There is also a link on the page to find the monthly Reflections of Hope books.)

Birthdays:

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and left us at age 24.

Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and left us at age 32.

Courtney Harris was born on March 4 and left us at age 34.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and left us at age 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

285: Do You Feel Like You’re on Sinking Sand?

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:28 +0000

Many of us believed we were building our lives on the solid Rock, but after our child died, we found ourselves floundering on sinking sand. Hear what Laura shares about this topic in today’s episode. You may even hear her break out in song a couple of times.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Go to gpshope.org to check out the website for resources, and to get to know Becca, Laura and Dave better.

Click here to see the list of FeedSpot’s Top 30 Hope Podcasts on the web.

Birthdays:

Dharahan Walker was born on February 23 and left us at age 31.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and left us at age 28.

Paul Huprich was born on February 24 and left us at age 19.

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and left us at age 33.

Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and left us at age 17.

Miesha Grimes was born on March 1and left us at age 24

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

284: Thinking About Heaven After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:00:10 +0000

Heaven. That is often on the mind of those of us who have lost a child. So, let’s talk about it.

In today’s episode, you will hear something written by a grieving dad that leads into a discussion about heaven with three points Laura makes. She ends the episode with some imagination from a few of you about heaven and what our children might be doing there while waiting for us to join them.

Today’s episode is sponsored by parents who wish to remain anonymous, in honor of their daughter, Cassandra.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To share how you imagine your child in heaven, click here and put in the comment section.

Click here to start receiving Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Find out more about the My Grief Journey book here. For the My Grief Journey for Kids click here.

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Birthdays:

Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and left us at age 24.

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and left us at age 35.

Mark Patrick King II was born on February 22 and left us at age 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

283: Does God Have a Word for You?

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:00:52 +0000

Many people use the beginning of each year to set new goals or see it as a time for a fresh start. As parents who have lost a child (especially in those first few years) those are not things we are interested in at all. In fact, we don’t want to go into a new year without our child and it can weigh us down.

But, what if God could speak something into your place of darkness that could bring you the hope, comfort and strength you need? Listen in, as Laura shares some of those personal words she has received over the years, and encourages other shattered parents that they can do the same.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to start receiving Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents

Birthdays:

Gavin Reynolds was born on January 19 and is forever 17.

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Episode 20: Finding Your Direction Again

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.

282: Grief Is a Journey (with Glen Lord)

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 07:00:12 +0000

Today you will be hearing Laura interview Glen Lord, who has been on this grief journey of child loss since 1999, when his five-year-old son, Noah, died. Glen’s heart of compassion comes through, along with nuggets that can be tucked away and pulled out when needed while on this unwanted journey.

Glen Lord was on the fast track to accomplishing his goal of being a CEO of a fortune 500 company. The death of his son, Noah, in 1999 put brakes on the life he had so carefully planned. As Glen sought a new path, he realized that there was a need for genuine, accurate grief information. This realization, plus his extensive business experience, fueled the founding of The Grief Toolbox and creation of the Walking Through Grief® program, both offer a community of grief resources around the world and a marketplace of grief and memorial products. Glen is past president of the national board of directors of The Compassionate Friends. He is a sought after keynote, inspirational presenter and workshop leader.

(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:

Connect with Glen Lord: thegrieftoolbox.com or www.facebook.com/grieftoolbox/

Click the following links to hear the previous podcast episodes with Glen:

Episode 19: Finding Hope

Birthdays:

Noah J Barela budded on earth to bloom in heaven on January 14.

Ezra Djamen was born on January 15 and is forever 4 months old.

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Adrian Augustine was born on January 17 and is forever 18.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Tommy Wills was born on January 19 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Tips for Bereaved Parents Heading into the New Year

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.

281: A Glimpse of Hope After Child Loss (with Greg Buffkin)

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 07:00:23 +0000

Hearing how other parents have gotten through the suffocating darkness of child loss can bring a spark of hope, especially when you know they have had some of the same confusing thoughts and struggles.

Today’s episode is an unusual and special one, as Dave and Laura are being interviewed by Greg Buffkin to give bereaved parents hope, for his podcast Hope After Child Loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Greg Buffkin’s website: www.emptychairendeavor.com

Click the following links to hear the podcast episode:

A New Year Does Not Mean You are Leaving Your Child Behind!

Hope and Help for the New Year after Child Loss

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents

Want to know more about the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss self-study guidance courses? Click here.

Birthdays:

Aria Arrona was born on December 31 and is forever 15.

Madison Clark was born on January 2 and is forever 20.

Luke Hebenstreit was born on January 4 and is forever 23.

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Go to the free GPS Hope member library.

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.

280: I Lost My Joy When My Child Died

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 07:00:11 +0000

During the Christmas season, we are surrounded by the sights and sounds of being joyful. For many of us who have lost a child, we just want this time of year to be over. We don’t see joy being part of our lives ever again.

In this episode, Laura shares from week three in her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents which tackles the topic of joy during the Christmas season.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for more info on joining me live, or about the advent book Hope for the Future.

To hear a podcast episode about the fear if our child is in heaven, click here.

Give an end-of-year financial gift to GPS Hope here.

Find out more about the book Come Grieve Through Our Eyes.

Birthdays:

David Paul French was born on December 16 and is forever 52.

Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.

Adelaide Rowell was born on December 20 and is forever 19.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13.

Diane Holt was born on December 25 and is forever 62.

Nicole Daniel was born on December 26 and is forever 27.

Martin Jesus Alva Jr. was born on December 26 and is forever 34.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

279: Climbing the Mountain of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:00:54 +0000

God will often use things in nature, or things going on around us, to speak to our hearts, showing us something we need to see, or helping us understand a truth we need to grasp.

In today’s episode, Laura shares some of the things God showed her while walking mountain trails, that have to do with grieving the earthly loss of our children.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for more info on joining me live, or about the advent book Hope for the Future.

Find out more about Reflections of Hope – December Edition here.

You can sponsor an episode for your child here.

Birthdays:

Gabriel Burgos was born on December 9, who budded on earth to bloom in heaven.

Maria Elena Navarrete was born on December 12 and is forever 55.

Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

278: Is There a Difference Between Thankful and Grateful?

GPS Hope — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:13 +0000

This was an unplanned episode, but Laura wanted to share some things before the week was over.

With this being the week of Thanksgiving (here in the US) Laura started wondering if there is a difference between being thankful and being grateful. After listening to what she has to share, Laura would love to hear your thoughts. You can write them in the comment section under the podcast audio bar here, which is directly on the GPS Hope website.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

“Black Friday” special: Click here to sponsor an episode in memory of your child for a $25 donation (instead of $50) through Sunday night, Dec. 1.

Click here for more info on Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about Laura’s songs, and listen to samples of them here.

Birthdays:

Brendan Weidner was born on November 28 and is forever 14.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

277: Navigating the Holidays After Child Loss (with Kim Peacock and Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:47 +0000

The holidays can be absolutely brutal to those of us who have lost a child, especially those first few years. Even as we get further down the road, we never know how this time of year is going to affect us.

In today’s episode, Laura talks to two different pareavors on how they have navigated the holidays, both in the early years, and as they are now further down this path of being a bereaved parent and missing their child during the end-of-year holiday season.

Sara Faith Nelson taught elementary and middle school grades for 15 years. Now she enjoys pursuing her love of writing. The primary focus of her writing has always leaned toward themes of hope, faith, and trust in the goodness of God. Since the death of her daughter and only child, she writes about her grief journey and surviving a devastating loss. She continues to write about trusting in God’s goodness and grace while grappling with the hard questions. Sara and her husband, Dennis, live in Arizona.

Kim Peacock is the author of Victorious Heart, which details her handling of grief over the loss of her 17-year-old daughter. It also provides insightful advice for those seeking to support and help those who grieve. She has raised six children, residing with her husband, Larry in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Kim is the CFO of Peacock Engineering, a cemetery construction company that specializes in cemetery improvement and expansion. Through her blog, Wild Victorious Heart, and her book and speaking, Kim acts as a grief mentor to others in need. She enjoys spending time with her several grandchildren, gardening and playing with the animals on her mini farm.

(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 for more info on Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents.

Connect with Kim with this link: www.wildvictoriousheart.com

Birthdays (November 17-30):

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15.

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27.

Cord Ramsey Davis was born on November 18 and is forever 24.

Christian Story was born on November 18 and is forever 11.

Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32.

Logan Singer was born on November 21 and is forever 17.

Jacob LeTourneau was born on November 22 and is forever 21.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Cyrus Amado Salazar Jr. was born on November 26 and is forever 17.

Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21.

Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1.

Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

276: You Are Seen

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:18 +0000

Sometimes we can feel like God must not care, or He would not have let our child die and allow us to be in so much pain. There are many people in the Bible who also felt like God had abandoned them. In this episode, Laura shares a few of these, based on a song she likes to listen to occasionally, to remind her that God really does see our struggles and He cares.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Watch the song The God Who Sees here.

To watch the entire movie The Way (where the song is from) click here.

Click here for more info on Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents.

Birthdays:

Chaney Partrich was born on November 4 and is forever 20 years old.

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23 years old.

Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and is forever 2 years old.

Hanna Abigail Dinh was born on November 12 and is forever 21 months and 7 days.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Take a look at the Savanah’s Adventures website.

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.

275: The Enemy’s Objective

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:48 +0000

In today’s short episode, Laura pulls out her response to an email she received quite a while back, thinking it might be helpful to others who are struggling with questions about things like God’s goodness.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child.

Watch Laura’s talk with Wayne Jacobson titled “Anger and Grief” here.

Click here to take a look at preordering Savanah’s Big Surprise to help out Laura and her granddaughter with their children’s book series.

Birthdays:

Pike Petersen was born on October 17 and is forever 14.

Adrian Schartner was born on October 20 and is forever 22.

Matthew Anthony Sulikowski was born on October 22 and is forever 37.

Myles Wofford was born on October 27 and is forever 3 weeks.

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.

James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months.

Cassius John Franswah was born on October 30 and is forever 26.

Ikaika Ewer was born on November 1 and is forever 6.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

274: Grace and Grief After Child Loss (with Kim Avery)

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:00:51 +0000

Today you are going to hear from a new friend and fellow pareavor, Kim Avery. Kim has so many things to share from a heart that is kind and caring, while encouraging us to learn how to walk from the place of grace that God has for us for the moment we are in.

Twenty years ago, Kim moved from being a professional counselor to working as a certified life and business coach. She loved every minute of it and thought she would do it for the rest of her life. However, four years ago, God called her to radically reorder her life, priorities, and the ways she serves in the world.

Now, as the author of the best-selling book The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur, host of The Pace of Grace podcast, and spiritual director for coaches, leaders, and entrepreneurs, she helps Christ-followers flourish in every area of their lives so they can serve others from a full cup.

Kim lives in beautiful Winter Haven, FL, with her husband Ron and their Australian Labradoodle, Samwise (who secretly thinks he’s a Rottweiler.)

(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:

Check out Kim Avery’s website: www.PaceOfGrace.com

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and is forever 4.

Samuel Seet was born on October 4 and is forever 28.

Rikki Grace was born on October 9 and is forever 25.

Jeffrey Dunkleman was born on October 10 and is forever 53.

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and is forever 17.

David Stolz was born on October 12 and is forever 33.

Alicia Martin was born on October 17 and is forever 36.

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker was born on October 19 and is forever 1.

Samuel Buss was born on October 19 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

273: I Feel Like God Betrayed Me

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:39 +0000

When our child dies, it can feel like God betrayed us. We prayed for our kids, we took them to church, etc. In other words, we did what we were supposed to do, so why didn’t God keep His end of things?

In today’s episode, Laura talks about looking beyond what we know here and now, encouraging the listeners to also take into consideration God’s view of eternity.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Justin Seehafer was born on September 16 and is forever 28.

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and is forever 49.

Rachel Terrazas was born on September 19 and is forever 22.

Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and is forever 16 months.

Myles Bradley Shaffer was born on September 24 and is forever 44.

Valerie Ines Cepeda was born on September 26 and is forever 19.

Jacob Rhoades was born on September 28 and is forever 21.

Shea Thomas Patno was born on September 29 and is forever 15.

Stephanie Webber was born on September 29 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

272: Getting Pulled Back into Our Grief (with Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 06:00:24 +0000

In those first few months (or even first two or three years) many pareavors (bereaved parents) have a hard time believing they will get to the point where they are not in the place of suffocating grief they have found themselves thrown into.

There are thousands of pareavors who are several years down the road, who thought the same thing. But once they find themselves out of that dark pit, is it healthy to purposely put yourself back into a place of painful darkness, remembering the depth of who and what you have lost, like listening to podcasts, or attending a retreat, or something like going on The Grief Cruise?

As Laura’s friend, Sara Nelson, recently experienced this when she attended the GPS Hope Weekend of Hope, Laura realized it would be good to have her on the podcast to talk about this.

Sara Faith Nelson, has been on this journey for ten years. She taught elementary and middle school grades for 15 years. Now she enjoys pursuing her love of writing. The primary focus of Sara’s writing has always leaned toward themes of hope, faith, and trust in the goodness of God. Since the death of her daughter and only child, Jeanette, she writes about her grief journey and surviving a devastating loss. She continues to write about trusting in God’s goodness and grace while grappling with the hard questions. Sara and her husband, Dennis, live in Arizona.

(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 find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child.

To look at the Hold On Pain Eases: There is HOPE shirts, click here.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Stephanie Wright was born on September 1 and is forever 26.

Bryanna Dugan was born on September 5 and is forever 22.

Alyshia DeFranco was born on September 6 and is forever 24.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and is forever 32.

Emma Ho was born on September 9 and is forever 10.

Paul Murphy was born on September 9 and is forever 21.

Zachary Tyler was born on September 11 and is forever 18.

Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

271: Going Through Different Seasons of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 06:00:52 +0000

We are very aware of the four seasons of the year, but have you thought about how our grief can have seasons as well?

In this episode, Laura shares her thoughts about all four seasons, and how they correspond to the grief we deal with, in the loss of our child.

Note: Laura also shares that for a “season”, she will be releasing a podcast every other week instead of weekly.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to recieve a personal Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Take a look at the hoodies, sweatshirts, long-sleeved T-shirts and sweat jackets here.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and is forever 26.

Daniel Budd was born on August 29 and is forever 4.

Victoria Botto was born on August 30 and is forever 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

270: Feeling Broken After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:38 +0000

Do we know the difference between our soul and our spirit and how each of them affects us? As a bereaved parent, do we have a broken soul, a broken spirit, or both? Does it really matter?

Listen in as Laura shares some insights that she believes the Lord has given her recently about this.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to recieve a personal Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Destine Wood was born on August 21 and is forever 40.

Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and is forever 33.

Frank Cisewski was born on August 22 and is forever 34.

Evan Sabine was born on August 23 and is forever 15.

Bailey Arwine was born on August 23 and is forever 22.

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

Jordyn Hansen was born on August 24 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

269: Becoming a Prisoner of Hope

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:00:02 +0000

Most of the time, when we use the word “hope” it is wishful thinking, as in “I hope our team pulls out a win today.” But when the word “hope” is used in scripture, God has a different meaning.

Listen in, as Laura talks about this, and how important it is to be a prisoner of hope, as we find in Zechariah 9:12.

A special thank you to Chris and ReNea Trebelhorn, for sponsoring today’s episode in honor of their son, Aaron.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Click here to sponsor an episode in honor of your child.

Birthdays:

Hizkia Aritonang born on August 14 and is forever 20.

Callan Letcher was born on August 15 and is forever 17.

Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21.

Jeremy Bornemeier was born on August 16 and is forever 32.

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

268: Things People Say That are Not Helpful after Child Loss (with Sara Faith Nelson and BJ Jensen)

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:50 +0000

As parents who have lost a child, we all know people who have said things that are inappropriate or just plain hurtful. In this episode, you are going to hear from two very special ladies in a conversation with Laura, about things people say that are just not true, in their attempt to make us “feel better.”

BJ Jensen has been on this journey for almost 30 years and is the mom of baby Jodi and adult son Jay, who left this world too soon. BJ and her husband, Dr. Doug Jensen are best known for directing the Love in Motion signing choir for 30 years. They founded the non-profit called Healing Hallelujah Ministries to offer hope, help, and healing to hurting hearts. Doug and BJ’s creative efforts include writing books and stories, songs and sketches and are highly sought speakers at events and conferences for bereaved parents. All of their ministries have come to fruition since the loss of 2 children.

(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:

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Neena Renee Rey was born on August 5 and is forever 2.

Gabriel Andrew Moreno was born on August 5 and is forever 28.

Jacob Gary was born on August 6 and is forever 21.

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and is forever 30.

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and is forever 31.

Jacob Holiday was born on August 10 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

267: God, Why Can’t I Hear You?

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:00:22 +0000

It seems many of us struggle to hear from God after the death of our child. We wonder why He has abandoned us when we need Him more than we ever have before.

This was not Laura’s original topic for this episode, but God directed her to change it unexpectedly, a few hours before she was planning on recording.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Listen to previous podcast with Wayne Jacobson: I Am So Angry at God

Birthdays:

Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and is forever 32.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and is forever 5.

Joey Ray was born on July 28 and is forever 26.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21.

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and is forever 31.

Lauren Miller Dobbins was born on July 30 and is forever 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

266: So Many Tears

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:00:39 +0000

Have you ever stopped to think that your tears could possibly be a gift from God? That is something Laura explores in today’s talk, along with a few other observations that may be helpful to those who are grieving the loss of their child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise this coming February. Get all the details here.

Birthdays:

Cayden Josephine Turner was born on July 26 and is forever 18.

Sage Cook-Remigio was born on July 27 and is forever 8 weeks and 2 days old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

265: God, I Can’t Forgive You for This (with Joycelynn Harrell)

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:16 +0000

When we are in that dark pit of grief after child loss, we are in a very vulnerable place, making us an easy target for the enemy to get a foothold. It might be through things we were taught about God that make us angry at Him. It could be through our desperate need for peace, causing us to go down a path we would not have gone down before.

Today’s guest dealt with both of these things. Listen in, as Laura talks to Joycelyn about the dark place she found herself in, even as a pastor, after her son’s death by suicide.

In 2017, Joycelynn experienced the suicide loss of her oldest son. As she shut down emotionally and spiritually, God allowed her to run with her anger and pain until He said the running was over.

Joycelynn is a Christian faith-based holistic registered nurse, wellness & grief coach, pastor and writer who empowers others to live whole in the kingdom of God. Her goal is to create a compassionate space where others will find solace, support, and practical strategies to navigate their grief journey of traumatic child loss.

(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:

Joycelynn’s website: LivingWholeWithGrief.com

Contact Joycelynn at: joycelynn@livingwholewithgrief.com

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more here.

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Birthdays:

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and is forever 18.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39.

Paul Ortiz Jr. was born on July 19 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

264: Our Journey of Faith Versus Fear and Doubt

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:09 +0000

After taking a month off for her sister’s illness and unexpected passing, Laura is back. In this episode, she discusses how faith and fear have the same root, and how the choice we make to lean into one or the other will have an affect on our journey of child loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more here.

To look at or purchase the hardcover full year Reflections of Hope book directly from the publisher (for a cheaper price than Amazon) click here.

To purchase specific monthly editions of Reflections of Hope click here.

Birthdays:

Allie Custer was born on June 12 and is forever 29.

Avery Gingerich was born on June 14 and bloomed on earth to blossom in heaven.

Emily Raquel Ponce Gallegos was born on June 15 and is forever 9 months.

Kari-Lee Venning (Birrell) was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

Alex Doyon was born on June 23 and is forever 30.

Hunter Josiah Whitney was born on June 25 and is forever 18.

Courtney Kolb was born on June 26 and is forever 23.

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

Elianne Andam was born on June 28 and is forever 15.

Robert “Bobby” Allen was born on July 2 and is forever 24.

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and is forever 9.

Rachel Corn was born on July 10 and is forever 22.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

263: Thinking of My Child with Joy

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:00:07 +0000

When we first lose our child from this earth, memories bring stabbing pain, because we realize that is all we have now. We can’t make new memories. We feel like we will never be able to enjoy life again, even if we have other children, a wonderful spouse, or job or ministry we loved.

How can we possibly smile, or ever be happy again after our child dies? Just the thought of it can make us feel guilty. In today’s episode, Laura shares something that will help a bereaved parent think of their child with joy.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Don’t forget to check out the NEW June and July Editions of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more here.

Click here to become a financial partner and keep GPS Hope going strong.

To share the acronym of your child’s name, click here and scroll down to the comments.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Birthdays:

James Manning was born on June 3 and is forever 2.

Mateo Montoya was born on June 5 and is forever 6 ½ months.

Kayla Ramos was born on June 7 and is forever 25.

Ocean Yohannes Emru Campbell was born on June 7 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

262: Waiting to Be with My Child Again

GPS Hope — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:27:08 +0000

In today’s episode, Laura shares how she begged God to end her life after the death of her daughter. Eventually Laura decided that she did not want to live out the rest of her life as the shell of a person just waiting to die.

As Laura shares her progression of going from wanting to die, to now living a life of meaning and purpose again, she does it in a way that brings hope to other pareavors, as we all wait to be with our child again.

Thank you to Craig and Michelle Enanoria, for sponsoring today’s episode in honor of their son, Kyle.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about joining us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!

Sponsor a podcast episode here.

Click here to become a financial partner and keep GPS Hope going strong.

Don’t forget to check out the NEW June Edition of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Check out Laura’s books.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Birthdays:

Jessi Wilfong was born on May 26 and is forever 20.

Ian Martin was born on May 26 and is forever 43.

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

Jacob Campbell was born on May 27 and is forever 32.

Nathan Lee was born on May 28 and is forever 20.

Alayna Lisboa was born on May 29 and is forever 7 weeks.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

Mark (Markie) Sweitzer was born on May 30 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

261: When Will It Stop Hurting So Much?

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:34 +0000

Waiting can be one of the hardest and most exhausting things to do. As parents who have lost a child from this earth, two things we seem to be waiting on the most are for it to stop hurting so much, and obviously waiting to be with our child again.

This week Laura talks about waiting for it to stop hurting so much. Next week she will discuss waiting to be with our child again.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Please remember to give this podcast a review, letting other pareavors know why they should listen!

The following were not mentioned, but here are some things to check out.

Don’t forget to check out the May and June Editions of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Birthdays:

Jason Turner was born on May 20 and is forever 36.

Zack Sexton was born on May 20 and is forever 36.

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

260: I Can’t See Anything Even Remotely Good

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 May 2024 06:00:01 +0000

After our child leaves this earth, most of us want to take Romans 8:28 out of our Bibles, especially when people throw that verse at us in a way that is supposed to make it all better. (“Remember, God promises to work everything out for good…”)

Laura has been in that place of suffocating darkness, and begged God to take her from this earth when her daughter, Becca, died. In today’s episode, you will hear what Laura has to share about this topic, after years of tears behind her.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Don’t forget to check out the May and June Editions of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Sign up here to receive Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope

Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Click here to see Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents and Laura’s other books.

Birthdays:

Isaac Wills was born on May 10 and is forever 17.

Leah Van Emmerik was born on May 13 and is forever 39.

Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

259: Our Promised Miracle

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 May 2024 06:00:48 +0000

If you know Laura, you know that she feels things deeply and tears come easily to her. Somehow, she manages to hold those tears back when recording the podcast episodes… but not this time.

A miracle is something only God can do, which is what we wanted (and even expected) for our children, either in a healing or in protection. When that doesn’t happen, our disappointment and even anger with God can make us feel like He betrayed us.

Listen in today to what Laura shares deeply from her heart about God and his miracles in our lives.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up here to receive Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope

Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Click here to see Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents and Laura’s other books.

Birthdays:

Denzel Goredema was born on May 5 and is forever 28.

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and is forever 28.

Michael Slater was born on May 8 and is forever 26.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and is forever 34.

Justis Bjergo was born on May 10 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Blog about International Bereaved Mother’s Day

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.

258: Mother’s Day After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:38 +0000

Mother’s Day can be one of the most difficult days of the year for a mom after child loss. In this episode, Laura will be talking about both Mother’s Day, and a special day the week before, which is International Bereaved Mother’s Day, which is the first Sunday in May.

Laura is very real and honest about her thoughts and feelings about all of this, in a way that isn’t normally like her. But Mother’s Day is one of the hardest days we have to face each year, and there is no reason to not admit it or try to sugar coat it.

She closes by praying over each mom who is listening. We need extra strength, and God is the only one who can give that to us.

Note: The main content of this episode is pulled from the archives of episode 106.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information about joining GPS Hope on a cruise.

GPS Hope Facebook Page

Birthdays:

Christi Gayheart was born on April 29 and is forever 49.

Eric Merciers was born on May 1 and is forever 38.

Milo Kostrna bloomed on earth to blossom in heaven on May 3.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

257: Do Not Allow the Pressure of Comparing

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:00:30 +0000

So much horrific pain and darkness comes with child loss. It doesn’t matter how young or how old your child was when they left this earth. It doesn’t matter if it was sudden or if it was long and drawn out.

As pareavors (bereaved parents), we can bristle when others say they know how we feel, because of a different loss. We know what that feels like. But what about when we compare our child’s loss to another parent’s loss? What about when we compare where we are in our grief with where another parent is (or was) in some sort of timeline?

We rarely make those comparisons out loud, but we can have these thoughts, which is what Laura talks about in today’s episode.

Note: Today’s episode is being sponsored by Jeff and Mary Beth Patnaude, in honor of their son, Michael Patnaude.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for all the info and to register for the Ohio GPS Hope & Healing Retreat, May 24-26.

Listen to podcast episode 174: Our Dreams About Our Children After Child Loss

Sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child. Go here to choose the week and make your $50 donation.COME JOIN US for our

Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Birthdays:

Christopher Schofer was born on April 21 and is forever 25.

Shannon Chevalier was born on April 21 and is forever 27.

Stephen Francis Reeve was born on April 25 and is forever 25.

Bradley Brown was born on April 27 and is forever 17.

Michael Patnaude was born on April 27 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

256: God’s Future Plans for You

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:58 +0000

After the loss of a child, there are scriptures that used to get us excited that don’t make any sense now. They seem untrue and maybe even cruel.

In today’s episode, Laura talks about one of those verses, Jeremiah 29:11, where God tells us He has good plans for us, to give us hope and a future.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for all the info and to register for the Ohio GPS Hope & Healing Retreat, May 24-26.

COME JOIN US for our Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Start receiving Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope by signing up here.

Sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child. Go here to choose the week and make your $50 donation.

Birthdays:

Brandon Matos was born on April 14 and is forever 23.

Mylei Birdinground was born on April 16 and is forever 15.

Briana Martinez was born on April 17 and is forever 17.

Cayman Ben Jardell was born on April 19 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

255: Where Did My Friends Go? (with June K. Collins)

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:57 +0000

Today’s topic is one Laura gets asked about in emails, which is addressing the issue of losing friends we thought would be there for us in our time of grief.

Laura and her guest, June Collins, talk about this from June’s experience of losing her 2-year-old son 12 years ago. Their conversation has a lot of nuggets that go beyond what or who we may lose, but also what and who we can gain.

Note: Today’s podcast episode is sponsored by Dave and Laura Diehl, in honor of their daughter, Becca.

June K. Collins is a Master NLP Practitioner and Coach. In 2012, she lost her son, Kaleb, and found herself hitting rock bottom and not understanding how to rebuild her life without Kaleb in it. During this time, she found a passion with the mind and how individuals react to trauma. Through her own experience and education, she now helps other women rebuild and find purpose in their life and is the author of the book Momma, You Don’t Heal.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Connect with June Collins on her website: theserenitydreamer.com

Click here for all the info and to register for the Ohio GPS Hope & Healing Retreat, May 24-26.

COME JOIN US for our Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child. Go here to choose the week and make your $50 donation.

Birthdays:

Greg London was born on April 8 and is forever 34.

Becca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

254: Taking Communion After the Turmoil of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:10 +0000

If I am struggling with anger and confusion and my faith is rocky right now, shouldn’t I pass on taking the elements of communion?

In today’s episode, Laura digs into 1 Corinthians 11, talking about the purpose of communion and what makes us “unworthy”. Based on scripture, Laura believes that we are not disqualified. Not only that, but occasionally taking the elements is greatly needed and can be even more meaningful to us now, after the death of our child.

She also talks about how many pareavors just cannot drag themselves to church, and why it is not against any of God’s “rules” to serve yourself communion, having a very personal and private time with the Lord while taking the bread and the wine/juice in your home or wherever you are.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to listen to the full The God Journey podcast episode that the clip was taken from.

To find out how to join Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 2 and is forever 4 ½ months old.

Amie Bichard was born on April 5 and is forever 45.

Danielle Smith was born on April 6 and is forever 36.

Travis Atkinson was born on April 6 and is forever 42.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

253: The Hope of Resurrection Power

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:44 +0000

Easter Sunday can come with many different emotions for those of us who have lost a child.

On one hand, we are thankful and want to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, who made it possible for us to be reunited with our children, never to be separated again. On the other hand, many of us struggle with going to a church service for this purpose, for various reasons which can be absolutely valid.

In today’s episode, Laura talks about all of this, along with reminding us of the hope we all have within us. God’s resurrection power isn’t just for when we die, but for those of us who are still here, learning how to live with a part of us missing.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to listen to Laura and Pastor Lynn Breeden talk about why you don’t need to be tormented with the fear that your child might not be in heaven.

Find out more or register for the Virtual Writer’s retreat.

Check out our Hold On Pain Eases there is HOPE shirts here!

To find out how to join Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Jermaine Mitchell was born on March 26 and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

252: Our Future Prize

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:00:24 +0000

When we have a child who is no longer with us here on earth, we can feel like we have no more future – at least not a good one.

In today’s episode, Laura looks at Philippians 3:12-14 and other scriptures, sharing that even if our future here is not what we thought it would be, we do not have to live out the rest of our time here with a heaviness that outweighs the joy of the future we still have with our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Check out our Hold On Pain Eases there is HOPE shirts here!

To find out how to join Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Taraoluwa Chizoba was born on March 17 and is forever 7.

Adan William F. Tejada was born on March 17 and is forever 17.

Daniel Wilson was born on March 21 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

251: Can Life Ever be Good Again?

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:00:39 +0000

When we lose a child from this earth, we want to be done here and go be with them. Even if our head knows we have reasons to stay, our heart struggles to accept it. The pain and darkness can be all-consuming, and we cannot believe life will ever be worth living without our child.

Podcast host, Laura Diehl, knows what that is like. In this episode, she will share some specific ways to help other parents, who find themselves on this same unwanted journey of child loss, change their perspective that life will never be good again. Your life can have meaning and purpose again, and this is not in spite of your child’s death, but because of his or her life.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and a review.

Click here for the song I Surrender All sung by Stephen McWhirter.

To find out how to join Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and is forever 54.

Matthew Branca was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Rohit Matthew was born on March 16 and is forever 23.

Adam Block was born on March 16 and is forever 34.

Zachary Sutton was born on March 16 and is forever 32.

Danielle Jerome was born on March 16 and is forever 32.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

250: There Is No Such Thing As the Five Stages of Grief with Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:00:54 +0000

Have you felt frustration that you are not going through the “five stages of grief” that you have heard about? In this episode, Laura shares why that is not only okay, but even to expected.

Note: Thank you to Basia and Sebastian for sponsoring today’s episode in memory of their son, Gabriel.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Watch the YouTube video from Mitch here.

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and a review.

Join Laura for her birthday, one year from this week (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise! Click here for the info.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and is forever 24.

Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and is forever 32.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

249: It All Started When She Was Only Three…

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:00:23 +0000

There are a lot of listeners who know Laura’s daughter, Becca, died from heart issues. There are fewer listeners who know the cause of the heart issues, and not very many who know the full story, because Laura doesn’t share it very often.

In this episode, Laura shares from her heart what happened, and the 26 year journey it put them on, wrapping it up with why she can still say God is good and He is faithful.

Note: Thank you to Bubba and Renee Berry for sponsoring todays episode in memory of their son, Ian.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Join Laura for her birthday, one year from this week (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise! Click here for the info.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33.

Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and is forever 17.

Miesha Grimes was born on March 1 and is forever 24.

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

248: We Can Be Both Broken and Beautiful

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 07:00:08 +0000

When Laura’s daughter died, she remembers feeling so very shattered that she did not think it was possible to find all the pieces, much less have God put them all back together. But as she continued this unwanted journey, she began to see and understand that brokenness can become something beautiful.

In this episode, Laura’s hope and prayer is that each listener will be able to have their own hope that it is possible to not only see beauty around them again, but to see beauty in themselves, within their brokenness.

Note: Thank you to Tommy and Angie Sanders, for sponsoring today’s podcast episode in honor of their son, Nolan.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Become a montly partner in supporting this podcast here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Click here to find out more about GPS Hope Share & Care groups or becoming an affiliate group.

Birthdays:

Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and is forever 24.

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28.

Paul Huprich was born on February 24 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

247: Expecting the Unexpected in Our Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:00:22 +0000

When our child leaves this earth, there are plenty of unexpected things that happen as we go along on this unwanted journey. Sometimes it is based on things we expected that just don’t happen the way we thought they would, and other times these unexpected things seem to come out of nowhere.

In this episode, Laura wants to help pareavors be more prepared to expect the unexpected.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Become a montly partner in supporting this podcast here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Eric Decoteau was born on February 11 and is forever 28.

Jeffrey Allison was born on February 14 and is forever 30.

Hailey Eastridge was born on February 14 and is forever 9.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

246: My World Stopped When My Child Died

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 07:00:52 +0000

Many grieving parents who have faced child loss share how hard it is that everyone around them just keeps going on with their life as if nothing has happened, when their own life has come to a screeching halt after the death of their child.

Laura shares a specific time and place she had that exact painful thought and how she eventually saw that a change in perspective showed her how that could possibly be a good thing, as she continued on her unwanted journey of life here without her daughter.

In this episode, Laura also shares three suggestions on what to do when you feel like you just cannot go on without your child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Become a montly partner in supporting this podcast here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Robert Schafer DeVries was born on February 4 and is forever 35.

Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20.

Bradley K Bongar was born on February 7 and is forever 37.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

245: A Needed Anchor for the Year

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 07:00:42 +0000

Every year, since 1998, Laura has asked the Lord for a scripture of what He wants to work into her life for that year. Several years ago, she also ask Him for a specific word, and many times that word and the scripture flowed together.

Laura has shared on this topic before, but felt led to talk about it again, because this past year’s verse for her has been so profound and so very meaningful, and because of how intertwined her word and verse for 2024 are.

Her hope and prayer is that this episode helps each listener seek the Holy Spirit to do something similar, as a needed anchor they can continually turn to during the year.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents.

Do you have Reflections of Hope? Write a review here on Amazon, to encourage other pareavors how it can help them on their own journey.

Share your verse or word with us here in the comment section.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Robert Scott Lelle was born on January 28 and is forever 26.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Bryce Thurman was born on January 30 and is forever 22.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

244: Hope for the Hopeless After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:37:33 +0000

After taking a short break for the first time in four years, Laura is back to share on the topic of hope and how “wishful thinking” is not true hope.

Hopelessness can leave us feeling weary and defeated, leaving us caught in a negative circle and not see any way out. In today’s episode, Laura looks at Proverbs 13:12 which implies this very thing, along with the second half of the verse which breathes hope back into our lives.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents.

Do you have Reflections of Hope? Write a review here on Amazon, to encourage other pareavors how it can help them on their own journey.

Find Sara’s book Footsteps of Hope here.

COME JOIN US for our big GPS Hope 10-year-event (Weekend of Hope) in Wisconsin this August!!! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Note: These are all the birthdays that were not shared the weeks Laura took time off, along with this week.

Madison Clark was born on January 2 and is forever 20.

Jaden Dyce was born on January 6 and is forever 20.

Brandon Rodriguez was born on January 6 and is forever 27.

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

Julia Wamsley was born on January 9 and is forever 27.

Noah J Barela budded on earth to bloom in heaven on January 22.

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Tate Kwiatkowski was born on January 16 and is forever 69 days.

Jonathan Jackson was born on January 17 and is forever 15.

Hugh Brown was born on January 19 and is forever 18.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Tommy Wills was born on January 19 and is forever 23.

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Zachary Kidd was born on January 27 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

243: The Forever Love For Our Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 07:00:37 +0000

Advent is a time of waiting. This time of year, advent means waiting for Christmas to arrive. As bereaved parents, our advent is waiting for the day we can see and be with our children again. Fortunately, Jesus coming to earth was out of God’s love for us, so that our separation is only temporary.

In the meantime, we grieve deeply because we love deeply. Along with the fourth (and final) week of the advent reading, Laura also shares “ ‘Twas the Night After Christmas for Bereaved Parents” which voices for many of us our thoughts about the holiday season we have just come through.

Note: There will be a short break from the GPS Hope podcast until January 23.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Watch the fourth week advent reading on the GPS Hope YouTube channel here.

Find out more about the book Reflections of Hope here.

Click here to order Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Write a review here for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Click here to find out more about the Weekend of Hope (and the Celebration of Hope) in August of 2024.

Birthdays:

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13.

Nicole Daniel was born on December 26 and is forever 27.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

Aria Arrona was born on December 31 and is forever 15.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

242: Is It Possible to Have Joy Again?

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:00:21 +0000

Joy is something that seems impossible to have ever again, after the death of our child. In today’s episode, Laura talks about this, along with sharing some details about someone in the Bible who had an extremely difficult life (that included the death of her child) that most of us can relate to.

We can have joy in our lives once again, but it is something most of us have to fight for, when we are ready.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the book Reflections of Hope here.

Click here to order Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Write a review here for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Click here to find out more about the Weekend of Hope (and the Celebration of Hope) in August of 2024.

Birthdays:

Brian was born on December 17 and is forever 26.

Bobbie Jo Odell was born on December 18 and is forever 44.

Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

241: The Prince of Peace Within the Pain of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 07:00:18 +0000

Peace can be hard to come by after the death of our child, and the Christmas season can make it even more difficult to find the peace we so desperately need. In this episode, Laura starts with a recording of the live reading from the book “Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents” (Week 2 Day One) on the topic of peace within the Christmas season.

Since the podcast episodes are released on Tuesdays, she then reads Tuesdays entry from the book, sharing more about Jesus being our Prince of Peace.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

See the webpage for the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents, where you can get a PDF copy of the book for only $4.95. (Or you can order a paperback copy of the book from Amazon or your favorite book outlet.)

Click here to find out more about the Weekend of Hope (and the Celebration of Hope) in August of 2024.

Birthdays:

Sarah Jordan was born on December 11 and is forever 42.

DW Grubbs was born on December 12 and is forever 27.

Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32.

Maria Elena Navarrete was born on December 12 and is forever 55.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

Cameron Paddock was born on December 14 and is forever 22.

David Paul French was born on December 16 and is forever 52.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

240: Waiting with Hope

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:21:27 +0000

The Christmas season can be brutal for those of us who have lost a child, especially the first few years. One year, when Laura was struggling deeply connecting to the “reason for the season” she found herself crying out to God to show Himself as Emmanuel, God with us.

She felt led to dig out the family advent wreath and found herself writing out something every day for the four weeks of advent. In this podcast episode, Laura shares the first reading from that first day.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise and how to join Dave and Laura in 2025!

To see Laura’s other books, click here.

Birthdays:

Joseph Amaha was born on November 28 and is forever 29.

Angie Mata was born on December 4 and is forever 36.

Chelsea Kline (Billotte) was born on December 8 and is forever 32.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

239: The Wilderness of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:00:01 +0000

When our child dies, we feel like we have been left wandering in a wilderness with no way out. Recently, Laura saw how the wilderness may have more to it than how she has seen it in the past, and that there just might be a different perspective we can have while in this wilderness experience.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise and how to join Dave and Laura in 2025!

Birthdays:

Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21.

Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1.

Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

238: It’s So Hard to be Thankful

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:00:32 +0000

As we are all very aware, this week is Thanksgiving. As grieving parents, child loss can make it feel like it is impossible to ever be truly thankful again.

Laura shares her heart about this family holiday, in hopes that it will be a help and encouragement to you. (Note: Most of this episode is a replay of a previous one on this topic, giving Dave and Laura a bit of a needed break during this time.)

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise and how to join Dave and Laura in 2025!

Birthdays:

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27.

Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32.

Logan Singer was born on November 21 and is forever 17.

Jacob LeTourneau was born on November 22 and is forever 21.

Josie Floyd was born on November 22 and is forever 25.

Jammica Shawniece Smith was born on November 22 and is forever 34.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

237: Preparing for Advent as a Bereaved Parent

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 07:00:49 +0000

Those of us who have lost a child can begin to dread the end-of-the-year holidays way before they arrive, especially the Christmas season.

Several years ago, as Laura struggled with this, she ended up putting together her own advent time with God. Today she talks about this, and how you can join her on a special advent journey, specifically for bereaved parents.

This podcast episode is sponsored by Peter and Yuniati Dinh, in memory of their 21-month-old daughter, Hanna Abigail.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise and how to join Dave and Laura in 2025!

Find Sara’s Facebook post here and feel free to share it.

Click here to see the webshop with the cards put together by Peter and Yuniati as a legacy to their daughter, Hanna.

Birthdays:

Hanna Abigail Dinh was born on November 12 and is forever 21 months.

Joshua Dane Hughes was born on November 15 and is forever 30.

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15.

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27.

Jessica was born on November 17 and is forever 26.

Cord Ramsey Davis was born on November 18 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

236: My View of God’s Word after Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 07:00:39 +0000

Many believers in Christ struggle with their faith after child loss. It can feel like God did not keep His end of things, and some scriptures feel like a slap-in-the-face reminder of this.

Instead of refusing to read the Word because of those verses, Laura discovered there were scriptures that took on a whole new meaning after her daughter died, that gave her the peace, encouragement, strength and hope she desperately needed.

Listen in, as Laura shares some of those scriptures in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise and how to join Dave and Laura in 2025!

Birthdays:

Everett Molino was born on November 9 and is forever 15.

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23.

Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and is forever 2.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

235: What About My Child’s Things?

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:39 +0000

Today is another topic that can be such a huge struggle for so many of us, which is what to do with our children’s things when they are no longer here. Is it okay that I have left everything exactly where it was? What if I lost an adult child, and I wasn’t given the things I wanted that were special to me?

These are some of the things Laura talks about in today’s episode. If this is a hurdle you have been able to get across, feel free to share a word of encouragement to others who are struggling in the comments under the episode on the website.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To join the private GPS Hope Facebook page, click here. Be sure to answer the questions or your request will be declined.

Find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child.

Order When Tragedy Strikes on Amazon here.

Share your experience to encourage other pareavors by writing in the comment area here.

Birthdays:

Shannon Shelby was born on October 28 and is forever 43.

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.

Donice Vaughan was born on October 29 and is forever 30.

Mary Elizabeth Englebert was born on October 30 and is forever 21.

James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months.

Ikaika Ewer was born on November 1 and is forever 6.

Chaney Partrich was born on November 4 and is forever 20.

Sophie Goertzen was born on November 4 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

234: Why Do We Hold Onto Our Guilt When Our Child Dies?

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:37 +0000

Last week (episode 233) Laura talked about struggling with guilt after child loss. If you did not hear it, you may want to listen to that one first. In this episode, Laura continues addressing the topic of guilt; specifically about some of the reasons we may have a hard time releasing ourselves from the guilt we carry after the death of our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to get Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope.

Help Laura and Dave continue providing podcasts and other resources by giving a special gift to GPS Hope or become a monthly supporter here.

Birthdays:

Matthew Anthony Sulikowski was born on October 22 and is forever 37.

Dustin Clements was born on October 26 and is forever 21.

Myles Wofford was born on October 27 and is forever 3 weeks.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

233: Letting Go of Guilt After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:00:48 +0000

Guilt. It is something we all struggle with after the death of our child. We believe it is somehow our fault and that we should have done something differently so our child would still be here with us. We feel guilty that we did not/could not keep our child safe.

Listen in, as Laura talks about this struggle we all face, and why we do not need to continue to carry guilt and self-condemnation.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

There were no links mentioned. Save the date of August 1-4, 2024 for the Celebration of Hope in Wisconsin. Watch for details.

Birthdays:

Alicia Martin was born on October 17 and is forever 36.

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker was born on October 19 and is forever 1.

Samuel Buss was born on October 19 and is forever 21.

Taylor Contreras was born on October 20 and is forever 16.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

232: The Dreaded Anniversary Death Date

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:00:43 +0000

For most of us, what used to be just a normal date on the calendar has become the worst day of the year.

This week, Laura hits that calendar day once again, which is October 12. Listen in, as she shares some of her thoughts on this topic we all have to deal with, as bereaved parents.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to leave a review for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Purchase Reflections of Hope on Amazon here.

Birthdays:

Rikki Grace was born on October 9 and is forever 25.

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

231: You Can’t Compare When It Comes to Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:00:17 +0000

We can get very frustrated (even angry) when someone tries to compare their loss to our loss of the death of our child. No one can possibly know the suffocating pit it hurls you into, unless you have found yourself in that same pit of child loss.

There is another comparison that can frustrate us, and it is one we can make among each other – if not out loud, then sometimes silently.

In today’s episode, Laura focuses on us as pareavors, and how our comparisons cannot only hurt others, but keep us in our own cycle of grief.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to go to the GPS Hope store and look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

Find out more about Umbrella Ministries.

Birthdays:

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and she is forever 4.

Joshua Konaszewski was born on October 2 and is forever 24.

Paul Meyer was born on October 4 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

230: Is God Really in Control?

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:00:29 +0000

Sometimes God uses a movie or TV show to speak something to our hearts. In today’s episode, Laura shares how there are some things based on Dorothy’s journey in the classic movie Wizard of Oz, that can open our eyes to see some things about God we might be having a hard time seeing after the death of our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to leave a review for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Click here to order Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Click here for the book Conquering the Game of Control by Craig Green. Note: This is an “affiliate” link, meaning a small portion of your purchase price will be given to GPS Hope.

Birthdays:

Cody Simmons was born on September 25 and is forever 25.

Jacob Rhoades was born on September 28 and is forever 21.

Shea Thomas Patno was born on September 29 and is forever 15.

Stephanie Webber was born on September 29 and is forever 29.

Jason Hoyle was born on September 29 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

229: I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore After My Child Died

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:00:11 +0000

When our child dies, many of us struggle with not wanting to continue living here on earth. We want to go be with our child, even if we know in our heads there are reasons to stay, such as other children or a spouse, friends, ministries, or a job we enjoy.

How can we get past that feeling and be okay with being here (for who knows how long) without our child? In this episode, Laura shares some of the things that personally helped her through that time after her daughter, Becca died.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Richard and LaRee Lorenz, in memory of their son, Rodney Dean Lorenz.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to go to the GPS Hope store and look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

You can sponsor a podcast episode in memory of your child here.

Birthdays:

Elijah Hubbell was born on September 17 and is forever 8.

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and is forever 49.

Acacia Goertzen was born on September 19 and is forever 15.

Rachel Terrazas was born on September 21 and is forever 22.

Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and is forever 16 months old

Alyssa Barker was born on September 22 and is forever 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

228: When God is Silent After Child Loss (Part Two)

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:39 +0000

For many of us who have lost a child, it seems like God is silent when we need Him the most. We can be very angry how God seemed to be absent to keep our child from dying, and now He is absent in helping us through the darkness. Today is part two of this topic, with looking at how there was a painful silence for the disciples after Jesus died a cruel death at the hands of the Romans.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to see the book God on Mute on Amazon. (Note: this is an affiliate link.)

Click here for information about the Lectio 380 devotional app.

Click here to go to the GPS Hope store and look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

Birthdays:

Zachary Tyler was born on September 11 and is forever 18.

Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and is forever 28.

Justin Seehafer was born on September 16 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

227: When God is Silent After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 06:00:50 +0000

Why is God silent when I need Him more than ever? Does He not care? Has He abandoned me? Have I done something that has made Him mad at me?

This week Laura shares from a book that addresses these thoughts, based on when God was silent after His Son was tortured and died a painful death.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to go to the GPS Hope store and look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

Birthdays:

Toni was born on September 4 and is forever 24.

Alyshia DeFranco was born on September 6 and is forever 24.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and is forever 32.

Emma Ho was born on September 9 and is forever 10.

Paul Murphy was born on September 9 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

226: Does God Love Me?

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:38 +0000

Laura recently heard something that caused her to see God’s love in a different light than she has before.

The statement, “God loves us all the same”, isn’t really a comfort to most of us after the death of our child. Laura digs into this, as she also shares some recent communication between herself and a pareavor along this line.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to leave a review for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about My Grief Journey.

Click here to go to the GPS Hope webstore for this month’s special: Order both Reflections of Hope and My Grief Journey, and use promo code MGJFree.

Birthdays:

Jordyn Hansen was born on August 24 and is forever 21.

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and is forever 26.

Daniel Joseph budd was born on August 29 and is forever 4.

Charlotte Wallin was born on September 1 and is forever 45.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and is forever 22.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

225: The Issue of Grandchildren after Child Loss (Part Two)

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:00:26 +0000

Everyone who has lost a child is affected in some way in the area of grandchildren, making it a big topic with many angles.

In last week’s episode, Laura talked about those who have grandchildren through their child who is no longer here, and how quite often those grandchildren are removed from our lives (which Laura has personal experience with.)

She also talked with Sara Nelson about what it is like knowing you will never be a grandparent, who lost her only child who did not have children.

This week, Laura continues the discussion of grandchildren with several other ways it can affect us. She also brings on her friend, Denee, who has lost two adult children who both had their own children that she has been involved in raising, and becoming the legal guardian for two of them.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to leave a review for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about My Grief Journey.

Click here to go to the GPS Hope webstore for this month’s special: Order both Reflections of Hope and My Grief Journey, and use promo code MGJFree.

Birthdays:

Destine Wood was born on August 21 and is forever 40.

Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and is forever 33.

Frank Cisewski was born on August 22 and is forever 34.

Evan Sabine was born on August 23 and is forever 15.

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

Jordyn Hansen was born on August 24 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

224: The Issue of Grandchildren after Child Loss (Part One)

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:00:32 +0000

Everyone who has lost a child is affected in some way in the area of grandchildren, making it a big topic with many angles.

In today’s episode, Laura talks about those who have grandchildren through their child who is no longer here, and how quite often those grandchildren are removed from our lives (which Laura has personal experience with.)

She also brings on Sara Nelson, who lost her only child who did not have children, to talk about what it is like knowing you will never be a grandparent.

Next week, Laura will continue this discussion with several other ways it can affect us, including bringing on someone who is now raising her grandchildren.

Note: Today’s episode is being sponsored by Chris & ReNae Trebelhorn in memory of their son, Aaron.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To connect with Sara email her at writingsmiles2@gmail.com.

Click here to leave a review for Reflections of Hope on Amazon.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about My Grief Journey.

Click here to go to the GPS Hope webstore for this month’s special: Order both Reflections of Hope and My Grief Journey, and use promo code MGJFree.

Birthdays:

Hizkia Aritonang was born on August 14 and is forever 20.

Callan Letcher was born on August 15 and is forever 17.

Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21.

Jeremy Bornemeier was born on August 16 and is forever 32.

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

223: A Key to Your Future Self’s Identity

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:00:35 +0000

When our child leaves this earth, we feel so very lost in our identity. Who am I now? Does it even matter? How can I go on? Do I even want to?

So much of our identity is wrapped up in being a parent, but we are still so much more than being a parent, even if it doesn’t seem like it. In today’s episode, Laura reminds us of this, along with helping us discover a key to who we can be, as we continue our time here on earth without our child.

Note: Today’s episode is being sponsored by Duane & Sylvia Goertzen in memory of their teen daughters Sophie and Acacia.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to episode 211 with Kim Peacock.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about My Grief Journey.

Click here to go to the GPS Hope webstore for this month’s special: Order both Reflections of Hope and My Grief Journey, and use promo code MGJFree.

Click here to order the Audiobook on Audible.

Birthdays:

Jacob Gary was born on August 6 and is forever 21.

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and is forever 30.

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and is forever 31.

Jacob Holiday was born on August 10 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

222: The Many Years Following Child Loss (with Debra Hayes)

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 06:00:09 +0000

“What does this whole child-loss-thing look like, years down the road?” Believe it or not, this is a question Laura has been asked a few times.

Those first few years, we are just trying to get through the next minute, much less the next day or the next year. But after a while, when a pareavor realizes they have to figure this thing out for however long they remain here without their child, some direction and insight is helpful.

Unfortunately, today’s guest could be considered a “seasoned veteran” in this area. Debra Hayes, has lost three children, three different ways, starting several decades ago.

Today’s episode is a continued conversation, so it is highly recommended (but not necessary) to start with last week’s discussion, titled “Is God Punishing Me”.

Debra Lynn Hayes is an author and speaker who understands everyone’s journey through mourning and into healing is an individualized process and it is priceless to connect with someone who “gets it”. She has many years of corporate experience where she strategized success for individuals and teams. Today she uses those same skills as she leads and guides those who have experienced major tragedies, deep heartaches and mind altering disappointments.

(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:

Connect with Debra: Debra.life

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Find out more about Refections of Hope here.

Find out more about My Grief Journey here.

Click here to order Reflections of Hope and My Grief Journey in the GPS Hope webstore. Be sure to use the code MGJfree to take advantage of getting the My Grief Journey book free, for the month of August.

Birthdays:

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and is forever 31.

Lauren Miller Dobbins was born on July 30 and is forever 33.

Neena Renee Rey was born on August 3 and is forever 2.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

221: Is God Punishing Me? (with Debra Hayes)

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:00:21 +0000

In today’s episode, Laura talks with a guest who questioned if God was punishing her with child loss because of an abortion she had in her younger years (based on the shame of losing her image as a good Christian girl).

This is an excellent talk for those who have the same question, wondering if God allowed your child to die as a punishment for something in your past.

(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:

Connect with Debra: Debra.life

Click here to find our more about adding your child to the Hope Mobile on an In Loving Memory Heart decal.

After you order the newly released audio book When Tragedy Strikes, click here to get your promo code (to get one course free when purchasing the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss course bundle).

Find out more about the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss guidance courses here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Oscar Lopez was born on July 23 and is forever 23.

Cayden Josephine Turner was born on July 26 and is forever 18.

Jordan Speers-Hodson was born on July 26 and is forever 32.

Claire Rebecca was born on July 27 and is forever 5.

Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and is forever 32.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and is forever 5.

Joseph Ray was born on July 28 and is forever 26.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

220: When You Believed God for a Healing (with Rhyl Venning)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:00:58 +0000

Many of us struggle with our faith in God after He didn’t answer our prayers for our children.

We may have prayed daily for protection, but he or she was in an accident that took their life. We may have prayed for healing from an addiction, or a mental illness like being bi-polar or manic depressive, but our child is no longer here because they were not freed from their struggle and even died by their own doing.

Then there are those children who had a long-term illness, and hundreds of prayers went up by many people for their healing.

Today’s discussion is with one of those parents. Rhyl Venning’s daughter, Kari-Lee, was born with cystic fibrosis, giving her a short lifespan. Over the years, multitudes of people prayed for her healing. Some even “spoke” over her, declaring that God was going to heal Kari. Rhyl was a mom who walked in faith for that healing, whether it was miraculous, or through a medical breakthrough.

This is similar to Laura’s situation with her daughter, Becca, which made for a very interesting conversation in how they both overcame the hurt and disappointment when God did not step in with the healing miracle they both thought was coming for their daughters.

Rhyl Venning lives on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, and had the privilege of being Kari-Lee’s mother. She is married to Peter and has one remaining daughter, Tiana. Rhyl currently works as a nanny, but before Kari-Lee went to Heaven, she worked as an Occupational Therapist, spending the last twenty years working with children who had moderate to severe disabilities.

She facilitates a support group for bereaved mums, is the Volunteer Care Coordinator for the local Make-A-Wish group, and is a puppy carer for Seeing Eye Dogs. Rhyl is also writing a memoir about Kari-Lee’s life and how she has managed to survive without her daughter. In her free time, she loves to walk on the beach, scrapbook, swim, grow veggies, read, and catch up with friends and family for a cuppa and chat.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

This podcast episode was sponsored by Dave and Kathi Crean in honor of their son, Jack.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Email Rhyl at: pven2000@yahoo.com

Click here to take a look at the GPS Hope website where you will find a memory wall to have your child added, a free members library with resources to download, a store with Hold On Pain Eases shirts, books by Laura, and other helpful resources.

Sponsor a podcast episode in memory of your child.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and is forever 18.

Duy Leo Weigert was born on July 16 and is forever 8 months.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39.

James Nesrsta was born on July 19 and is forever 8.

Charlotte Gray Perry was born on July 20 and is forever 26 days.

Logan Bauer was born on July 20 and is forever 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

219: Our Dark Thoughts in Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 06:00:40 +0000

Seven years ago this month, Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing was released with Morgan James Publishing. We are very excited to announce that the audio version has finally being released.

In today’s episode you will be listening to the audio of another chapter, which is Chapter 11, The Pillars of Thoughts and Words. And like last week, you will also hear one of the corresponding lessons from the Rebuilding Your Life Guidance Courses.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the book When Tragedy Strikes.

Click here to order the Audiobook on Audible.

Click here to find out more about the When Tragedy Strikes Guidance Courses.

Ask for the promo code after purchasing the audio When Tragedy Strikes, to get the third course for free by clicking here.

Laura’s song on YouTube: Together Forever

Find out more about Laura’s CD and listent to clips from each song.

Find out about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Birthdays:

Kaleb Owens was born on July 9 and is forever 17 .

Stephanie Waters was born on July 10 and is forever 21.

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and is forever 9.

Rachel Corn was born on July 10 and is forever 22.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25.

Marina Fox was born on July 15 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

218: Our Many Triggers and Tears After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:00:17 +0000

Seven years ago this week, Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing was released with Morgan James Publishing. We are very excited to announce that the audio version is finally being released this week.

In today’s episode you will be listening to Laura’s audio, reading one of the chapters from the book, which is Chapter 3, The Garage of Tears. You will also hear something that Laura recorded a while back which goes along with this chapter, also on the topic of our many triggers and our many tears.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the book When Tragedy Strikes.

Click here to order the Audiobook on Audible.

Click here to find out more about the When Tragedy Strikes Guidance Courses.

Ask for the promo code after purchasing the audio When Tragedy Strikes, to get the third course for free by clicking here.

Contact the office to let us know you would like us to come to your area: office@gpshope.org

Find out about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Birthdays:

Davis Heller was born on July 4 and is forever 22.

Andres Martinez was born on July 7 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

217: I Don’t Want to Be Here Without My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:00:42 +0000

When our child dies, we may have many reasons to “stick around” but none of them seem to matter. We cannot imagine being here for any length of time without our child here with us. Most of us are not suicidal, we just don’t want to be here anymore and would be fine with something happening that would take us out of here to go be with our child.

Laura has experienced this same thing, when her daughter, Becca, died and talks about what it was like both then and now, almost twelve years later.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out about the last available opening for the GPS Hope & Healing retreat in Virginia.

Click here for information about the annual BP USA gathering.

Contact the office to let us know you would like us to come to your area: office@gpshope.org

Find out about Laura’s newly released book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Birthdays:

Hunter Josiah Whitney was born on June 25 and is forever 18.

Courtney Kolb was born on June 26 and is forever 23.

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

216: What Do You Call Someone Who Has Lost a Child?

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:38 +0000

In this episode, Laura talks about something most parents who have lost a child think about. “I am not the same person I used to be. I will never be that person again. Who am I now? Why do we have a word for someone who has lost a spouse, or someone who has lost both parents, but there isn’t a word for me… someone who has lost a child?”

Of course, we all know the suffocating darkness we find ourselves hurled into cannot be described in words, no matter how hard we try. But is there at least a word that identifies us and draws us together to be able to strengthen and encourage each other?

Find out in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

GPS Hope Private Facebook page (be sure to answer both questions)

GPS Hope public Facebook page

What is a pareavor?

GPS Hope webstore

Birthdays:

Alyssa Tyner was born on June 19 and is forever 2 ½.

Kari-Lee Venning (Birrell) was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

Alan Proctor was born on June 22 and is forever 27.

Gregory Moore was born on June 23 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

215: It Hurts When They Don’t Understand (continued with Melanie DeSimone)

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:00:07 +0000

Today’s episode is a continuation of Laura’s conversation with Melanie DeSimone on the topic of when people around us try to help, but end up hurting us.

In today’s chat, the two talk about:

being in the “range” of normal grief of child loss within the first three to five years
when we are made to feel shame by others (who have never lost a child) by not being back to doing things in our lives after a certain period of time
how to deal with pressure from those who are trying to get us to pick up where we left off before our child died – especially in the area of church ministry

Click here to listen to the first half of Laura and Melanie’s talk.

Melanie DeSimone has lived on a small homestead for twenty-five years, nestled in rural Bibb County, Alabama. Along with her husband, Hector, she raised four children, along with dozens of various farm animals. Since her son, Dominic, ran ahead to Heaven in 2014, she has spent a great deal of her time and energy writing about their family’s grief journey and ministering to the bereaved parent community through her blog, thelifeididntchoose.com, and in person through speaking. In her spare time, Melanie loves hugging and playing with her two grandsons, sewing small one-of-a-kind handcrafts, and reading lots of books from many different points of view.

(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:

Connect with Melanie: website or on Facebook

To ask us to bring the Hope Mobile and do an event near you email us at office@gpshope.org

REMEMBER TO SAVE THE DATES OF AUGUST 1-3, 2024 TO JOIN US FOR THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE AND CELEBRATION EVENT FOR THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GPS HOPE!

Click here to find out more about the Bereaved Parents USA gathering where Laura will be speaking July 21-23.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Avery Gingerich arrived on June 14th. He bloomed on earth to blossom in heaven.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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

214: It Hurts When They Don’t Understand (with Melanie DeSimone)

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 06:00:35 +0000

When our child dies, it is more than just a moment in time for us. It is a continual, ongoing loss. However, most of the people around us see it as an event; as something we should be able to “get over,” and it can really hurt.

People we thought who would be there for us seem to go on with their lives, forgetting about our child and the huge gaping hole it leaves in our lives and in our hearts.

Today you will hear part of Laura’s discussion with guest, Melanie DeSimone, about the many thoughts and feelings we can have when we are hurt by those around us who don’t even seem to try and understand what it is like to lose our child from this earth.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

This podcast episode was sponsored by Omnia Masoud in memory of her son, Ocean Yohannes Emru Campbell.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Melanie: website or on Facebook

The reduced cabin prices for joining GPS Hope on a cruise have been extened for two more weeks! Get more information!

Sponsor a podcast episode in memory of your child.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Richard Elia was born on June 5 and is forever 40.

Aaron Paige was born on June 6 and is forever 21.

Kayla Ramos was born on June 7 and is forever 25.

Ocean Yohannes Emru Campbell was born on June 7 and is forever 23.

Tasha Nicole Busick was born on June 10 and is forever 40.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

213: The Gift of the Holy Spirit Within Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 May 2023 06:00:42 +0000

Last Sunday, May 28 was Pentecost Sunday. This is when the Holy Spirit fell on those in the upper room with power and anointing, fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection.

As believers in Christ, we are familiar with who Jesus is and what He did for us. We hear a lot about who God is as well. But how much do we know about the third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who lives in us when we receive the gift of salvation?

Why do we need the Holy Spirit, and how can He help us in our grief after the death of our child? This is what Laura talks about in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Laura’s health journey.

Click here to sign up to talk with Laura about having her as a health coach and have a health assessment.

Send Laura an email to let her know you would like to join other pareavors working toward better health in the GroupMe app.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise! Click here for more information.

Birthdays:

Jordan Kok was born on May 28 and is forever 33.

Alayna Lisboa was born on May 28 and is forever 7 weeks.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

Kyron was born on June 2 and is forever 18.

James Manning was born on June 3 and is forever 2.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

212: Grief and Laughter (with Nancy Weil)

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:40 +0000

Do you feel guilty for laughing after your child died? Are humorous things that used to make you laugh no longer funny? How do we get past that? What if we don’t want to ever laugh again?

Laura’s guest, Nancy Weil, is a certified laughter specialist, who combines it with being a certified grief worker. Laughter is something that is needed in our lives as soon as possible because of the physical, mental and emotional benefits it brings to the grieving process. Find out why and how in today’s discussion.

Nancy Weil is a leading authority on the relationship between humor and grief, and is known for her energetic, entertaining and content rich programs. She runs a national virtual grief support group through her work with the Order of the Golden Rule, an association for independent funeral homes. Nancy is Certified as a Funeral Celebrant, Grief Management Specialist, and Laughter Leader. She is the founder of The Laugh Academy and the author of, If Stress Doesn’t Kill You, Your Family Might.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

This podcast episode was sponsored by Lester and Kathy Wilfong, in memory of their daughter, Jessi Wilfong.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to previous episode with Nancy: Can Our Children Still Communicate With Us?

Connect with Nancy: website thelaughacademy.com or email nancy@thelaughacademy.com

It is the last week to get in on the reduced cabin prices! Get more information to join Laura and Nancy on The Grief Cruise!

Sponsor a podcast episode in memory of your child.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Tyrin Carter was born on May 22 and is forever 19.

Andrew Ricken was born on May 22 and is forever 35.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

Jessi Wilfong was born on May 26 and is forever 20.

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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

211: When the Rest of the World Moves On (with Kim Peacock)

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:04 +0000

As parents who have faced the loss of a child, our world comes to a screeching halt. It can feel devastating to see life going on as normal with those around us.

In today’s episode, Laura’s guest, Kim Peacock talks about this, along with dealing with the many triggering activities that go on this time of year, such as graduations and weddings.

(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 the link to connect with Kim: www.wildvictoriousheart.com

Click the link to order Kim’s book on Amazon. (Note: This is an affiliate link which means GPS Hope will recieve a small portion of the purchase price.)

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Birthdays:

Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and is forever 21.

Jason Turner was born on May 20 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

210: I Feel Like I Am Dying In the Wilderness

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 May 2023 06:00:26 +0000

In the darkness of child loss, we feel like we are wandering in a wilderness with no hope of ever getting out. It is a very vulnerable place to be, and the enemy knows it.

In this episode, Laura talks about Jesus’ wilderness experience at a time when He was also extremely vulnerable. There are several things that can help us as pareavors, when we take the time to really look at what was happening with Jesus at that time.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Please give a rating and review here on Amazon for Reflections of Hope.

Get information about the last room available for the GPS Hope & Healing retreat here.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise! Click here for more information.

Birthdays:

Marc Cerundolo was born on May 7 and is forever 49.

Michael Slater was born on May 8 and is forever 26.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and is forever 34.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Podcast episode 106: International Bereaved Mother’s Day

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.

209: Being Okay with Being Broken

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:48 +0000

As a pareavor (parent who is bereaved of their child) we are broken. Deeply broken and our hearts are shattered. We don’t think it is possible to ever have our hearts be put back together.

In today’s episode, Laura shares her thoughts and experience in being broken after child loss, and being okay with being broken.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Stephen and Ariel Kostrna in memory of Milo Liam Kostrna.

“From the moment we knew he was alive, we loved him. We felt such longing to meet him and to hold him, especially when we knew the time was drawing near. At last, our dear little boy was flawlessly born on May 3rd last year. We learned so much about him in those first few minutes. He was beautiful, he was cuddly, and we were and are so glad that he is ours.

Milo, we know you are alive, and we love you. We feel such longing to meet you and to hold you, I’m sure it will be especially strong when our time is drawing near. At last, our dear little boy will see his parents flawlessly born anew. We will learn so much about you in those first few minutes. You will still be beautiful, you will still be cuddly, and you will still be ours just as we are yours.”

We love you, little boy.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Please give a rating and review here on Amazon for Reflections of Hope.

Please share the following with others!

Podcast episode 156: A Special Day for Bereaved Mothers

Click here to sponsor an episode in memory of your child.

Birthdays:

Milo Kostrna budded on earth to bloom in heaven on May 3.

Rosalie Marstall was born on May 4 and is forever 4.

Blake Anthony Wellmaker was born on May 5 and is forever 28.

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

208: Our Dark Thoughts After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:59 +0000

The Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast’s first episode was released on April 23rd, four years ago.

Today you will hear Laura read the April 23rd entry in Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents, which talks about how our thoughts affect the process of finding our way out of the suffocating darkness of our grief.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents. This is where you will also find how to participate in the preorder bonus of joining Laura live for four Mondays in May.

BE a grieving parent sharing hope with a financial gift or become a monthly partner with GPS Hope here.

Birthdays:

Jude Como was born on April 23 and is forever 19.

Aminu Christopher was born on April 23 and is forever 41.

Abigail Jane (Abi) was born on April 25 and is forever 18 months.

Michael Roach was born on April 26 and is forever 28.

Bradley Brown was born on April 27 and is forever 17.

Christi Gayheart was born on April 29 and is forever 49.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

207: Reflections of Hope After Child Loss (with Sara Nelson and Vickie Hickox)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:00:10 +0000

When we are faced with the shock of child loss, literally every part of us is out of whack – our thoughts, our bodies, our emotions, and even our relationship with God.

Most of us start looking for some sort of hope, that life will not always be like this. We look for a way to try and make sense of why a good God would allow this to happen. Unfortunately, these things can be hard to find.

For almost three years, Laura has been working on a book to help pareavors find hope in all these areas, and she is thrilled to announce that Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents is now available.

In today’s episode, Laura brings on two guests, Sara Nelson and Vickie Hickox, who were part of a team of twelve bereaved parents that stuck with her for over a year, reading every entry and giving valuable feedback. Sara and Vickie share their thoughts on Reflections of Hope, so the listeners can hear from other pareavors how this book will help them in this difficult journey, no matter the age of your child, how he or she died, or how long or short of time it has been.

Vickie Hickox lost her son, Dominic, from this earth on June 22, 2019 from brain cancer, which sent her on a journey to rediscover who God is in the midst of such a horrible tragedy. She was a correctional officer in a county jail in Georgia for ten years and recently moved, continuing her career in Florida to be closer to her other children and grandchildren. Whenever she can get away from her job, Vickie enjoys spending time with her family, and time on a beach somewhere.

(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:

Join Laura and Dave, as well as Sara and Vickie on The Grief Cruise in October! Click here for information.

Birthdays:

Briana Martinez was born on April 17 and is forever 17.

Christopher Schofer was born on April 21 and is forever 25.

Adam Sharp was born on April 21 and is forever 19.

Shannon Chevalier was born on April 21 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

206: Their Birthday is So Hard!

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Forever 29. Every parent who has lost a child from this earth knows exactly what that means.

Since this is the birthday week of Laura’s daughter, Becca, she decided to talk about how difficult their birthdays can be, especially when those around us think we should be “moving on” and don’t understand why this day is still so important to us.

Laura shares some encouragement in this area as well, along with various ideas on how to celebrate our child’s birthday, even while deeply missing them.

You will also get to hear Laura sing the entire song that she wrote, “I Remember Well” which plays in the background of each week’s birthday segment.

Today’s episode was sponsored by Dave and Laura Diehl, in memory of their daughter, Becca Diehl Howard. If you would like to sponsor a podcast episode for your child, click here.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out soon!

To find out more about My Grief Journey for Kids click here.

To go directly to order My Grief Journey for Kids and automatically receive the matching book for pareavors click here. (This offer is only good from April 9-15, 2023.)

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Brandon Matos was born on April 13 and is forever 23.

Becca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and is forever 29.

Mylei Birdinground was born on April 14 and is forever 15.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

205: Removing the Sting of Death

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:12 +0000

1 Corinthians 15:55 is a verse we hear every year around this time at Easter, which says, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” As parents who have lost a child, we can tell you exactly where that sting is, can’t we?

In this episode, Laura talks about this, along with some thoughts about how the death and resurrection of Jesus affects us in such a deep way after the death of our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out in April.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 2 and is forever 4 ½ months.

Amie Bichard was born on April 5 and is forever 45.

Greg London was born on April 8 and is forever 34.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

204: What Season of Grief are You In?

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:10:48 +0000

This is the time of year we start heading into spring… at least that is what the calendar tells us. It might take a while for the weather to get the message though.

God can use nature to teach us many things about life, as well as death and grief. Laura talks about this in today’s episode, giving some comparisons with things in nature and the changing of the seasons to our grief, after the death of our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out in April.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Dakota Crandall was born on March 27 and is forever 25.

Tommy Simmons was born on March 29 and is forever 59.

Miles DiGiannantonio was born on March 30 and is forever 20 months.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Watch the video with Alainah

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.

203: Our Grief is Like…

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:00:26 +0000

For those of us who have lost a child from this earth, there is no way we can put words to the pain and suffocating darkness we find ourselves hurled into. As Laura has been known to say, “I didn’t even know that kind of darkness existed!”

How do you even try to explain to someone who has never faced child loss what our grief is like, not just the first few months, but the first few years?

In today’s episode, Laura shares several illustrations or comparisons that not only help us describe what our grief is like to those around us, but helps other pareavors realize they are not alone in these crazy and dark emotions that seem to hang on for so long.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out in April.

Preorder the children’s book Laura is writing with her granddaughter and help them get it funded here.

Savanah’s website

Savanah’s Facebook page

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Daniel Wilson was born on March 21 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

202: Sexual Intimacy after Child Loss (with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 06:00:49 +0000

Today’s episode is a continuation of last week’s discussion with Linda Dillow. If you have not heard episode 201 yet, please do not listen to this one until you go back. It lays the foundation for what will be shared today, which is needed for the topic of sexual intimacy and grief to make much more sense. (You may even be frustrated by what you hear in this episode if you have not heard the previous one.)

One thing you will hear from Linda today is how God gave us the gift of sexual intimacy as a form of comfort for each other, and she shares a situation recorded in the Bible where we see that.

Obviously, today’s (and last week’s) content is not for everyone, but it is extremely needed as no one else is talking about how grief affects our sexual intimacy within our marriage. Thankfully, Linda is someone who is willing to do so.

Linda is the author of several bestselling books, including Calm My Anxious Heart, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, What’s it Like to be Married to Me? And the co-author of Intimate Issues, Passion Pursuit, Surprised by the Healer and others.

Linda and her husband, Jody ministered in the former East European Communist countries and in Asia for eighteen years training the leadership of the church. They have five grown children (one in heaven) and ten amazing grandchildren. Linda loves to encourage women to hope in God and trust in His faithfulness!

(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:

AuthenticIntimacy.com

Listen here to the previous episode 201: God’s Gift of Sexual Intimacy (with Linda Dillow).

Check out Linda’s books (Amazon Links):

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and is forever 54.

Matthew Branca was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Rohit Matthew was born on March 16 and is forever 23.

Adam Block was born on March 16 and is forever 34.

Taraoluwa Chizoba was born on March 17 and is forever 7.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

195: Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense

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.

201: God’s Gift of Sexual Intimacy (with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 07:00:15 +0000

Today you are going to hear the start of a conversation with a returning guest, Linda Dillow on a topic that is highly unusual and hard to find, which is sexual intimacy and grief.

This may sound strange, but Linda is highly qualified on the topic of God’s view of sexual intimacy. After studying it out for herself, God led her to write a book, which led to more books and doing over 80 conferences on this topic.

A couple of years ago, her daughter passed away, which now also (unfortunately) qualifies her to talk about this topic within the deep grief of losing a child.

Before we get to the topic of intimacy and grief, the foundation needs to be laid for God’s view of sex, as His gift to us, and why it is important to know and grasp that revelation, which is what you will hear today.

(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:

AuthenticIntimacy.com

Check out Linda’s books (Amazon Links):

Previous episodes with Linda:

196: A Declaration of Hope

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Ava Jenkins was born on March 6 and is forever 2.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19.

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Savanah’s Facebook page

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.

200: Six Pitfalls of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:08 +0000

We will face pitfalls on this unwanted grief journey after the death of our child. The valley of the shadow of grief is real and it is big. There can be many different feelings and emotions while on this unwanted journey.

Some of those are:

Fear
Depression and anxiety
Longings and triggers
Regret
Loneliness and isolation
Thinking I can’t go on without my child here

In today’s episode, Laura talks about each of these, based on something written by pareavor Libby, Brady’s mom.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the GPS Hope Share & Care groups here.

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out in April.

Check out Laura’s fun project of writing a children’s book about their cat with her granddaughter:

Go here to find out more, including preordering a book (or several) to help cover the cost of the illustrator, production and printing.

Savanah’s webpage

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33.

Miesha Grimes was born on March 1 and is forever 24.

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and is forever 24.

Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and is forever 32.

Christian Fafnis was born on March 4 and is forever 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

199: To Know and Be Known

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:36 +0000

When we are in that place of deep grief after child loss, all kinds of dark thoughts can go through our minds and hearts. God knows this. He knows all our doubts about who He is and all our shame and messiness that make us feel so very broken and unlovable.

Not only does He know the darkest things about us that we might not even want to admit to ourselves, He wants to continue living inside us, while letting us know that He still loves us deeply and completely.

To know and be known is something we all desire. God wants to give us that blessing, especially in our place of darkness and brokenness. In today’s episode we take a look at Hebrews 12, with this thought in mind.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to know more about Laura’s book Reflections of Hope coming out in April.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Email Laura to let her know what you think about today’s episode: laura@gpshope.org

Click here to give a special gift to GPS Hope to bless Laura on her 60th birthday!

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Alex Soriano was born on February 17 and is forever 21.

Laci Ann Meyer was born on February 19 and is forever 28.

Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and is forever 24.

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35.

William Burke was born on February 20 and is forever 29.

Sean Kelly was born on February 22 and is forever 44.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

198. Why Couldn’t I Save My Child?

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:47 +0000

Today’s episode is with guest, Alicia White, whose seventeen-year-old daughter ended her own life, very unexpectedly. As someone who had a well-established ministry, teaching families how to grow together spiritually, there was a lot of guilt and shame to work through, on top of grieving her daughter’s sudden departure from this world by her own hand.

This is a powerful conversation about how Alicia chose to lean on God when she couldn’t understand why she could not save her child, and the struggle of dealing with the fact that He chose not to save her daughter, either. Peace only started to come when Alicia allowed herself not just to surrender, but to abandon her will to the Father’s, even in the painful darkness of her daughter’s suicide.

Alicia White is the director and founder of Chosen Stones Ministries, which brings families together spiritually in various ways, including conferences, workshops, family devotionals and curriculums. After her seventeen-year-old daughter died by suicide in 2020, Alicia’s focused shifted and she now spends most of her time in ministry partnering with Jesus to break off the spirit of suicide from a generation and see them healed, delivered, and walking in their identity as a sons and daughters of their heavenly Father.

Alicia also feels called to those within the body who have encountered tragic loss and suffering, including other bereaved parents and parents who find themselves trying to navigate their children through suicidal or self-harm tendency. Learning to abandon to the Father daily in all circumstances and encouraging others to do the same, is her heart. Alicia resides in the greater Cincinnati area, along with her husband, Jason, and their youngest daughter, Isabella.

(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:

To connect with Alicia: chosenstones.org

Alicia’s books At the Cliffs of Abandonment and There is Hope Even if Your Brain Tells You There Isn’t (taken from Hope’s journals) can be found under the resources tab of her website.

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Check out the Bereaved Parents USA annual gathering where Laura is a keynote speaker.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Birthdays:

Jeffrey Allison was born on February 14 and is forever 30.

Hailey Eastridge was born on February 14 and is forever 9.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

197: Learning How to Live Again After Child Loss (with Clint Hatton)

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 07:00:55 +0000

What do you do when you help your child fulfill their dream at a young age, only to have that dream be what ends your child’s life as a teenager?

That is exactly what happened to Laura’s guest, Clint Hatton. His son, Gabriel, had a dream as a young boy to become a pilot. Clint and his wife got behind their son and helped him realize that dream. Gabriel got his pilot license even before getting his driver’s license, only to have his life end, shortly before his 18th birthday when his plane crashed.

Clint and his family decided they needed to carry on Gabriel’s memory by living life the same way Gabriel did – big, bold and brave. Listen in, as Clint shares how they chose (and continue to choose) to live life to the fullest instead of staying stuck in the darkness of death and devastating loss.

Clint Hatton is an author, motivational speaker, personal development and leadership coach, and the founder of BigBoldBrave in McKinney, Texas. He has been coaching individuals and organizations for over twenty years with a proven track record of helping people live up to their full potential while building healthier marriages, relationships, and teams.

Clint recently published his first book, Big Bold Brave: How to Live Courageously in a Risky World. It was inspired by the way his oldest son lived his life. Gabriel achieved his goal of becoming a licensed pilot at the age of 17. He died in a tragic plane crash while living his dream just shy of his 18th birthday. His legacy is carried on by the Hatton 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:

To connect with Clint: bigboldbrave.us

See Clint’s wife’s beautiful artwork: artbyamarillys.com

Click here to recieve a Weekly Word of Hope delivered straight to you each Wednesday.

See Dave and Laura’s itinerary here.

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Birthdays:

Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

196: A Declaration of Hope After Child Loss (with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 07:00:09 +0000

This is a continuation of Laura’s talk with Linda Dillow. If you did not hear Episode 195: Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense, we strongly urge you to listen to that one first, as it will share Linda’s unusual story and it is a springboard to what you will hear from Laura and Linda in this episode.

Last week led up to how and why Linda came up with her Declaration of Hope. Today we will hear Linda read that declaration to us. She will also share how God is using it, not just in her own life, but literally around the world, including our Christian sisters in Ukraine who are in the midst of losing their husbands and children while watching their country being torn apart by a brutal war, as they are under attack by Russia.

There is a lot of depth, wisdom and hope in this episode. Please be sure to share it with others who may need to hear this heart-to-heart discussion as well.

(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 your personal Declaration of Hope to Laura: laura@gpshope.org

Books mentioned by Linda: (Note: These are affiliate links, which means a small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.)

Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Vroegop

Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

Check out Linda’s book Calm My Anxious Heart

Songs Linda mentioned (on YouTube):

New Wine By Hillsong

A Thousand Hallelujahs

GPS Hope store for Hold On Pain Eases shirts

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Birthdays:

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Bryce Thurman was born on January 30 and is forever 22.

Robert Schafer DeVries was born on February 4 and is forever 35.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

195: Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense (with Linda Dillow)

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:16 +0000

Linda Dillow was a missionary for 18 years in Eastern Europe, including Russia when it was under communism. She has seen a lot and learned to trust God through many hardships. But nothing has caused her to fight darkness, despair, and hopelessness as much as the death of one of her two daughters, who were both battling cancer at the same time during the COVID pandemic.

Linda has had to go back to what the Lord has taught her over the years, digging even deeper into what it means to trust God when something so painful as the death of our child does not make sense.

This episode is the beginning of Laura’s conversation with Linda. The second half will continue next week, with Linda sharing about her Declaration of Hope made after her daughter left this earth.

(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:

Check out Linda’s book Calm My Anxious Heart (Note: This is an affiliate link. A small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.)

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats or register to attend.

Email Laura if you would like to use the scholarship being provided by another pareavor to be able to attend the Florida retreat. laura@gpshope.org

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Zachary Kidd was born on January 27 and is forever 26.

Robert Scott Lelle was born on January 28 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

194: Why We Will Never Get Over It

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:00:15 +0000

A point of frustration for many bereaved parents after child loss is feeling like we are being judged for still missing our children.

There are some people around us who think we should be “moving on” or be “over it” by now, as if the death of our child is like a bad cold. Yes, the death of our child was an event, a moment in time. But that moment has disfigured us for the rest of our lives.

In today’s episode, Laura shares a lot of the reasons we continue to struggle with grieving the loss of our child, even years later.

If you know someone who wonders why you aren’t back to your old self yet, or thinks something is wrong with you for not moving on by now, you may want to consider passing this episode along to them.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Want to know more about Laura’s books? Click here.

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise in October. Click here for information.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Noah J Barela budded on earth to bloom in heaven on January 14.

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28,

Tate Kwiatkowski was born on January 16 and is forever 69 days.

Jonathan Jackson was born on January 17 and is forever 15.

Hugh Brown was born on January 19 and is forever 18.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

193: My Goal for This Year Is To Survive!

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:00:50 +0000

This is the time of year when we are surrounded by people talking about having goals for the new year and how to achieve them.

For those of us who are in the darkness of child loss, we are probably not making lists of lofty goals. We just want to know how to simply survive the coming year without our child.

Laura understands that one “goal” of survival, and also knows while it may sound simple, it can be far from easy. In this episode, she wants to help by sharing with you her acronym for G.R.I.E.F.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

I want to know more about Laura’s new book Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing retreats.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Go to the GPS Hope library.

Join the private GPS Hope Facebook page. (Remember to answer the two questions or your request will be denied.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Mackenzie Barnes was born on January 9 and is forever 22 years old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

192: Hope is Our Anchor

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:00:02 +0000

After child loss, it can feel like the dagger in our hearts is being twisted as we head into a new year without our child, especially that first year. We feel like we are leaving them behind on a whole new level. Life is going on without our child and it isn’t supposed to!

We desperately need hope to hang on. We need hope that God has not betrayed or abandoned us. Our head may know that, but sometimes our heart does not line up with that information.

In this episode, Laura reminds us of the hope we do have in Christ, throwing it out as a lifeline to those who feel like they are drowning in their grief.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Get a downloadable PDF of the 36 verses of hope. (This will also put you on our Weekly Word of Hope email list, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.)

Join the private GPS Hope Facebook page. (Remember to answer the two questions or your request will be denied.)

To sponsor a podcast episode in 2023 in memory of your child click here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Joseph Youhana was born on January 6 and is forever 23.

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

191: ‘Twas the Night After Christmas

GPS Hope — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:00:16 +0000

This is a short episode, but an intimate and deep one as Laura reads a poem she wrote a few years after her daughter, Becca, died. Laura also closes out today’s episode with a prayer over the listeners, as they may be struggling heading into a new year without their child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Click here to request a PDF download of this poem.

Join us for the first GPS Hope & Healing retreat in 2023.

Find out more about joining Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise in October.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13.

Mariah Drane was born on December 26 and is forever 16.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

Tevin Tyon was born on December 28 and is forever 21.

Melanie Bach was born on December 30 and is forever 46.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

190: Can Our Children Still Communicate with Us? (with Nancy Weil)

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:00:10 +0000

This podcast episode was sponsored by John and Tricia Ferreira in memory of their son, John Ferreira, Jr.

Laura has decided to spend a couple of weeks during the holidays to talk about whether our children can give us signs that they are around at times or are able to communicate with us in some way after they die. This can be a very controversial topic in the Body of Christ, but it is an extremely important one to tackle.

Laura does not use any titles, but she has been an ordained minister since 2009 and functioned in that role for many years previously, before being ordained. This may be important to some listeners, especially as she has spent time studying the Word of God on this topic, and shares much of what she has seen and learned over the years in the previous episode.

Today, Laura brings on Nancy Weil, who has dealt extensively with this topic for many years.

Note: If you would like to comment from theological or Biblical thoughts, please listen to episode 189 and share those thoughts there. Any comments along this line found under this episode will not be accepted.

If you would like to share your own stories, you can do so here.

(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:

Connect with Nancy: nancy@thelaughacademy.com

Get more information to join Laura and Nancy on The Grief Cruise!

Sponsor a podcast episode in memory of your child.

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

Choose GPS Hope as your charity of choice on Smile Amazon here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Austin Smith was born on December 18 and is forever 30.

Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21and is forever 29.

Dylan Bieber was born on December 21 and is forever 16.

Jonathan Granick was born on December 21 and is forever 36.

James Anthony Walkley was born on December 23 and is forever 28.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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

189: Can We Have Signs From Our Children?

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:00:01 +0000

Laura has decided to spend a couple of weeks during the holidays to talk about whether our children can give us signs that they are around at times, or be able to communicate with us in some way after they die. This can be a very controversial topic in the Body of Christ, but it is an extremely important one to tackle.

Along with looking at what the Bible has to say on this subject, going to psychics to communicate with our children is also discussed.

The purpose of this week’s episode is more to lay a Biblical-based foundation for the topic of signs and communication from our children. Next week Laura will bring in an experienced guest to share more thoughts and lots of stories.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

To sponsor a podcast episode in 2023 in memory of your child click here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Sarah Jordan was born on December 11 and is forever 42.

DW Grubbs was born on December 12 and is forever 27.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

Cameron Paddock was born on December 14 and is forever 22.

David Paul French was born on December 16 and is forever 52.

Brian was born on December 17 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

188: Five Gifts to Give Yourself while Grieving During the Holidays

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:00:36 +0000

With the Christmas season in full swing, it can make missing our child brutal. Finding the right gift to give others may not be on your radar right now, much less giving any gifts to yourself. However, those who have been on this journey for a while know how important it is find helpful ways to get through this painful time of year.

In this episode, Laura helps us to be okay with giving gifts to ourselves, with a few suggestions on how to possibly make this time of year a tiny bit more bearable.

Links Mentioned in this episode:What

Help GPS Hope continue to provide support and resources in 2023 with a financial gift here.

Sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Add your child’s name in a heart decal to travel the nation on the Hope Mobile.

Request What Grieving Parents Want You to Know by Anne Moss Rogers here.

Join Dave and Laura on a cruise! Click here to find out more.

Click here to find out more about the live reading and lighting of candles during advent based on Laura’s book Hope for the Future:An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about joining Laura on her health journey and having her as a health coach.

Birthdays:

Angie Mata was born on December 4 and is forever 36.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

187: How to Survive the Christmas Season (with Lynda Cheldelin Fell, Melanie Delorme)

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:00:59 +0000

Last week Laura was talking with Lynda Cheldelin Fell about ten tips to help bereaved parents get through the end-of-the-year holiday season. They only got through eight of the ten. (You will want to listen to episode 186 first to catch up, plus it is full of things that are good to know, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and even physically.)

In today’s episode, Laura and Lynda finish their conversation, and then Laura brings on another mom from Canada, Melanie Delorme, to share some more thoughts about surviving the holidays.

Lynda Cheldelin Fell is a founding partner of the International Grief Institute and international bestselling author of over 35 books including the award winning Grief Diaries series. Linda has a background in trauma, grief, and holds a national certification in critical incident stress management. She has earned six national literary awards and five national advocacy award nominations for her work.

Melanie Delorme was a content English teacher, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Then, without warning, she gained the title of bereaved parent when her eight-year-old son, Garrett, was accidentally killed in a hunting accident in 2008. Her road to healing brought her to write her first book, After The Flowers Die: A Handbook of Heartache, Hope and Healing After Losing a Child. Melanie is currently living on a ranch in Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband, Gerry, and their two children, Morgan and Justin.

(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:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

To connect with Lynda: LyndaFell.com or internationalgriefinstitute.com

To connect with Melanie Delorme: Website – melaniedelorme.com

Find out more about The Grief Cruise.

Go to the GPS Hope store to order When Tragedy Strikes and get My Grief Journey for FREE (through November 30).

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Chase Hairston was born on November 28 and is forever 32.

Joseph Nicodemus Amaha was born on November 28 and is forever 29.

Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21.

Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1.

Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21.

Andreas Claren was born on December 1 and is forever 30.

Jesus Ortega was born on December 2 and is forever 20.

Drew Jaggars was born on December 2 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

186: Grief and Coping with the Holidays

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:00:33 +0000

As we come into the end-of-the-year holiday season, it can help to hear from others who are further down the road and can offer some encouragement and guidance. Lynda Cheldelin Fell is one of those pareavors.

Lynda has ten tips to share with us as we go through the emotional kaleidoscope of missing our child during a time of year that is full of festivities and “joy”.

(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:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

To connect with Lynda: LyndaFell.com or internationalgriefinstitute.com

Go to the GPS Hope store to order When Tragedy Strikes and get My Grief Journey for FREE (through November 30).

Click here to find out more about joining Laura live on Sunday evenings for advent, and about the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Choose GPS Hope as your charity of choice on Smile Amazon here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Austin Lotterman was born on November 20 and is forever 8 ½.

Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32.

Logan Singer was born on November 21 and is forever 17.

Jacinda Avina was born on November 22 and is forever 18.

Jacob LeTourneau was born on November 22 and is forever 21.

Skylar Spencer was born on November 23 and is forever 24.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Josie Floyd was born on November 24 and is forever 25.

Austin Delgado was born on November 26 and is forever 21.

Tyler Green was born on November 26 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

185: Our Struggles with Thanksgiving and Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:00:10 +0000

All the holidays are a struggle, but Thanksgiving is unique in that the entire purpose is to be thankful and grateful for the ways God has blessed us. If you are in those first two to three years of child loss, you may not feel even remotely blessed, believing it is impossible to have anything to be thankful for.

This episode is not to pump you up, trying to help you find things to be thankful for. Instead, author Laura Diehl, talks about how real and valid the struggle is by reading an email she received from someone who has been on this journey for over 20 years.

Laura also shares an illustration of why this is the case, both for your own benefit and to be able to explain to others who think “getting into the holiday spirit” is what you need.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the live reading and lighting of candles during advent based on Laura’s book Hope for the Future:An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Click here to order Hope for the Future on Amazon using the GPS Hope affiliate link. (A small amount of your purchase price will benefit this ministry.)

To contact Dave and Laura to get together as they travel in the Hope Mobile send an email to office@gpshope.org.

Birthdays:

Casen Sancraint was born on November 14 and left us at age 10.

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and left us at age 15.

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and left us at age 27.

Cord Ramsey Davis was born on November 18 and left us at age 24.

Philip Bouthillier was born on November 19 and left us at age 49.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

184: Strength and Stability After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:00:51 +0000

The last few episodes have been discussing Isaiah 61:3 that says God will give those who mourn a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy for their mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness and despair.

This verse continues to say they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

In this final episode on Isaiah 61:3, Laura takes an interesting look at how this last part of the verse also applies to us as bereaved parents.

To comment or join in the conversation, click here.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To join thousands of other parents recieving the Weekly Word of Hope click here.

To contact Dave and Laura to get together as they travel in the Hope Mobile send an email to office@gpshope.org.

Birthdays:

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and left us at age 23.

David Shelton was born on November 11 and left us at age 23.

Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and left us at age 2.

Austin Augustine was born on November 14 and left us at age16.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

183: The Heavy Weight of Grief after Child Loss (with Angelique Marketon)

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:00:12 +0000

Today’s episode is continuing to look at Isaiah 61:3 through the eyes of a parent who has lost a child from this earth.

Laura has asked worship leader, Angelique Marketon, (who lost her 16-year-old son and only child in a senseless single-car accident) to join her in talking about the struggle of allowing God to give us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness and despair.

Angelique Marketon was born and raised in Germany until she moved to Florida where she met her husband, Tony. Because worship has always been something that draws Angelique closer to God, she has a heart to lead others closer into His presence as well. For many years God has flowed through Angelique, opening the door for people to experience the freedom, healing and hope we have in God and His love.

On October 27th, 2018 Angelique lost her only child, Isaiah, in a tragic accident. Isaiah was only 16 years old. It took some time to get the strength back to sing and lead again. As God continues to heal Angelique’s own heart through worship, her ministry of healing, comfort and hope, has now deepened greatly, as God flows through her music to others who have also faced deep hardships.

(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:

Join the discussion! Leave a question or comment on today’s talk here.

To connect with Angelique:

On Facebook Angelique Marketon Music

Look for Angelique Marketon on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite music app.

Choose GPS Hope as your charity of choice on Smile Amazon here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Mary Elizabeth Englebert was born on October 30 and left us at age 21.

James was born on October 30 and left us at age 17 months.

Zen Dylan Koh was born on November 1 and left us at age 17.

Chaney Partrich was born on November 4 and left us at age 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

182: God Does Not Say He Will Give Us Joy for our Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:00:44 +0000

Laura is taking a few episodes to dig into Isaiah 61:3 from the view of child loss. This week she is excited to share how the Holy Spirit shed new light on God giving us the oil of joy in the place of our deep grief.

If you are a bereaved parent who struggles with the thought of having joy in your life again, be sure to listen.

To comment or join in the conversation, click here.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here if you would like to know more about Laura’s health journey.

Email Laura at laura@gpshope.org if you would like to be added to the GPS Hope & Health group.

Don’t forget about joining Laura and Dave on the Grief Cruise! Find out more here.

Birthdays:

Dustin Clements was born on October 26 and left us at age 21.

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and left us at age 19.

Donice Vaughan was born on October 29 and left us at age 30.

Marisa Diaz was born on October 29 and left us at age 20.

Kyle Samuel Donnelly was born on October 29 and left us at age 21.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

181: Healing Under God’s Sovereignty (with Carol Keefer and Pat Wentworth)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:00:41 +0000

In today’s episode, Laura is joined by two ladies who have together, as a team, faithfully served those who have lost a child for twelve years.

Carol Keefer and Pat Wentworth have been connected with GPS Hope from the beginning, inviting Laura to speak to their support group in Florida when Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes first came out, which was even before GPS Hope became a full-time ministry with Laura and her husband, Dave, traveling in the Hope Mobile.

Carol and Pat have learned how to go from that place of mourning to a place of joy in their lives. You will hear them share nuggets of encouragement and wisdom from their place of being seasoned pareavors and feel their heart’s desire to walk with others who are on this same journey.

Carol Keefer (pictured right) is married, lives in Deltona, Florida and will celebrate her 70th birthday this December. She is the mother of three and grandma to one. Carol lost her sweet 15 1/2-year-old daughter in a car accident on Mother’s Day weekend in 2004. She started H.U.G.S. (Healing Under God’s Sovereignty), as a co-leader with Pat Wentworth in 2010. Carol’s desire is for everyone to know Jesus and the unconditional, never-ending love of God.

Pat Wentworth (pictured left) is married, a mother of three and Nana to six boys. She has been a computer analyst and consultant for 43 years, originally in Massachusetts but is now in Central Florida. Pat keeps busy with exploring the outdoors, cooking, gardening and family get-togethers. H.U.G.S. (Healing Under God’s Sovereignty) was cofounded with Carol Keefer after the death of Pat’s youngest son, Brian, in March of 2010. They have met weekly since that time, helping other pareavors in the surrounding communities know they are not alone, they are not crazy and there is hope to be able to live with this devastating loss of a child.

(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 Carol: mitmom1@yahoo.com

Email Pat: pat.wentworth@yahoo.com

Information about the October 2023 Grief Cruise.

Birthdays:

Bub Amis was born on October 16 and left us at age 36.

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker was born on October 19 and left us at age 1.

Taylor Contreras was born on October 20 and left us at age 16.

Mckenzie Aucapina was born on October 21 and left us at age 7.

Matthew Anthony Sulikowski was born on October 22 and left us at age 36.

Nate Wilson was born on October 22 and left us at age 30.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

180: Can We Ever Have Beauty in our Lives Again after Child Loss? (with Lin Findlay)

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:00:46 +0000

This episode is the first of three, which will discuss the familiar verse of Isaiah 61:3 that says God will give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.

Laura begins this mini-series by bringing back Lin Findlay, to join her by talking specifically about beauty for ashes. Lin has been on this journey of child loss for over thirty years, which gives her a lot of personal experience on this topic.

Lin Findlay has worked with grieving families for over 30 years. After losing her daughter in 1989, she started a resource and referral service for grieving families. Soon after she began providing personalized aftercare solutions for hundreds of funeral homes across the nation. Lin is now an aftercare specialist who has created, facilitated, and coordinated hundreds of workshops, services, and support groups. As a Christian lay counselor, Lin’s highest honor is to enter people’s lives and help make a difference. To date, Lin has supported over 158,000 people on behalf of funeral homes across North America.

(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:

Connect with Lin by email: lf6643@yahoo.com

Connect with Lin by phone: (315) 725-6132

Information about the October 2023 Grief Cruise.

Sign up to join Laura live to talk about our health after child loss on Thursday evening, October 13.

Birthdays:

Joshua Nicholson was born on October 9 and left us at age 29.

Niyam Deloatch was born on October 10 and left us at age 20.

Jeff Dunkleman was born on October 10 and left us at age 53.

James Fielding was born on October 10 and left us at age 28.

Laura Rodríguez was born on October 10 and left us at age 33.

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and left us at age 17.

Isaac Cojocarescu was born on October 14 and left us at age 10.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

179: Health and Self-Care After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:00:50 +0000

When our child dies, we don’t want to be here so we just don’t care what happens to us. Our health suffers dramatically because of that, plus our bodies are out of whack for a long time.

After child loss, many of us turn to comfort foods in a big way, and we don’t feel like being active, which causes our weight to become out of control. When we get a few years down the road, at some point we realize how badly our unhealthy habits have affected us, and we know we need to get it under control but it is so very difficult. We know what to do, we just don’t do it.

In this episode, Laura allows herself to become vulnerable as she shares her health journey, both where she has come from and where she is now, encouraging other pareavors to take care of themselves. Laura believes so much in how important our health is on our grief journey that she has decided to walk with pareavors who are ready to join her in getting healthy.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

The Hope for Your Health Webinar date has now passed. However, if you would like to have Laura do a personal one-on-one health assesment with you, click here.

Find out more about how to join GPS Hope on The Grief Cruise in October 2023.

Birthdays:

Joshua Konaszewski was born on October 2 and left us at age 24.

Joshua Cripps was born on October 3 and left us at age 44.

Paul Meyer was born on October 4 and left us at age 29.

Joshua Kirkendall was born on October 6 and left us at age 14.

Daniel Bryce Briggs was born on October 6 and left us at age 19.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

178: Looking for the Extraordinary Moments (with Teresa McCloy)

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 06:00:59 +0000

The discussion between Laura and Teresa McCloy is a gold mine of depth and richness that is so desperately needed when facing the painful darkness of child loss.

In this episode you will hear:

The wisdom and heart of a mom whose son battled addiction for many years before succumbing to a heroin overdose.
The importance of coming to a place of “being” instead of constantly doing.
How a popular child’s storybook can help us understand the painful rawness of living a life of meaning and purpose again after the death of our child.
A short interaction about the Enneagram and grief.
Finding moments in your day to help stay connected to yourself, others, God, and your child.

This is a good one, so after listening, be sure to pass it along to other pareavors!

Teresa McCloy is the creator and founder of the REALIFE Process®, as well as an author. Her first book Do What Matters, Live from Rest Not Rush will release this fall. In the book, Teresa shares her authentic story of a recovering workaholic and her journey, through the loss of her son to drug addiction, to a new way of truly living. Teresa’s passion is to help others outline for themselves sustainable behaviors, rhythms, and routines, so they can live from an internal place of rest.

Teresa loves to travel. When she is not on the road speaking, coaching clients, recording her podcast, or training new facilitators, Teresa enjoys being on the fourth-generation family grain farm in central Illinois with Dale, her husband of forty years, tending her wildflower garden, or enjoying a great cup of coffee with a friend.

(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:

Connect with Teresa

The Real Life Process website

Do What Matters book

Teresa’s Facebook page

Teresa on Instagram

Other links mentioned:

The Velveteen Rabbit read by Meryl Streep (This is only a partial reading. I could not find a version of the full book.)

Click the Amazon link below for the version of the Velveteen Rabbit book that I keep in the Hope Mobile. NOTE: If you buy the book through this link, a small portion of the purchase price will be sent to GPS Hope as an affiliate link.

Go on a cruise with GPS Hope! Find out more and watch last year’s video.

Birthdays:

Michael was born on September 22 and left us at age 36.

Brittany Evans was born on September 25 and left us at age 26.

Cody Simmons was born on September 25 and left us at age 25.

Bethany Patton was born on September 25 and left us at age 31.

Kara McLeod was born on September 27 and left us at age 23.

Cherie Martinez was born on September 28 and left us at age 31.

Shea Thomas Patno was born on September 29 and left us at age 15.

Giovanna Giannini was born on September 30 and left us at age 20.

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and left us at age 4.

Corey Ryan Woodrich was born on October 1 and left us at age 31.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

177: Heroes of Hope After Child Loss (with Shirley Thiessen)

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 06:00:34 +0000

Shirley Thiessen is one of Laura’s first returning guests, which is saying a lot since the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast has been going for over three years now!

In the previous episode, Shirley shared an incredible story, about a little black funeral dress, and then she and Laura start discussing five things Shirley wishes she had known about grief before the death of her son, Jordan.

It is highly recommended to listen to that episode first, (episode 176) since this discussion picks up where they left off, talking about the third thing Shirley wishes she had known, which is the fact that deep grief has no timeline.

Twelve days after her son’s wedding, Shirley Thiessen was thrown into the unimaginable task of planning his funeral. Grief threatened to extinguish her purpose. Hope and resiliency gradually emerged as she chose to participate with God to recycle her pain for His good purpose. Because most people are uncertain how to support those who grieve, Shirley founded the grief ministry, CornerBend Ministries, along with creating a playbook of best practices to build confidence and effectiveness.

Shirley and her husband Carey live in Calgary, AB, Canada. Their daughter, Chantel, is also active in the grief ministry.

(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:

Shirley’s websites: Corner Bend Ministries and shirleythiessen.com

To email Shirley: shirley@cornerbend.com

Look at the H.O.P.E. shirts and mug here.

Click here to help GPS Hope continue providing support and resources to pareavors. Every dollar helps! (You can also become a monthly supporter, becoming a grieving parent sharing hope with the same link.)

Birthdays:

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and left us at age 49.

Alistair James Fleming was born on September 19 and left us at age 26.

Nathan Young was born on September 19 and left us at age 19.

Acacia Goertzen was born on September 19 and left us at age 15.

Brittany Melton was born on September 19 and left us at age 25.

Justin Balducci was born on September 19 and left us at age 35.

Maya Tarbet was born on September 20 and left us at age 13.

Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and left us at 16 months.

Ryan Bradley was born on September 22 and left us at age 25.

Alyssa Barker was born on September 22 and left us at age 33.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

176: Five Things I Wish I Had Known About Grief (with Shirley Thiessen)

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:00:19 +0000

Shirley Thiessen is one of Laura’s first returning guests, which is saying a lot since the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast has been going for over three years now! Her previous interview is our number one listened to episode, so it makes sense to have her back on, doesn’t it?

In this episode, Shirley shares an incredible story, about a little black funeral dress, and then she and Laura start discussing five things Shirley wishes she had known about grief before the death of her son, Jordan.

Shirley and Laura talked for over an hour, so this interview is in two parts, with the completion of their discussion being aired next week.

Shirley and her husband Carey live in Calgary, AB, Canada. Their daughter, Chantel, is also active in the grief ministry.

(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:

Shirley’s websites: Corner Bend Ministries and shirleythiessen.com

To email Shirley: shirley@cornerbend.com

Listen to previous podcast with Shirley Thiessen: God Can Recycle Your Pain after Child Loss

Podcast 111: Why Bother Praying Anymore?

Look at the H.O.P.E. shirts and mug here.

Birthdays:

Zachary Tyler was born on September 11 and left us at age 18.

Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and left us at age28.

Haleigh Douglas was born on September 15 and left us at age 42.

Justin Seehafer was born on September 16 and left us at age 28.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

175: The Grandparents (Our Parents) in Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:00:20 +0000

Since September 11 is National Grandparents Day, Laura decided to do an episode about our parents, who are obviously the grandparents of our children who have died.

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is very unique and special. With the death of a precious grandchild, the grandparents get hit with a double whammy. They’ve lost a big piece of their heart that will never be filled, and they also have the added agony of watching their own child be plunged into an abyss of darkness.

This is a bit of a longer episode, as Laura talks about both sides, not only seeing things from the grandparents’ view, but also from the pareavors view who feel either supported or not supported from their parents.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to referred podcast episode Why Bother Praying Anymore?

Check out our HOPE – Hold On Pain Eases shirts here.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

I would like to sponsor an episode in honor of my child.

Birthdays:

Toni was born on September 4 and left us at age 24.

David Hector Toledo was born on September 5 and left us at age 41.

Francesca Anne C. Agravante was born on September 6 and left us at age 8.

Alyshia DeFranco was born on September 6 and left us at age 24.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and left us at age 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and left us at age 32.

Emma Ho was born on September 9 and left us at age 10.

Kelli Diane Kirby was born on September 10 and left us at age 31.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

174: Our Dreams About Our Children after Child Loss (with Dr. Joshua Black)

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:00:12 +0000

Dreaming about our children after they die is a topic that comes up quite often in emails and conversations.

This week, Laura talks to Dr. Joshua Black, who is a leading academic expert in grief dreams. Laura asked him all kinds of questions, which made for a fascinating discussion.

Listen in, and hopefully some of your questions will be answered as well.

Joshua Black, PhD, is a grief researcher, speaker, consultant, and host of the Grief Dreams Podcast. His work focuses on dreams and continuing bonds after loss, including prenatal and pet loss. As one of the leading academic experts in grief dreams, which can be dreams of the deceased, Dr. Black has directed his efforts on raising awareness about this fascinating phenomenon through media interviews, in addition to speaking engagements and workshops. In addition to his website (Griefdreams.ca), you can find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@griefdreams).

(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:

Connect with Dr. Joshua Black:

Website: griefdreams.ca

Instagram: @griefdreams

Birthdays:

Kevin Stoneburner was born on September 1 and left us at age 27.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and left us at age 22.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

173: I Can’t Get Rid of My Child’s Things

GPS Hope — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:44:42 +0000

This week’s topic is one that can bring a lot of emotion with it, because when our child is gone, all we have left are memories and their belongings.

Should we be packing up their things by a certain time? What if I want to keep everything and take it with me if I have to move? These kinds of questions (and answers) take us all over the place with how different our situations are and where we are on this unwanted journey, and that’s okay.

Listen in as Laura shares from several parents on this subject, (including some who lost their child over thirty years ago) as well as some of her own experiences and thoughts.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Check out our HOPE – Hold On Pain Eases shirts here.

Listen to Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child, the first of eight episodes that talk about our fears.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

I would like to sponsor an episode in honor of my child.

Birthdays:

Frank Cisewski was born on August 22 and left us at age 34.

Evan Sabine was born on August 23 and left us at age 15.

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and left us at age 19.

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and left us at age 26.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

172: Was My Child’s Death My Fault?

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:00:59 +0000

Some of us have been taught by “the church” that we can have whatever we ask, if we believe and have enough faith. Does that mean the death of our child was our fault, for not having enough faith to keep it from happening? Did we not pray enough, or read our Bible enough? How much is “enough”?

Laura has been on this journey of what it means to have “faith” since 1985, when her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have her left leg amputated along with going through nine months of chemotherapy. The death of that same daughter, twenty-six years later, threw Laura into a very dark place, once again questioning her “faith”.

In this episode, Laura shares what she has learned on this topic that has set her free from any guilt, whether it is sent her way from other Christians, or self-inflicted.

Today’s podcast episode is being sponsored by Chris and ReNae Trebelhorn in honor of their son, Aaron. Thank you, Chris and ReNae for honoring your son, Aaron in such a beautiful way and sharing him with us. ReNae writes:

So here we are on your second birthday away from us trying to memorialize you because you were important and a beautiful soul. You loved all life and wanted to help everyone and everything. When a large fish was stuck in a dammed up part of the river at confirmation camp, you rescued it and put it back into the stream. You would fill a room with your love and gentleness. Nearly everyone was drawn to you and you made them feel important and worthy. You never wanted anyone to be alone or feel alone. Aaron Elliot Trebelhorn, we love you and miss you so very much and absolutely hate that we even need to do this to honor you. Happy 23rd birthday in heaven. Love, mom, dad, your brothers and your sister.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Add your son or daughter on the Hope Mobile in an In Loving Memory Heart.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

I would like to sponsor an episode in honor of my child.

Birthdays:

Rebekah Blakkolb was born on August 14 and left us at age 20.

Joshua Egloff was born on August 15 and left us at age 22.

Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and left us at age 21.

Jeremy Bornemeier was born on August 16 and left us at age 32.

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and left us at age 18.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

171: How Can the Holy Spirit Help Me in My Grief?

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:00:14 +0000

As believers in Christ, we are familiar with who Jesus is and what He did for us. We hear a lot about who God is as well. But how much do we know about the third part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit?

Why do we need the Holy Spirit, and how can He help us in our grief? That is what Laura discusses in today’s episode.

As always, there is a place for comments on the GPS Hope website. Just click here to share your thoughts.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Add your son or daughter on the Hope Mobile in an In Loving Memory Heart.

Send an email to let us know where you live, to possibly meet up as we travel in the Hope Mobile.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

Birthdays:

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and left us at age 30.

Tony Summers was born on August 9 and left us at age 15.

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and left us at age 31.

Jacob Holiday was born on August 10 and left us at age 26.

Miracle Valentina Harvison was born on August 12 and left us at age 2 ½ months.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

170: Finding God in the Darkness

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 11:00:58 +0000

When our child dies, it can take us to a very dark place, even if you have had a life-long close relationship with God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. In our place of deep grief, we become a target for the enemy, making it even more difficult to find God through the suffocating darkness.

How do we keep going when God seems so far away when we need Him the most? In the last episode Laura talked about when God seems silent. This episode she talks about finding God in that place of darkness.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Add your son or daughter on the Hope Mobile in an In Loving Memory Heart.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

Birthdays:

Mitchell Herrmann was born on August 1 and left us at age 24.

Christopher Thomas Boseman was born on August 2 and left us at age 32.

Eric Lopez was born on August 2 and left us at age 36.

Jacob Gary was born on August 6 and left us at age 21.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

My Grief Journey for Kids

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.

169. Why Does God Seem Silent?

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 11:00:05 +0000

Often when our child dies, we search for God in our darkness and pain, but we feel like He either isn’t listening or doesn’t seem to care. Why is that?

Laura talks about some of the possibilities in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about Laura’s books:

When Tragedy Strikes.

My Grief Journey

Go to the GPS Hope store to order the Pareavor Pack for only $15 through the month of July.

Join over 2000 other pareavors and receive a weekly Word of Hope.

Click here to write a review on Amazon for When Tragedy Strikes.

Birthdays:

Oscar Lopez was born on July 26 and left us at age 23.

Claire Rebecca was born on July 27 and left us at age 5.

Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and left us at age 32.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and left us at age 5.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and left us at age 21.

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and left us at age 31.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

168: Where Is God in My Grief?

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:00:04 +0000

When our child dies, many of us believe God failed us by walking out on us. We struggle in our relationship with Him. We question ourselves with things like, Is God really who I thought He was?

In today’s episode, Laura does her best to answer one of those questions, Where is God in my pain and darkness as I grieve the death of my child?

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to have Laura send you the list of scriptures she read. (This will also sign you up to receive the Weekly Word of Hope emails, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.)

I would like to give a financial gift of support as a way of saying thank you and to help GPS Hope continue to offer support to resources to more bereaved parents.

Birthdays:

Lilyana Angel Robles was born on July 17 and left us at age 14 months.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and left us at age 39.

Robert William Corbett was born on July 20 and left us at age 21.

Brayden King was born on July 22 and left us at age 17.

Jessica Clinkert was born on July 22 and left us at age 27.

Joey Figueroa was born on July 23 and left us at age 39.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

My Grief Journey for Kids

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.

167: Finding a Place of Rest in God After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 11:00:05 +0000

Last week Laura started reading a chapter about learning how to rest in God during the deep grief of the early years of child loss from her book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death Of Your Child.

In today’s episode she finishes out the chapter and then goes back to share some extra thoughts and insights she has received on this topic since the book came out six years ago.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about Laura’s books:

When Tragedy Strikes.

My Grief Journey

Go to the GPS Hope store to order the Pareavor Pack for only $15 through the month of July.

Click here to write a review on Amazon for When Tragedy Strikes.

Birthdays:

Stephanie Waters was born on July 10 and left us at age 21.

Ethan Barclay-Weberpal was born on July 10 and left us at age 18.

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and left us at age 9.

Everardo Martinez was born on July 11 and left us at age 19.

Clifford Patrick Keenan Jr. was born on July 11 and left us at age 24.

Norma Gomez was born on July 11 and left us at age 12.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and left us at age 25.

Hagan Jones was born on July 12 and left us at age 20.

Abby Sherwood was born on July 15 and left us at age 18.

Evelyn Grace MacQuarrie was born on July 16 and left us as a newborn.

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and left us at age 14.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and left us at age 18.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

166: Resting in God Within the Struggle of Deep Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:00:29 +0000

Resting in God’s love for us can be a huge struggle when we know He could have stopped the death of our child.

How do we stop struggling and start resting in the very love we are questioning?

Laura addresses this as she reads from a chapter in her book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

I want to know more about joining Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise.

Find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes.

Click here to write a review on Amazon for When Tragedy Strikes.

Birthdays:

Antonio Moir Catania was born on July 3 and is forever 29.

Andres Martinez was born on July 7 and is forever 21.

Jessica Lynn Szerlong was born on July 9 and is forever 30.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

165: Pets After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:00:35 +0000

Today might seem like an unusual topic, but it seems to come up enough that Laura decided to do an episode on pets after child loss.

Many of our children who are no longer here had a pet when they died, and quite often it becomes the pet of the parents. When that happens, that animal is more than just a pet, as it gives us a comforting feeling of still being somewhat attached to our child.

There are other pareavors who decide that getting a dog or a cat feels needed in our lives. It gives us something to care for that needs us and gives us a reason for getting up each day.

Quite often either of those pets have become literal emotional support animals as we walk this unwanted journey.

Part of today’s episode includes responses from those who shared these pets with Laura on the GPS Hope Facebook page.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about joining Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise.

Click here to leave a comment on this episode topic.

GPS Hope public Facebook page.

GPS Hope private Facebook page.

Birthdays:

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

164: A Father’s View of Child Loss – Part 2 (with Steve Martindale and Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 11:00:27 +0000

Today’s episode is a continuation from last week with two dad pareavors, Dave Diehl and Steve Martindale.

Today’s discussion includes Dave and Steve sharing what they wish they had done differently in the early months of their grief. They also answered Laura’s question if the death of their daughters changed their theology or what they believed about God.

Steve closes by praying a precious prayer over all the listeners.

Dave Diehl is retired from a career of over thirty years in IT. He is the cofounder of GPS Hope, and is much of the “behind-the-scenes” support, including technical support for the ministry, and driving the Hope Mobile. Dave wrote a chapter in Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes, and ministers directly to grieving fathers around the nation at the GPS Hope & Healing retreats.

Steve Martindale has been a minister for over thirty years. For several of those years, he and his wife, Denee, held meetings for the body of Christ in a barn. Many powerful men and women of God came to minister at “The Barn”, and people would come from all over to receive a touch from God. After the death of his daughter, and then a son, Steve is now in a new season of life. One of the things he enjoys is being the chaplain for a large local business.

(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:

Check out the GPS Hope & Healing Virtual Summit here.

Find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child.

Birthdays:

Alyssa Tyner was born on June 19 and is forever 2 ½ years old.

Kari-Lee Venning Birrell was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

Blake Manning was born on June 25 and is forever 38.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

163: A Father’s View of Child Loss (with Steve Martindale and Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:00:28 +0000

Most of you do not need to be reminded that Father’s Day is this coming weekend. For many dads, it is the hardest day of the year with the pain of missing their child.

Today and next week, we are going to hear from Laura’s husband, Dave, and their friend, Steve Martindale, who also lost a daughter. These two men not only share encouragement for the dads, but for the wives/moms.

May Father’s Day not only be a day of pain, but a reflection of the joy and blessing of being a dad to your special child who is no longer here with you.

(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:

Check out the GPS Hope & Healing Virtual Summit here.

Find out more about Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child.

Birthdays:

Conor Combs was born on June 16 and is forever 25.

Calvin Joseph Kendricks Jr. was born on June 17 and is forever 28.

Joe Luzzo was born on June 18 and is forever 17.

Tony Posatiere was born on June 18 and is forever 38.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

162: The Five Seasons of Grief after Child Loss, Part 2 (with Mitch Carmody)

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:00:54 +0000

If you have been frustrated because you are not following the “five stages of grief”, you are not alone. What most people do not realize is that these five stages are to be applied to those who have received the news they have a terminal illness. They are NOT for someone who is grieving the death of a loved one.

Laura’s guest, Mitch Carmody, is a seasoned griever with over thirty years of experience after the death of his twin sister and her two children, as well as his young son shortly after. In part two of The Seasons of the Heart after Child Loss, we will hear about the last three seasons, as well as learn about the acronym S.T.A.I.R.S, which is a much truer representation of what our grief is like.

Mitch lost his 9-year-old son over thirty years ago. Since that time, he has done more than most to help others who are grieving deep loss, including speaking around the nation, being a grief artist, interpretive sign language, writing a book, and more. Mitch moved with his wife from Minnesota to Wisconsin as part of his recent retirement.

(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:

Connect with Mitch: heartlightstudios.net.

Find out more about joining Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise.

Birthdays:

Aaron Paige was born on June 6 and is forever 21.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

161: The Five Seasons of Grief after Child Loss, Part 1 (with Mitch Carmody)

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:32 +0000

The five stages of grief were not to be applied to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, but for those who have received the news they have a terminal illness.

If you have been frustrated because you are not following those five steps, you will be relieved to hear about the seasons of grief which today’s guest, Mitch Carmody, shares. Mitch is a “seasoned” griever with over thirty years of experience after the death of his twin sister and her two children, as well as his young son shortly after.

In today’s episode, Laura and Mitch begin by talking about having hope, and then share about two of the five seasons. Next week they will continue with the other three seasons.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Today’s episode is sponsored by Michelle & Craig Enanoria, in loving memory of their son, Kyle Enanoria.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Mitch: heartlightstudios.net.

Sponsor an episode in honor of your child.

Find out more about joining Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise.

Birthdays:

Alayna Lisboa was born on May 29 and is forever 7 weeks.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

Shawn Klein was born on June 1 and is forever 33.

Kyron was born on June 2 and is forever 18.

Riley Whitehead was born on June 3 and is forever 19.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

160: Gold Star Moms (with Bev Shoemaker, Lorie Southerland and Amy Drake)

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:00:19 +0000

Here in the United States, the last Monday in May is Memorial Day, which is a day to honor those who have given their lives for our country. In this episode, Laura focuses on pareavors who have lost their children because of being in the military. Their child chose to go into the armed forces, knowing their life might be sacrificed, which can have so many mixed emotions for their families because it became a very heavy and personal sacrifice for themselves.

Three guests join Laura today. Bev Shoemaker is a previous guest whose oldest son has had several military tours as special forces, but it was her younger son who died in an accident killed by a drunk driver. Three years later her husband died by suicide. Through dealing with these two painful losses, God directed her on a path that has resulted in ministering to Gold Star Moms.

The other two guests are Gold Star Moms, which are mothers whose children served in the military and lost their lives as a result of their service. Lori Southerland’s son, Michael, was killed while serving in Iraq. Amy Drake lost her son, Benjamin, from PTSD after serving during wartime in the Middle East.

As pareavors, we all know the pain and solemness of losing a child. Let’s be sure to take some time on Memorial Day to remember and honor those who gave their lives willingly for our freedoms, and also send up a prayer for these families who personally bear the pain of that sacrifice.

Having faced serious trauma in her own life, Beverly is no stranger to adversity. After losing a husband to suicide and her son in a drunk driving crash, she wanted to give up. She battled depression and discouragement, loneliness and pain, yet she persevered and ultimately found hope. Now Beverly seeks to share that hope with others. She speaks to churches, schools, businesses, and military events, showing strength and courage in a way that offers hope to those listening. She makes it her mission to help others rediscover their identity and purpose after loss and trauma.

Lorie Southerland, a native Texan, served in the Airforce as an Aircrew Life Support Equipment Specialist. She is the wife of a military husband, the mother of Spc Michael Rodriguez, as well as three other children, and is the grandmother of four beautiful grandchildren. Lorie started both the Dogwood Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers in Sanford, North Carolina, and Wreaths Across America at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. She was also instrumental in naming part of NC Hwy 24 “Gold Star Memorial Highway”. Lorie has also volunteered with and managed the Fort Bragg Fisher House and has worked closely with the Warrior Transition Battalion for wounded soldiers at Fort Bragg. She spends her time helping local veteran groups and is very active in her church.

Amy Drake is a mom of ten and grandma to twenty-one grandchildren so far. She was a stay-at-home while mom raising her family. Church was first in the lives of her children and teaching them about the Lord Jesus Christ was most important. After the death of her son, due to military PTSD, Amy started making and selling aprons to raise awareness of PTSD (which can be found on Facebook as Aprons for PTSD Awareness) and to get resources for military veterans. When her husband retires later this year, they plan to travel around the country to visit their children and grandchildren who are scattered around the US.

(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:

Listen to previous episodes with Bev: Passing It On and Finding Meaning and Purpose Again

Connect with Bev on her website: theresilientheartpodcast.com or beverlyshoemaker.com

Email Lori at lsoutherland82@gmail.com

Find Amy and her Aprons for PTSD Awareness here.

Join over 1,000 other pareavors who recieve a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Birthdays:

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

159: My Spouse Tried to Numb The Pain of Child Loss in Harmful Ways (with Jeff Snider and Curtis Stovall)

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 May 2022 11:00:45 +0000

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

Join over 1,000 parents receiving a Weekly Word of Hope here.

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.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Take a look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

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.

158: The Hope of Glory

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 May 2022 11:00:31 +0000

Attaining the Triple Crown is a rare accomplishment, whether in horse racing or in baseball. Unfortunately, it is also a rare accomplishment in our life as a Christian and can be especially difficult after the death of our child.

What is the Triple Crown for a follower of Christ?

Laura believes it is learning:

1) how to clarify God’s vision for our lives, including being released from our paralyzing grief that keeps us from going forward.

2) how to live from a place of being in Christ.

3) how to live from a deeper revelation of the identity of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Join Laura for this interesting discussion, which is a continuation of last week’s episode, along with some thoughts about this past week’s highly unusual Kentucky Derby horse race, which is the first of the three races for the Triple Crown.

See the crown… Wear the crown… Be the crown…

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 157: Our Crown as a Believer

Birthdays:

Michael Slater was born on May 8 and is forever 26.

Ashley Pekarek was born on May 10 and is forever 24.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and is forever 34.

Sydney Seisay was born sleeping on May 11.

Jack Randall Whitaker was born on May 12 and is forever 37.

Adan Razo was born on May 13 and is forever 18.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Take a look at the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts.

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.

157: Our Crown as a Pareavor

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 May 2022 11:00:51 +0000

What is the Triple Crown for a follower of Christ?

Laura believes it is learning:

how to clarify God’s vision for our lives, including being released from our paralyzing grief that keeps us from going forward.
how to live from a place of being “in Christ”.
how to live from a deeper revelation of “Christ in me” through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

See the crown.. Wear the crown… Be the crown…

Join Laura for the beginnig of this interesting discussion which continues next week.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Birthdays:

Nikolas Barrett Graves was born on May 3 and is forever 23.

Shannon Olsen was born on May 3 and is forever 19.

Alexandre Simoes was born on May 3 and is forever 9 months.

Rosalie Marstall was born on May 4 and is forever 4.

Herman Joubert was born on May 5 and is forever 21.

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and is forever 28.

John Patrick Keck was born on May 7 and is forever 23.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Blog about International Bereaved Mother’s Day

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.

156: A Special Day for Bereaved Mothers

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:00:12 +0000

Did you know the first Sunday of May is International Bereaved Mother’s Day? Yes, it is a real thing. A day just for us. Today’s episode talks about this special day.

Laura also shares some real and honest thoughts and feelings about the following week, which is Mother’s Day. It is one of the hardest days we have to face each year after child loss, and there is no reason to not admit it or try to sugar coat it.

Be sure to share this episode so that others can become aware of this special day that allows us to acknowledge being the mom of a child who is no longer here with us.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information about joining GPS Hope on a cruise.

GPS Hope Facebook Page

GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Birthdays:

Shannon Chevalier was born on April 21 and is forever 27.

Abigail Jane (Abi) was born on April 25 and is forever 18 months.

Michael Roach was born on April 26 and is forever 28.

Christi was born on April 29 and is forever 49.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

155: “At Least You…” Which Child Loss is the Worst? (With Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 11:00:13 +0000

“There is no magical age when the death of our child doesn’t affect us in a very deep and profound way. Whether the child died in the womb or was in their sixties, the wrongness of their death causes trauma, and we are never the same.” (Laura Diehl – When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child)

We bristle when someone who has never lost a child starts a sentence with, “At least….” And yet most of us can’t help but compare the loss of our child with someone else’s loss of their child, convinced that our loss is worse because…

How can we get past that and not allow a root of bitterness add to the intense pain and darkness we have found ourselves hurled into? This is the topic of today’s discussion between Laura and her guest, Sara Nelson, who lost her only child, taking with it any possibility of having grandchildren.

(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:

Connect with Sara Nelson: writingsmiles2@gmail.com

Sara’s book on Amazon: Footsteps of Hope

Join almost 2,000 other pareavors who are receiving a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Please remember to give a rating and a review on your podcast app.

Birthdays:

Christopher Schofer was born on April 21 and is forever 25.

Adam Sharp was born on April 21 and is forever 19.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

154: I Tried to Numb My Pain with Prescription Drugs & Alcohol When My Child Died (with Stacie Snider and Courtney Stovall)

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:00:04 +0000

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.

Today’s episode is talking to two moms who are very open and vulnerable about their experience with prescription drugs and alcoholism after the death of their sons.

There is no judgment in this; only care, compassion and extending hope for a way out, from those who have been there.

Stacie Snider is a mom of three and GiGi of four. She has been an accountant in the healthcare field for many years. Stacie and her husband just purchased their forever home in Texas on 13 acres and raise goats, chickens, geese, donkeys and have four dogs. “Our lives never slow down but we wouldn’t change it for the world.” Stacie has been on this journey of child loss for six years and is also the administrator for the public GPS Hope Facebook page.

Courtney Stovall lives in Greer, South Carolina and is a mother to seven children, one fur baby and a Gigi to one. Before losing her son, she was an executive assistant. Courtney did not go back to work for almost four years and now works for her mother-in-law. She and her husband have two “surprise babies” still living at home who are five and six, both red headed and keep them very busy. As a pareavor who is four years into this journey, Courtney enjoys keeping in touch with other pareavors, helping them through the struggles she has walked through.

(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:

Sponsor an episode in honor of your child.

Email Stacie:acctnt4ever@yahoo.com

Email Courtney: cdstovall81@gmail.com

Info page on Pearls of Hope. (Unfortunately, we can only ship to the USA.)

Go directly to the Pearls of Hope online store

Be sure to use the promo code BECCA40 when placing your order.

Watch the pearl opening on the public GPS Hope Facebook page Wednesday, April 13 @ 8:00PM Eastern time.

(Ask to join our private GPS Hope Facebook page here.)

Birthdays:

Malish (Caspian) Aurova was born on April 11 and is forever 9 weeks.

Megan Small was born on April 11 and is forever 21.

Michael Rhodes was born on April 11 and is forever 18.

Carter Braun was born on April 13 and is forever 15.

Rachel Pilcher was born on April 13 and is forever 41.

Rebecca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and is forever 29.

Brandon Matos was born on April 14 and is forever 23.

Fill out the short form to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

153: Why I Don’t Need Support from Other Bereaved Parents (with Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:00:05 +0000

When we find ourselves thrown into the dark world of child loss, some of us know we need help right away and find ways to connect with other bereaved parents almost immediately.

Some of us take longer to realize how important it is to be around others who “get it”. Other parents who are further along on this unwanted journey can let us know our thoughts and actions are not abnormal for grieving the loss of our child from this earth such as:

I am not getting early Alzheimer’s.
It’s okay to still have days I can’t get out of bed when it’s been well over a year.
You are not a terrible person for not able to go to things like family functions, work parties and celebrations, no matter how long it has been.

Being around other pareavors can give us the hope we desperately need that somehow, I can get through this; not just barely surviving but learn how to live a life of meaning and purpose again that seems impossible.

When we do finally get to the place where we start having some good days and our thoughts are not consumed with the pain of our loss, we can begin feeling like being around other pareavors pulls us back down into that darkness, and we no longer want to be around them.

We all have different needs at different points in this grief journey. These are the things Laura discusses in today’s episode, with her husband, Dave.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Unfortunately, we can only ship to the USA.

Info page on Pearls of Hope

Go directly to the Pearls of Hope online store

Be sure to use the promo code BECCA40 when placing your order.

Watch the pearl opening on the public GPS Hope Facebook page Wednesday, April 13 @ 8:00PM Eastern time.

(Ask to join our private GPS Hope Facebook page here.)

Find our more about GPS Hope Share & Care support groups

Join over 2,000 parents recieving the Weekly Word of Hope here.

Birthdays:

William Judah was born on April 3 and is forever 40.

Cory Spires was born on April 4 and is forever 28.

Greg London was born on April 8 and is forever 34.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

152: Putting Words to Our Unwanted Journey of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 11:00:45 +0000

There are times when Laura is sent something written by a pareavor that seems to capture the essence of who we are and how we feel after the death of our child, as well as what it is like to travel on this unwanted journey.

On this episode, Laura reads three of these.

This Mom’s Grief by Val Breslau
It’s Been Two Years by Fran Rhodes
One Day by Vickie Hickox

Laura also reads something she wrote back in 2017 called Forever.

Because these hit the heart of our journey, listeners may find themselves feeling a bit more emotionally tender than most episodes, but they are worth hearing and absorbing.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

This Mom’s Grief by Val Breslau

It’s Been Two Years by Fran Rhodes

One Day by Vickie Hickox

Find out more about Laura’s Books

Go directly to the GPS Hope store.

Send something you have written to Laura: laura@gpshope.org

Birthdays:

Dakota Crandall was born on March 27 and is forever 25.

Tommy Simmons was born on March 29 and is forever 59.

Miles DiGiannantonio was born on March 30 and is forever 20 months.

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 2 and is forever 5 months.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

151: How to Help Us After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:00:24 +0000

Those of us who have lost a child will talk among ourselves about how hurtful it is that our family and friends seem to abandon us after the first few weeks or months. Not only that, but many of these people also seem to expect us to snap out of our grief after a certain amount of time.

We all know what helps and what hurts, but do those around us know? How could they, if they have never experienced the suffocating darkness of the death of their own child.

In this episode, Laura pulls back the curtain and shares some of these things with anyone who wants to know.

If you are a bereaved parent, this episode will help you know that you are not alone in the thoughts and feelings you have in this area. It also gives you something to share with those around you who want or need a better understanding of what you are going through as a bereaved parent.

NOTE: Laura will be on the Wisdom app this Thursday, March 24 at 7:30PM EASTERN if you would like to join her and get in on a discussion on this topic. (Right now the Wisdom app is only available for iPhones.)

Links Mentioned in this episode:

PDF: Eight Things Not to Say to a Bereaved Parent

Blog: The Best Bible Verses to Help a Grieving Parent

Find out more about Laura’s Books

Check out the GPS Hope website for the mentioned various resources: gpshope.org

Birthdays:

Kyle Moroney was born on March 20 and is forever 23.

Aaron Wright was born on March 20 and is forever 32.

Joshua Aaron Smith was born on March 21 and is forever 21.

Kaleb Wickersham was born on March 23 and is forever 25.

Jacquelyn Landry was born on March 24 and is forever 18.

Waylyn McRae was born on March 25 and is forever 17.

Michael Young was born on March 26 and is forever 22.

Jacob Vidaurri was born on March 26 and is forever 20.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

150: Why Didn’t I Do More to Keep My Child From Dying? (With Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 11:00:16 +0000

After our child dies, we all seem to struggle with the guilt of why we didn’t do more, or do something differently, that would have prevented their death.

How do we get past that? Does that feeling ever go away? In this episode, Laura brings on a guest, Sara Nelson, to discuss this.

Sara and her husband, Dennis, live in Arizona.

(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:

Connect with Sara Nelson: writingsmiles2@gmail.com

Sara’s book on Amazon: Footsteps of Hope

GPS Hope public Facebook page.

GPS Hope private Facebook page.

Join almost 2,000 other pareavors who are receiving a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Listen to the recent podcast episode about following the breadcrumbs: Why Can’t I Hear from God?

Birthdays:

Amy Rebecca Wetmore was born on March 13 and is forever 30.

Andrew Woulard was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Jeffrey Macedo was born on March 15 and is forever 18.

Rohit Matthew was born on March 16 and is forever 23.

Adam Block was born on March 16 and is forever 34.

Taraoluwa Chizoba was born on March 17 and is forever 7.

Samuel Hines was born on March 19 and is forever 7.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

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.

149: I Struggle with Going to Church after Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:53 +0000

Laura hears from many pareavors how they struggle with going to church after the death of their child. In today’s episode, she talks about some of the reasons this happens, along with some of her own struggles in this area.

She also spends time talking about the difference between going to church as a Sunday morning institution and being in fellowship as the church outside the four walls of a building. This is a needed distinction for anyone struggling with “going to church”, but especially those of us who realize what is happening inside a building every week no longer meets the needs of our deeply wounded soul and spirit.

Laura makes it very clear that she is not against congregational services and acknowledges there are some pareavors who are getting strength and encouragement from their attendance at these weekly meetings. If you are being helped in your place of grief by the place of worship you attend, that is wonderful! Unfortunately, that is not the norm in our world of child loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Check out Wayne Jacobson’s website and his books.

Birthdays:

Ava Jenkins was born on March 6 and is forever 2.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19.

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Find out more about When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child.

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.

148: Why Can’t I Hear from God?

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:00:45 +0000

One thing Laura hears quite often from parents after child loss is their discouragement of not hearing from God or feeling His presence in their place of deep darkness and grief. She also hears from those who have read her book When Tragedy Strikes who are frustrated because God doesn’t speak to them the way He did to her during the darkest part of her grief after her daughter died.

In today’s episode, Laura shares some of her thoughts on this topic, along with praying over the listeners who are struggling in this area.

Note: There is much more that Laura could have shared on this subject than would fit into one episode. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments on the GPS Hope website or let her know if you want her to address this again in the future.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Check out Wayne Jacobson’s podcast The God Journey.

GPS Hope & Healing Retreats.

Birthdays:

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33.

Yafet Haddish was born on February 27 and is forever 21.

Christian Fafnis was born on March 4 and is forever 20.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

147: Helping Our Children with Sibling Loss (Part 2)

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:38 +0000

For those of us with other children, it is so difficult to watch them grieve the loss of their brother or sister. While we are relieved to be told that there is no right or wrong way to grieve for ourselves, we are often concerned that our children are not dealing with the loss of their brother or sister.

Last week I shared why the death of our child affects our other children so deeply, because often we are so consumed by our own grief, we can’t see why or how they are also deeply affected. I also gave you some things you can do to help your children process their grief, even within your own place of darkness. If you didn’t get a chance to hear it, I strongly recommend you start with that one before continuing.

This week we will talk about specific signs to know our children are not handling their grief well, more ways on how to help them, and signs to look for to know they need professional help.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsor an In Loving Memory Heart for your child on the Hope Mobile.

Check out our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats.

To get an eBook copy of what was shared these last two episodes on helping our children with the loss of their sibling click here.

Birthdays:

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35.

William Burke was born on February 20 and is forever 29.

Sean Kelly was born on February 22 and is forever 44.

Dennis Santos was born on February 23 and is forever 31.

Shannon Johnson was born on February 23 and is forever 47.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

146: Helping Our Children with Sibling Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:00:04 +0000

Siblings play a big role and are meant to be the longest relationship in our lives. When a sibling dies, the ones left behind lose one of the only people who share a complete history with them, who are also supposed to be in most of their future. If they just had the one sibling, they lost the only person who shares the same history and future, having even more layers of grief to work through.

As parents who are grieving the death of our child, it is easy to overlook how deep the loss is for our other children with the loss of their brother or sister. In today’s episode, we discuss some of the complications of sibling death, as well as some things you can do to help bring your children comfort while being in your own place of grief.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsor an In Loving Memory Heart for your child on the Hope Mobile.

Don’t forget to check out our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats.

Information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Birthdays:

Jeffrey Allison was born on February 14 and is forever 30.

Hailey Eastridge was born on February 14 and is forever 9.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

145: “If I Was God…”

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:00:39 +0000

After the death of our child, many of us question God in ways we never thought we would, which puts us in a vulnerable place for attacks from the enemy.

Satan does not use new tactics. He uses the same ones he used in the garden of Eden on Eve. In this episode, Laura calls attention to those tactics, reminding us how sly and dangerous the enemy can be, shares how to recognize the enemy’s ways of trying to keep us in our place of darkness, and how to come against him to move toward God’s light.

We all find ourselves thrown into a suffocating pit of darkness for a long time when our child dies. That is where this journey starts. If that’s where you find yourself right now, it does not mean you are giving the enemy a place in your grief. However, without realizing it, sometimes we can give the enemy a way to keep us there, so it is important to make sure you know how to recognize the difference, and to know what to do about it when he comes to you the way he comes to all of us, since the very beginning of creation.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Sponsor an In Loving Memory Heart for your child on the Hope Mobile.

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats.

Information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Check out the book Conquering the Game of Control by Craig Green. (This is an affiliate link.)

Birthdays:

Eric Weiss was born on February 9 and is forever 27.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

144: God Can Recycle Your Pain after Child Loss (with Shirley Thiessen)

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:53 +0000

In this episode, Laura brings on a guest to talk about a deeply serious and needed topic after the death of our child. How important is your child to you, and how important is God to you?

Often, we don’t realize the love for our child can overshadow our love for God, causing us to get stuck in our suffocating darkness when our child leaves this earth before we do. Laura and her guest, Shirley Thiessen, discuss this because they want you to be set free from anything that can keep you from being able to move forward in a way that brings a measure of hope and healing, which opens the door for you to learn how to live a life of meaning and purpose again.

Shirley and her husband Carey live in Calgary, AB, Canada. Their newly married daughter, Chantel, is also active in the grief ministry.

(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:

Shirley’s websites: Corner Bend Ministries and shirleythiessen.com

To email Shirley: shirley@cornerbend.com

Click here to find out more about the In Loving Memory Hearts to put on the Hope Mobile.

Find out more about the GPS Hope retreats.

Birthdays:

Zachary Kidd was born on January 27 and is forever 26.

Bryce D. Thurman was born on January 30 and is forever 22.

Kayla Adkins was born on January 31 and is forever 25.

Robert Schafer DeVries was born on February 4 and is forever 35.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

143: It Doesn’t Feel Okay to Be Happy

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:00:09 +0000

Many pareavors (bereaved parents) struggle with feeling guilty for laughing or doing special things like taking vacations after the death of their child, believing it isn’t right to enjoy life again.

We will always have an undercurrent of sadness and grief that can surface at any time. Sometimes there are known triggers and sometimes it seems to be for no apparent reason. But we can learn to build our life around the grief, allowing the life of our child to continue to influence us to live life to the fullest.

In this episode, Laura talks about some of the reasons we may feel guilty, how to move past that guilt, and why it is important to live a life that has happiness, joy, peace and fulfillment after child loss.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Birthdays:

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Robert Lelle was born on January 28 and is forever 26.

Robert Silva was born on January 28 and is forever 29.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

142: “Cruising” With Our Grief (with Lin Findlay)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:00:42 +0000

In this episode, Laura brings on Lin Findlay to share about her own journey in this area after the death of her daughter, Aubrie, and why Lin now hosts The Grief Cruise for those who have lost loved ones.

(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:

Lin Findlay’s websites: The International Grief Institute and Mourning Discoveries (aftercare for funeral homes)

Information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Birthdays:

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Tate Kwiatkowski was born on January 16 and is forever 69 days.

Hugh Brown was born on January 19 and is forever 18.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Erin Gisby was born on January 19 and is forever 3.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

141: The Gift of Being with Others Who Get It

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:00:35 +0000

In today’s episode, Laura is sharing what a gift it is to be with others who have lost a child because they get it. They understand the darkness and the struggles.

It took her almost three years after her daughter, Becca, died to meet with a group who had lost a child because Laura didn’t think it would help to be around a bunch of others who were a mess like she was. When she finally made herself go to a conference for bereaved moms, Laura discovered it was just the opposite; it was wonderful and healing to be with others who understood and were a mess like her, plus Laura got to talk about Becca with others who wanted to hear about her daughter!

In this episode, you will hear from several women as they sit around the microphone and talk together about how important it was to each of them to become connected with each other while at a weekend retreat. You may be surprised at how much laughter there is, and the bond they seemed to share so quickly, having just met each other two days previously.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Teck Min and Yvonne from Singapore. Their 11 yr old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with DIPG (a fast growing tumor in part of the brain stem) in July this year and passed away on 22nd Aug.

They share about their daughter: Emma was super full of energy, laughter, and joy. She loved to sing and dance. She was our little chef and helper in the kitchen as well. We and her little brother Isaac miss her so badly, especially the silly games they played together.

One of her favorite songs was “Goodness of God”. The only comfort for us is that she is running with Jesus on His Heavenly green fields, enjoying His goodness. Emma – daddy, mummy and Isaac love you so much. Till we meet again, and we will all run together on the green fields.

Thank you Teck Min and Yvonne for sponsoring today’s episode in loving memory of your precious Emma.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about GPS Hope get-away weekend retreats.

Find out more about Umbrella Ministries

How to sponsor a podcast episode in loving memory of your child.

Birthdays:

Joseph Youhana was born on January 6 and is forever 23.

Daniel Norwood ll was born on January 10 and is forever 10.

Adrienne was born on January 11 and is forever 19.

Jake Kalicki was born on January 12 and is forever 17.

Matthew Cole was stillborn on January 15.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

140: Hope and Help for the New Year after Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:00:07 +0000

Without hope, we have no desire to live. It can be easy to feel hopeless when going into a new year without our child. But that does not have to be the case.

Join Laura, as shares how we can stir up the seed of hope that may by lying dormant inside us after the death of our child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about GPS Hope get-away weekend retreats.

Click here for information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Don’t forget to give a rating and write a review on your favorite podcast app!

Listen to podcast episode with Rick Kauffman.

Listen to part one or part two podcast episodes with Marcella Johnson.

Listen to podcast episode with Patti Small.

Birthdays:

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

139: A New Year Does Not Mean You are Leaving Your Child Behind!

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 12:00:53 +0000

Going into a new year without our child can feel horrible, knowing there is nothing we can do to stop it. Join Laura as she shares what that was like for her after the death of her daughter, Becca, along with sharing some words of encouragement for those who are struggling with feeling like they are leaving their child behind as we close out 2021.

Laura also prays over the listeners as they begin a new year in this “unwanted club” of child loss, and ends the episode by reading a poem she wrote a few years ago, reminding us all that someday, because of Jesus, it will all be made right.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Please consider giving a special year-end gift to keep this podcast going.

Click here to join over 1000 parents receiving a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Find out more about GPS Hope get-away weekend retreats.

Birthdays:

Tevin Tyon was born on December 28 and is forever 21.

Melanie Bach was born on December 30 and is forever 46.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

138: Struggling in the Darkness of our Loss (with Anne Moss Rogers)

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:00:15 +0000

This episode with Anne Moss Rogers is one with a lot of practical advice for those who are struggling deeply in the darkness of grief after child loss. Being a mom who lost her son to suicide, Anne Moss made a conscious decision to figure out how to work through the guilt, shame and horrific darkness to be able to live a life of meaning and purpose again, both to honor her son, Charles, and to help those who find themselves contemplating ending their own life.

Anne Moss Rogers is an emotionally naked® public speaker who captures hearts and fills them with hope. She is a TEDx storyteller, certified suicide prevention trainer, NAMI Virginia board member, and the award-winning author of Diary of a Broken Mind. After her 20-year-old son, Charles died by suicide on June 5, 2015, Anne Moss chronicled her family’s tragedy in a newspaper article that went viral, and her blog, Emotionally Naked, has reached millions. A UNC-Chapel Hill alumna, Anne Moss currently lives in Richmond, VA with her husband. Her surviving son, Richard, is a filmmaker in LA.

(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:

Connect with Anne Moss on her website: EmotionallyNaked.com

Listen to episode episode 91 and episode 92 for newly bereaved parents (referred to in this episode).

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Information about the January 2023 Grief Cruise.

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

Dylan Bieber was born on December 21 and is forever 16.

Jonathan Granick was born on December 21 and is forever 36.

James Anthony Walkley was born on December 23 and is forever 28.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

137: Finding Meaning and Purpose Again (with Bev Shoemaker)

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:33 +0000

For Beverly Shoemaker, finding meaning and purpose in her life was extremely difficult after her husband ended his own life three years after their son, Nick, died. Her husband’s decision to take his own life left Bev in an even darker place, filled with anger, bitterness, and deep depression.

Bev thought she would never ever forgive the drunk driver who killed her son and struggled to forgive her husband for leaving her the way he did. Not only did God help Bev work through the long process of forgiveness, but He also led her to a place of having meaning and purpose in her life once again, even when she didn’t realize what was happening and resisted it.

This episode is a continuation of Laura and Bev’s conversation last week. If you missed it, you can listen to it here.

Beverly is a published blogger, Podcaster (The Resilient Heart Podcast) resilience mentor, and Inspirational speaker. She is certified through ICISF in individual and group crisis intervention. She is certified in ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training through LivingWorks.

(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:

Connect with Bev on her website: theresilientheartpodcast.com or beverlyshoemaker.com

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Brian was born on December 17 and is forever 26.

Austin Smith was born on December 18 and is forever 30.

Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

136: Passing it On (with Bev Shoemaker)

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:00:40 +0000

Today Laura is joined by Bev Shoemaker, who lost her son, Nick, back in 2004 in a car accident. She was contacted within days by another mom who had lost her own son several years previously. This caring woman shared things with Bev that helped her immensely, in navigating through the darkness after Nick’s death.

In this episode, Bev passes along some of the helpful advice that was passed on to her, seventeen years ago.

(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:

Connect with Bev on her website: theresilientheartpodcast.com or beverlyshoemaker.com

Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Sarah Jordan was born on December 11 and is forever 42.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

Cameron Paddock was born on December 14 and is forever 22.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

135: Road Signs On Our Grief Journey (with Jill Theriault)

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:00:06 +0000

Our grief journey can be compared to taking a road trip – an unplanned road trip – which is what Laura discussed last week with her guest, Jill Theriault.

In this week’s episode, Jill shares how the road signs we see while traveling can also guide us on our grief journey. They specifically talk about seven of the eighteen signs Jill has listed out on an available PDF.

Jill Theriault’s son, Nathan, died of meningitis two weeks after his second birthday and was buried on Thanksgiving Day. Jill’s faith in God is what helped her find glimmers of hope in the darkest moments. Jill has previously been a newsletter editor and chapter leader of Bereaved Parents USA. She is currently a certified Christian Life Coach for Crossroads Coaching with her goal being to share the valuable lessons she has learned on her grief journey and to help others find P.E.A.C.E. (purpose, encouragement, acceptance, clarity, endurance) on their grief journey.

(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:

Jill’s website: www.ongodstime.net

To email Jill for the PDF of all 18 road signs : crossroadscoachingongodstime@gmail.com

Click here for more information about the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Go directly to the GPS Hope free library.

Please consider giving the podcast a rating, review, comment, etc. which will help other pareavors find the same hope and encouragement you are receiving.

Birthdays:

Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21.

Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1.

Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21.

Andreas Claren was born on December 1 and is forever 30.

Jesus Ortega was born on December 2 and is forever 20.

Drew Jaggars was born on December 2 and is forever 19.

Angie Mata was born on December 4 and is forever 36.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

134: The Unplanned Road Trip of Grief (with Jill Theriault)

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:00:52 +0000

Most road trips are well planned, but occasionally they are not. Some things in life are planned, but losing a child is definitely an unplanned part of our life’s journey.

Today’s guest, Jill Theriault, has been on this journey as a bereaved parent for over 20 years after her two-year-old son, Nathan, died from meningitis.

In this episode, Jill compares our grief to taking a road trip with three different mile markers.

The Lack of Preparation
Navigating Through the Journey
Our Destination

Jill closes out their talk with an acronym God gave her for the word P.E.A.C.E.

Laura and Jill continue next week, as they chat about some of the road signs we will see along our journey as a bereaved parent.

(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:

Connect with Jill

Website: www.ongodstime.net

Email: crossroadscoachingongodstime@gmail.com

More information about starting a GPS Hope Share & Care Group

If you already have a group and want to be an affiliate or become a GPS Hope Share & Care group, email us at office@gpshope.org.

Click here for more information about the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

I want to know more about the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss self-guided video course.

Take me to the GPS Hope resource library.

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27.

Skylar Spencer was born on November 23 and is forever 24.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Josie Floyd was born on November 24 and is forever 25.

Jessika Matejcik was born on November 25 and is forever 21.

Austin Delgado was born on November 26 and is forever 21.

Tyler Green was born on November 26 and is forever 27.

Chase Hairston was born on November 28 and is forever 32.

Joseph Amaha was born on November 28 and is forever 29.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

133: Preparing for the Holiday Season

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:00:29 +0000

Many of us have been thinking about how to deal with the upcoming holidays, especially Christmas, for weeks or months already, so we might as well talk about it.

Advent is a time of waiting, usually known for the four weeks of waiting for Christmas and the celebration of Christ’s birth. We think of Jesus coming as a sweet little baby, but He came as more than that. He came as a Shepherd for his lost and wounded sheep. He also came as the victorious King who not only has the final word for all eternity, He IS the final word.

This week, Laura has pulled out parts of a special advent book written just for bereaved parents as an encouragement and reminder of what the coming up holiday season is really about. Christmas doesn’t have to just be about who is no longer here with us to celebrate, but it can also be a renewed time of hope.

The end-of-the-year holiday season can amplify everything for us as pareavors, especially the questions and the pain. But we can still have the assurance that He truly is Emmanuel, God with us.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for more information about the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15.

Cord Ramsey Davis was born on November 18 and is forever 24.

Philip Bouthillier was born on November 19 and is forever 49.

Austin Lotterman was born on November 20 and is forever 8 ½.

Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32.

Jacinda Avina was born on November 22 and is forever 18.

Jacob LeTourneau was born on November 22 and is forever 21.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

132: Don’t Tell Me to Be Thankful

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000

The holiday season brings many dark and painful emotions to the surface for those of us who have lost a child from this earth. It is a time of year where the pain of who is missing can be so much greater than the joy of who is still here. Many of us don’t even want to acknowledge Thanksgiving (or Christmas), but it is hard to ignore because we are surrounded by reminders everywhere we look.

Specifically, this is the time of year where “thankfulness” abounds. Everyone is telling us to be thankful and to count our blessings. They even say things like, “You can at least be thankful that you are breathing.” If you are like Laura in those first couple of years, she did not want to be breathing, so it was not helpful for others who had never lost a child tell her things she should be thankful for.

So, what do we do, when thankfulness is the furthest thing from our minds, and not in our hearts? That is what Laura talks about in this episode, along with touching on the Christmas season, which we know is just around the corner as well.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here for more information about the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

Send your written or recorded scripture message to laura@gpshope.org. (Give your name, your child’s name, the scripture and what it means to you now. If sending a recording, please add “Hold On Pain Eases. There is HOPE”.)

Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.

Birthdays:

Chaney Partrich was born on November 4 and is forever 20.

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23.

David Shelton was born on November 11 and is forever 23.

Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and is forever 2.

Austin Augustine was born on November 14 and is forever 16.

Casen Sancraint was born on November 14 and is forever 10.

Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners.

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.

131: I Don’t Understand Why

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 11:00:01 +0000

We want answers and we want them now! We want (or feel like we need) God to explain Himself to us, telling us why our child left this earth before we did.

We question how God can call Himself a loving Father or can possibly tell us that He is a good God. We don’t understand, and it is normal and okay to bring our questions and emotions to God, no matter how dark they are.

If God explained to us why from His viewpoint, would we be okay with the answer? Would it even make any sense to us with our limited human minds while here on earth?

How we deal with the question of why will greatly affect our grief journey.

These are the things Laura talks about in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

See the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts and place your order.

Send your written or recorded scripture message to laura@gpshope.org. (Give your name, your child’s name, the scripture and what it means to you now. If sending a recording, please add “Hold On Pain Eases. There is HOPE”.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard on many music apps including Spotify, Pandora, iTunes and Apple Music. To hear samples of Laura’s other songs, click 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.

130: To Live or Die

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 11:00:54 +0000

Most of us are familiar with Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” As Laura began to study this out, she discovered a much deeper meaning to these words than most of us realize, which is very encouraging to us as pareavors.

Laura also shares how that takes us deeper into the word redeemed, ending today’s episode by praying with the listeners about what was shared.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Troy and Carolyn Blackall in loving memory of their daughter, Rachel.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To join over 1,000 other pareavors receiving the Weekly Word of Hope click here.

See the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts and place your order.

To sponsor a podcast in loving memory of your child click here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Dustin Clements was born on October 26 and is forever 21.

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.

Donice Vaughan was born on October 29 and is forever 30.

Marisa Diaz was born on October 29 and is forever 20.

James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months.

Zen Dylan Koh was born on November 1 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

129: The Roller Coaster Ride of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:00:44 +0000

There is another thing Laura has learned in ten years of grieving the death of her daughter that she did not talk about in last week’s episode, which is how much of an emotional roller coaster ride it is now, even ten years later.

Yes, as the years go by, things smooth out and we may not find ourselves on the roller coaster ride as often, but it still happens. In this episode, Laura shares how frustrating and yet normal it is to still find herself in that place occasionally. She also shares several illustrations of what this grief journey is like for a bereaved parent over the years.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To join over 1,000 other pareavors receiving the Weekly Word of Hope click here.

Look at the In Loving Memory hearts and find out how to sponsor a heart for your son or daughter.

See the various Hold On Pain Eases shirts and place your order.

View the calendar to see if Dave and Laura will be near you with the Hope Mobile. Contact us at office@gpshope.org if you would like to meet one-on-one or get a group together to have us come and share.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Taylor Contreras was born on October 20 and is forever 16.

Mckenzie Aucapina was born on October 21 and is forever 7 ½.

Matthew Sulikowski was born on October 22 and is forever 36.

Nate Wilson was born on October 22 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

128: Ten Things I Have Learned After Ten Years of Grieving the Death of My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 11:00:54 +0000

The day this podcast episode airs (on October 12, 2021) will be the 10-year anniversary of Becca’s departure from this earth (Laura’s oldest daughter). Laura says the beginning of the last ten years held the most pain she have ever experienced. She had no idea that kind of suffocating darkness even existed. It scared her, not knowing how she was going to find her way out.

When Becca first died and Laura would think of being here one year… five years… ten or twenty years without her, she could hardly breathe, almost like having panic attacks. As Laura finds herself at the ten-year mark, today’s episode is about some of the things she has learned in the last ten years, praying some of these things will help you as you are on the same journey.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

HOPE: Hold On Pain Eases – Check out the various shirts here.

Join over 1,000 other pareavors receiving the Weekly Word of Hope here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and is forever 17.

Isaac Cojocarescu was born on October 14 and is forever 10.

Bub Amis was born on October 16 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

127: Does God Choose When We Die? (Discussion)

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Recently Laura received a response from one of the Weekly Word of Hope emails. The pareavor was upset with how Laura’s email said, “Neither life nor death is in our hands. God is the one who gives life within the womb. And God chooses when each person takes their last heartbeat.”

Part of what this mom shared said, “That is scary. For that implies God organized this death – which sometimes is horrible in so many different ways.”

We do all have choices in this life that can affect how long or how short our lives are lived here on earth. There is also sickness and disease that we may not have any control over that can affect when we die. When God does not step in to stop that death from happening, does it mean He is choosing when we leave this earth?

Laura decided this would make a good topic for a podcast episode, since it is such a difficult topic and something most parents struggle with, after the death of their child.

In last week’s episode, she read the original email, the reply sent to her about it, and then her return email response, which gives us all some things to think and pray about.

This week Laura and her husband, Dave, discuss this topic together, bringing in a few scriptures as they talk.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Let us know you want to get together with us as we travel by sending an email to office@gpshope.org.

HOPE: Hold On Pain Eases – Check out the various shirts here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Joshua Kirkendall was born on October 6 and is forever 14.

Daniel Bryce Briggs was born on October 6 and is forever 19.

Joshua Nicholson was born on October 9 and is forever 29.

Niyam Deloatch was born on October 10 and is forever 20.

James Fielding was born on October 10 and is forever 28.

Laura Rodríguez was born on October 11 and is forever 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

126: Does God Choose When We Die?

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:27 +0000

Part of what this mom shared said, “That is scary. For that implies God organized this death – which sometimes is horrible in so many different ways.”

Laura decided this would make a good topic for a podcast episode, since it is such a difficult topic and something most parents struggle with, after the death of their child.

In today’s episode, she reads the original email, the reply sent to her about it, and then her return email response, which gives us all some things to think and pray about.

Next week Dave joins Laura in a discussion about this topic, whether or not God chooses when we die.

Thank you Chris and ReNea for sponsoring this week’s episode in loving memory of your son, Aaron.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to join over 1000 pareavors receiving a Weekly Word of Hope.

Let us know you want to get together with us as we travel by sending an email to office@gpshope.org.

Listen to samples of Laura’s songs on the CD Together Forever.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Maya Tarbet was born on September 20 and is forever 13.

Cherie Martinez was born on September 28 and is forever 31.

Giovanna Giannini was born on September 30 and is forever 20.

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and is forever 4.

Corey Ryan Woodrich was born on October 1 and is forever 31.

Joshua Konaszewski was born on October 2 and is forever 24.

Paul Meyer was born on October 2 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

125: Five Things to Remember

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 11:00:49 +0000

Today Laura will talk about a simple way to help pareavors remind themselves of some of the most important things they need to remember on this grief journey, using the word grief as an acronym. Listen in, as Laura talks about each one in detail.

G- Give yourself a lot of grace.

R – Release yourself from guilt.

I – Ignore those who are trying to fix you.

E – Engage with other pareavors.

F- Find ways to honor the life of your child.

Thank you, Wong Liang Fu and Kay Ho in Singapore for sponsoring today and the previous three episodes in loving memory of their son, David Wong Hong Ming.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find the first eight episodes about Forgiveness here. (Scroll down and click on the highest page number, which will take you to the beginning of the podcasts.)

Go to the GPS Hope Free Content Library.

See the Wall of Remembrance and find out how to have your child added.

Download a PDF of G.R.I.E.F.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Ryan Bradley was born on September 22 and is forever 25.

Alyssa Barker was born on September 22 and is forever 33.

Brittany Evans was born on September 25 and is forever 26.

Cody Simmons was born on September 25 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

124: Getting Out of the Pit of Darkness

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 11:00:07 +0000

When our child dies, all our goals that had to do with that child dies with them, which seems to carry over into every part of our lives. We lose hope that life is even worth living without the plans we had for, and with, our child. When we don’t have any hope, we don’t see a future, and it puts us in a vicious cycle which is hard to get out of.

The enemy wants to keep us in that place of hopelessness. He wants us to think the darkness will never end and tries to get us to give up even trying to get out of the pit we have found ourselves hurled into. He wants to keep us defeated.

Jesus is an expert at getting people out of the pit they find themselves thrown into by the enemy. The Good Shepherd, Jesus Himself, said that He will leave the ninety-nine for the one. If you are the one, He is coming for you, to get you out of your place of darkness!

Listen in, as Laura shares a story about a donkey, that might bring encouragement to you in the process of allowing God to get you out of your pit.

Today’s podcast episode is sponsored by Wong Liang Fu and Kay Ho in memory of their son, David Wong Hong Ming. Liangfu and Kay would like to thank Laura and David for GPS Hope. It was through a random link via Facebook that we found the clips that you had painstakingly put together, which helped us walk through the very early days of losing our child. Thank you for addressing issues which are not talked about much, and handling them so delicately and yet presenting the truths so boldly. Thank you for having the courage to step out and reaching out to bereaved parents in the dark and sometimes hidden places, and then shining light and hope into our situations. Thank you for being real. Grateful always.

Thank you Liang Fu and Kay for sharing David with us, and for blessing us at GPS Hope for sponsoring this episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to join over 1,000 pareavors receiving a Weekly Word of Hope.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Justin Seehafer was born on September 16 and is forever 28.

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and is forever 49.

Alistair James Fleming was born on September 19 and is forever 26.

Nathan Young was born on September 19 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

123: The Painful Domino Effects

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:00:46 +0000

Most of us have what can be called domino effects after the death of our child. Just like when the first domino in a line of dominos falls and causes others to fall, the death of our child can cause unexpected and painful chain reactions.

In this episode, Laura shares one of those personal chain reactions, and prays over other parents who are facing the painful situations of a domino effect after the death of their child.

Today’s podcast episode is sponsored by Wong Liang Fu and Kay Ho in memory of their son, David Wong Hong Ming. When Kay gets flashbacks of the different scenes at the hospital – all the episodes her son, David, had to go through – her heart breaks to a million pieces. But David’s father, Liang Fu reminds her that those scenes are her battlefield. Kay says, “As avid fans of Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia, we are familiar with what battle scenes are like. They are certainly not a walk in the park. And yet the fighters fought valiantly on, trusting their Lord. That thought settles my heart. David, we love and miss you so much.”

Thank you Liang Fu and Kay for sharing David with us, and for blessing us at GPS Hope for sponsoring this episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about Laura’s award-winning books.

See the plaque made by Laura’s daughter in the video of the audio shared.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and is forever 32.

Kelli Diane Kirby was born on September 10 and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

122: Together Forever

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:00:21 +0000

This week Laura is doing something a bit different. Her new CD was just released, and you will be hearing her share the story behind each song. (One of the songs was written by her daughter, Becca, who died at age 29.)

The songs are:

I Remember Well
Still Waiting
You Are
Together Forever
I Keep Walking
Jesus Never Fails
Before the Throne

God created music to be a pathway to the soul. We need to be careful what we listen to in our darkest times of grief, because some songs will keep us in that place of darkness. We need songs of hope, reminding us that this is not the end, that God is still in control and has the final word, and that we will see our children again, and when we do, we will be together forever.

This episode was sponsored by Wong Liang Foo and Kay Ho, from Singapore, in honor of their son, David Wong Hong Ming.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to sample songs of new CD Together Forever

Order the Together Forever CD from GPS Hope.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Kevin Stoneburner was born on September 1 and is forever 27.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and is forever 22.

Toni was born on September 4 and is forever 24.

David Hector Toledo was born on September 5 and is forever 41.

Francesca Anne C. Agravante was born on September 6 and is forever 8.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Thirty Ways to Bring Yourself Comfort and Take Care of Yourself

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.

121: Climbing the Mountain of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:00:15 +0000

As parents who have experienced child loss, we carry a heavy load of grief. In this episode, Laura shares how she discovered five helpful parallels of climbing mountain trails, to our grief journey.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to sample songs of new CD Together Forever

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Preorder Together Forever CD for only $10 and get My Grief Journey book for FREE!

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.

120: A Perspective that Brings Hope

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Many of us struggle with our view or belief about God after the death of our child. We feel like He has abandoned us. But it is much more helpful when we see God as the rescuer in our story, rather than the cause of our pain by something he did or didn’t do.

In this episode, Laura takes a deeper look at Philippians 1:21 when Paul says, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It seems like a simple verse, but there is more to it than we might think.

Join Laura, as she talks about all of this in a way that allows us to see through different eyes that help us move toward a life of meaning and purpose again.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18.

Frank Cisewski was born on August 22 and is forever 34.

Evan Sabine was born on August 23 and is forever 15.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Preorder Together Forever CD and get My Grief Journey book for FREE!

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.

119: Trading Places with Our Children

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 11:00:23 +0000

As a parent who has had a child die, it is very common to spend a lot of time thinking about the good things our children are missing out on because they are no longer here. We wish we could trade places with our kids because of those things.

But how often do we think about the fact that they are also missing out on sickness, disease and corruption? They will also never have to go through grieving your death and being here without you.

Trading places with our children may not be what we think it would be. If we could trade places with our children, we would be taking them away from a place with no sickness, no pain, no traumatic events, and removing them from a place of pure joy and love that goes beyond what can be measured.

These are some of the thoughts Laura shares on this week’s episode.

You will also hear the title song Together Forever, from Laura’s soon-to-be released CD.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about Pearls of Hope that was mentioned.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and is forever 31.

Miracle Valentina Harvison was born on August 12 and is forever 2 ½ months.

Rebekah Blakkolb was born on August 14 and is forever 20.

Joshua Egloff was born on August 15 and is forever 22.

Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21.

Jeremy Bornemeier was born on August 16 and is forever 32.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

118: Tips for Dealing with Guilt After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:00:41 +0000

There are two kinds of guilt. One is when we know we have done something wrong and need to do our part to make it right. The second kind is when something happens, and we blame ourselves after the event happened with information we have now that we didn’t have at the time.

Guilt gives us a heavy burden to carry and keeps us stuck in our grief. Feeling guilty about something that happened is not going to change it. Holding on to the guilt will continually drag you down – emotionally, physically and spiritually. We often hang on to guilt as a way of punishing ourselves, especially when an apology or getting answers is not possible.

It is important to release your guilt for many reasons.

In this podcast episode, Laura shares several of those reasons along with some tips to help overcome guilt. She also prays over those who are struggling with releasing themselves from guilt after the death of their child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Read the blog: Forgiving Yourself After Child Loss

Listen to the podcast episode: Forgiving Yourself

Website: gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Oscar Lopez was born on July 26 and is forever 23.

Claire Rebecca was born on July 27 and is forever 5.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and is forever 5.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21.

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and is forever 31.

Mitchell Herrmann was born on August 1 and is forever 24.

Christopher Thomas Boseman was born on August 2 and is forever 32.

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and is forever 30.

Tony Summers was born on August 9 and is forever 15.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

117: In the Wilderness with Jesus (Part Two)

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 11:00:22 +0000

A parent who is in deep grief after the death of their child is in a very vulnerable place for the enemy’s attacks. Jesus knew what it was like to have a wilderness experience and have the devil come at him during a time of intense weakness.

In this episode, Laura continues looking at Jesus’ wilderness experience as he faces several temptations directly from Satan himself, and how what Jesus went through can help those who are in the wilderness of grieving the death of their child. (Click here to listen to Part One.)

Links Mentioned in this episode:

July Book Special (Purchase When Tragedy Strikes and get another book of your choice for only $5)

Access the FREE GPS Hope members library for a downloadable PDF of Scriptures of Hope and other useful items.

Join over one thousand other parents receiving a Weekly Word of Hope.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Robert William Corbett was born on July 20 and is forever 21.

Brayden King was born on July 22 and is forever 17.

Joey Figueroa was born on July 23 and is forever 39.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

116: In the Wilderness with Jesus (Part One)

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:00:58 +0000

When our child dies, many of us feel like we have been led into a dark pit and abandoned by God. We don’t understand why God did not stop the death of our child, especially when we were doing everything right on our end to be a “good” Christian.

In Matthew 4, we read how right after God spoke with an audible voice from heaven how pleased He was with His Son, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into a wilderness where Satan attacked Him at a very weak and vulnerable time.

In this episode, Laura begins looking through the eyes of a pareavor at what Jesus went through during that time, and how it can help us in our “wilderness” experience.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

July Book Special (Purchase When Tragedy Strikes and get another book of your choice for only $5)

Access the FREE GPS Hope members library for a downloadable PDF of Scriptures of Hope and other useful items.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Abby Sherwood was born on July 15 and is forever 18.

Evelyn Grace MacQuarrie was born on July 16 and departed at her birth.

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and is forever 18.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

115: Healing Through Rest

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:00:37 +0000

The message I kept hearing from many different places for the first two years after my daughter leaving this earth was: Don’t do, just be. I believe it is a message we all need at some point when working our way through the darkness and back into the light.

The death of our child is a trauma, and we have some major healing that needs to occur in every part of us. We need lots of rest physically, emotionally, and spiritually for that to happen, which can be very difficult in our deep grief.

It is a process to learn how to rest in God, learning how to “just be” instead of feeling like we need to be “doing” something (or feeling guilty for not doing more than we are) which is what I talk about in today’s episode.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

July Book Special (Purchase When Tragedy Strikes and get another book of your choice for only $5)

More information on the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss guidance courses (based on the book When Tragedy Strikes).

Information on joining Laura and GPS Hope on The Grief Cruise.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Andres Martinez was born on July 7 and is forever 21.

Jessica Lynn Szerlong was born on July 9 and is forever 30.

Stephanie Waters was born on July 10 and is forever 21.

Ethan Barclay-Weberpal was born on July 10 and is forever 18.

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and is forever 9.

Everardo Martinez was born on July 11 and is forever 19.

Clifford Patrick Keenan Jr. was born on July 11 and is forever 24.

Norma Gomez was born on July 11 and is forever 12.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25.

Hagan Jones was born on July 12 and is forever 20.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

114: Time Alone With God

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 20:19:43 +0000

Our thoughts about spending time with God can be all over the place after the death of our child, and it may be the last thing we want to do if we are angry with him. Some of us used to feel close to Him before our loss, and now He feels very distant, as if He either cannot hear us or doesn’t care.

Just like there is no right or wrong way to grieve after the death of our child, there is no right or wrong way to spend time with God in our place of darkness. In this episode, my heart is to break off any preconceived ideas you have about the “right way” to have a quiet time with God, and to open the door to still sit with Him in the fullness of all your raw and real emotions.

Today’s episode was sponsored in memory of Dominic Cardenas.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

More information on how to sponsor a podcast episode.

July Book Special (Purchase When Tragedy Strikes and get another book of your choice for only $5)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Antonio Moir Catania was born on July 3 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

More information on Hope for the Heart on July 17.

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.

113: When Someone Asks, “How are you?”

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:00:40 +0000

Last week we talked about how to answer the question, “How many children do you have?” This week we will discuss the question, “How are you?”

This is an area we are good at putting on a mask with those who have not lost a child, but we will take it off very quickly when around those who have. In this episode, I share some thoughts from fellow pareavors about this question, including how several of them answer the dreaded question, “How are you?”

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Receive Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope.

More information on the book Come Grieve Through Our Eyes. (Scroll to the bottom to see what pareavors have to say about the book.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

More information on Hope for the Heart on July 17.

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.

112: How Should I Respond?

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 11:00:59 +0000

As a bereaved parent, getting asked what used to be a normal, simple question can cause confusion, guilt, anger or even bring us to tears. One of those questions is, “How many children do you have?”

In this episode, I share a recently received email on this topic along with my thoughts and experiences with this very common question that we no longer want to be asked, but find ourselves needing to answer.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Receive Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope.

Email Laura a question: laura@gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Calvin Joseph Kendricks Jr. was born on June 17 and is forever 28.

Joe Luzzo was born on June 18 and is forever 17.

Tony Posatiere was born on June 18 and is forever 38.

Alyssa Tyner was born on June 19 and is forever 2 ½ years old.

Kari-Lee Venning (Birrell) was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Find out more about the book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child

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.

111: Why Bother Praying Anymore?

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0000

One of the struggles I hear from pareavors is the question: Why bother praying if God is just going to do whatever He wants to do and did not keep my child from dying?

This is something that bothered me as well for quite some time. In this podcast episode I talk about this area of prayer in our lives, along with sharing something the Holy Spirit showed me about why it is still important to pray.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Send me an email to let me know you left a review for this podcast: laura@gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Shaun Klein was born on June 1 and is forever 33.

Riley Whitehead was born on June 3 and is forever 19.

Aaron Paige was born on June 6 and is forever 21.

Beth Simmons Marsh was born on June 12 and is forever 58.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

110: Our Broken Hearts After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:44 +0000

Did you know there is literally a medical condition that in lay terms is called “broken heart syndrome”? In this episode, I share a bit about that, along with how most of us moms just want to be done here, as well as how we can make a shift in wanting to stay for a while longer.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Laura’s Book: Come Grieve Through Our Eyes

Check out The Grief Cruise for December 2021.

Join the GPS Hope community and receive a weekly word of hope and encouragement.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Connect with Joy Ware Miller or order her book.

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.

109: There’s A Party in the Pit and You’re Invited (with Joy Ware Miller)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:00:24 +0000

Last week was the first part of a discussion with my friend Joy Ware Miller. If you didn’t hear it, you may want to listen to that one first and then come back. It is called From Surviving to Thriving and has a lot of encouragement.

Both weeks are from an interview back in 2017 from an online event, but what Joy shared is so good, I felt like it needed to get back out there for more pareavors to hear.

In the second half, some of what we talk about is:

How to lean into the pain and why that is important.
Joy’s experience of feeling God’s presence when Christopher died and about the parents who don’t have that happen.
The tormenting fear of parents who think their child might not be in heaven.

The interview closes with Joy praying over all of us and then by my request, shares a wonderful poem from her book There’s a Party in the Pit and You’re Invited.

Joy Ware Miller has a powerful message of hope. Joy is a speaker, author, radio host on Hope 100.7 and President of iJoy Inspirations. In 2007, Joy founded Parents On Call, a first “response team” of parents who have endured the loss of a child. Their son Christopher, at age thirteen, in 2005, died suddenly while playing basketball at the local YMCA. Unfortunately, parents who have lost children understand the depth of heartache and sorrow this kind of loss brings. Parents On Call is designed to be uplifting and supportive. Joy is also the founder of Helping Hurting Hearts Heal and Retreats On The Go. When she is not speaking or writing, Joy enjoys life with her husband Charles and daughters Lauren and Olivia.

(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:

Join the GPS Hope community and receive a weekly word of hope and encouragement.

To find out more about the Virtual event this was recorded for, including the other speakers and how to get your own copy, click here.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Adan Razo was born on May 13 and is forever 18.

Colby Brown was born on May 17 and is forever 19.

Christopher Rueben was born on May 19 and is forever 16.

Ryan Drew was born on May 19 and is forever 31.

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

108: From Surviving to Thriving with Joy Ware Miller

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 May 2021 11:00:10 +0000

Joy Ware Miller lost her healthy and active thirteen-year-old son as he collapsed from an unknown heart condition at the local YMCA one afternoon in March of 2005. Joy has become one of my treasured friends who brings encouragement, as she has been on this journey several years longer than I have.

In this episode, Joy shares:

How she kept pushing herself toward God, even when she struggled with being angry at Him when hearing things like, “God is a good God.”
How hard it can be to see other kids who are her son’s age who have graduated, gotten married and have their own families and what brings her comfort through those moments.
How she didn’t think she would ever have joy back in her life and ended up writing the book There’s a Party in the Pit and You’re Invited: Learning to Live in the Light When It is Still So Dark.
What made her decide she needed to figure out how to go from just surviving, to wanting to live again, and even thriving in her life once again.

This week is part one of a two-part series. It was recorded in 2017 for an online event, so the quality will be a bit different, but it is definitely worth sharing with you, our Grieving Parents Sharing Hope family of listeners.

(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:

Connect with Joy Ware Miller

Join the GPS Hope community and receive a weekly word of hope and encouragement.

To find out more about the Virtual event this was recorded for, including the other speakers and how to get your own copy, click here.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Sydney Seisay was born sleeping on May 11.

Jack Randall Whitaker was born on May 12 and is forever 37.

Jordan Slusher was born on May 17 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

107: God Must Not Love Me

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 May 2021 11:00:27 +0000

We often equate love with happiness, which make sense. But love also has a side to it that doesn’t give a person whatever they want, just so they won’t have to suffer.

This is really difficult to comprehend or accept, when our child dies, especially if there was suffering involved. If God loved us, why doesn’t He step in and stop the suffering and answer our prayers of protection over our children?

That is what this episode tackles, by looking at an email exchange from a mom with these questions.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Take me to the GPS Hope store for the book sale (May 2 – 9th).

Read the blog “Is My Child Sad in Heaven Knowing How Much I Am Hurting?”.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Herman Joubert was born on May 5 and is forever 21.

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and is forever 28.

John Patrick Keck was born on May 7 and is forever 23.

Michael Slater was born on May 8 and is forever 26.

Ashley Pekarek was born on May 10 and is forever 24.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and is forever 34.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Blog about International Bereaved Mother’s Day

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.

106: International Bereaved Mother’s Day

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:00:01 +0000

Did you know that the first Sunday of each May is International Bereaved Mother’s Day? That’s what we will be talking about in this episode, along with touching on the week that follows which most of us dread… Mother’s Day.

Just a warning, I am very real and honest about my thoughts and feelings about all of this, in a way that isn’t normally like me. But Mother’s Day is one of the hardest days we have to face each year, and there is no reason to not admit it or try to sugar coat it.

I also close by praying over each mom who is listening. We need extra strength, and God is the only one who can give that to us.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information about joining GPS Hope on a cruise.

GPS Hope Facebook Page

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Michael Roach was born on April 26 and is forever 28.

Nikolas Barrett Graves was born on May 3 and is forever 23.

Shannon Olsen was born on May 3 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

12 – Facing our Fears After the Death of our Child

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.

105: I Just Want to Die and Be with My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:00:20 +0000

When our child dies, we want to die ourselves so we can go be with them. It may not make sense to others, or even ourselves, especially when we know in our heads that we have reasons (people) to live for.

It is important for you to know that this is “normal” for someone who has lost a child, and also that you will get past those feelings at some point and start seeing that life is worth living again.

You are not alone. There are others who have felt the same way. We didn’t think we could make it, but we did, and so can you! I pray this episode is an encouragement and brings at least a glimmer of hope into the dark pit you found yourself thrown into, after the death of your child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Suicide prevention lifeline 800-273-8255

Find out more about EMDR (Rapid Eye Movement therapy for trauma and PTSD)

Click on the episodes below you would like to hear:

13 – I Am Afraid No One Will Remember My Child

14 – I Am Afraid to Enjoy Life Without My Child

15 – I Am Afraid of Losing Another Child

16 – The Fear of Grief Triggers

17 – I Am Afraid I Am Losing My Mind

18 – I Am Afraid My Child Might Not Be in Heaven

Page with a downloadable copy of To the Newly Bereaved

Be sure to check out all the resources we have at gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Adam Sharp was born on April 21 and is forever 19.

Christopher Schofer was born on April 21 and is forever 25.

Abigail Jane (Abi) was born on April 25 and is forever 18 months.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

104: My Child’s Birthday, Now that They are Gone…

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:00:49 +0000

The day this episode is released, my daughter, Becca, would be 39 years old. Instead, she is forever 29. Three of Becca’s siblings are now older than their big sister, with one more sibling yet to hit that marker.

The birthdays of our children are painful and bittersweet. We are so thankful for the day they came into our lives, but we won’t be celebrating with them, doing things like serving them a special cake or buying gifts and a card for them. It hurts more than can be put into words that all we have now are past birthday memories, and won’t be making any new ones. (And if you had a pregnancy or infant loss, you don’t even have that… I am so sorry!)

In this episode, I talk about some of the struggles we have with our child’s birthday, along with some words of encouragement on why it is important to still celebrate the special day our child came into this world, even when those around us don’t understand why we want to acknowledge the birthday of our child who has died.

Having some sort of launch (like bio-degradable balloons, lanterns, or butterflies), eating their favorite food or watching their favorite movie are great ways to celebrate and remember our child on their birthday, but I also share a small handful of unique ideas on other special things you can do that day.

Happy Birthday, Becca-Boo! We love you and miss you like crazy!

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Listen to Laura’s song Together Forever.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Send Laura your voice recording at laura@gpshope.org.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Becca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and is forever 29.

Rachel Pilcher was born on April 13 and is forever 40.

Carter Braun was born on April 13 and is forever 15.

Brandon Matos was born on April 14 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Listen to Part One of Child Loss was Not in My Plan

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.

103: Child Loss was Not in My Plan (Part 2)

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:00:30 +0000

This episode is a continuation of last week’s topic. We are all very aware that in this life, we don’t always get what we planned. I’m pretty sure as a parent, it wasn’t your plan to be listening to a podcast for grieving parents, and it certainly wasn’t in my plan to host one, or to have a full-time ministry to pareavors.

Something we desperately need, to be able to move forward is hope. This includes eventually having hope that God still has a plan in place to bring blessings into our lives, even with our child no longer here on earth with us.

If you missed last week’s episode, I highly recommend you click here to listen (or find episode 102 on your app), and then come back and listen to this one, because I talk more in depth about hope and I shared three keys on how to move toward those blessings.

So if you have already heard last week’s episode, go ahead and hit play, as I share more of these keys.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Read more of Becca’s Story.

What is a pareavor?

Join GPS Hope on a cruise! Click here for more information.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Greg London was born on April 8 and is forever 34.

Michael Rhodes was born on April 11 and is forever 18.

Malish (Caspian) Aurova was born on April 11 and is forever 9 weeks.

Megan Small was born on April 11 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Book: When Tragedy Strikes

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.

102: Child Loss was Not in My Plan

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:00:20 +0000

We just got done having our GPS Hope and Healing retreat in Texas and it was wonderful! (See the link below if you want to find out more about our retreats.) Today and next week’s episodes are one of the sessions from this past retreat.

None of us ever planned to be listening to a podcast for parents who have faced the death of their child! But we know that sometimes things that happen in our lives here on earth are not what we planned.

If you are like me, I had no idea this kind of suffocating darkness even existed. So, if this wasn’t in our plans, it makes sense that we struggle for a very long time trying to navigate our way through it, looking for some sort of light and hope to be able to do more than just barely survive the rest of our time here.

Changing our perspective in certain areas is important to get us through the darkness and back to a place of light and learning how to live in a world without our child. In this episode I share three keys to help with this, and next week I will share a few more.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

GPS Hope & Healing Retreats

Get a copy of the Forgiveness Prayers

I Am Afraid My Child Might Not Be in Heaven podcast episode

Join GPS Hope on a cruise! Click here for more information.

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Tommy Simmons was born on March 29 and is forever 59.

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 2 and is forever 5 months.

William Judah was born on April 3 and is forever 40.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

101: I Lost My Friends When My Child Died

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:00:16 +0000

When our child dies, we are surrounded by family and friends who hurt with us, cry with us and pray with us. Some of them will sit with us, call to see if there is anything we need, and we often get a couple weeks’ worth of meals brought to our house.

Then 3 months, 6 months, 12 months later, it seems some of those same people either start avoiding us or start hinting that maybe it’s time to pull ourselves out of our grief pit and start to move on (or they outright tell us that).

In this episode, you will find out that as sad as this is, it seems to be “normal” for most of us who have lost a child. It is very hurtful when that happens, and can be quite discouraging, but I want you to also see that you can still have hope for deep, lasting friendships.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to get a Weekly Word of Hope.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Samuel Hines was born on March 19 and is forever 7.

Jacquelyn Landry was born on March 24 and is forever 18.

Waylyn McRae was born on March 25 and is forever 17.

Michael Young was born on March 26 and is forever 22.

Jacob Vidaurri was born on March 26 and is forever 20.

Dakota Crandall was born on March 27 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Find out how to bring a GPS Hope weekend retreat in your area

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.

100: Here Comes Hope! (with Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:00:42 +0000

This is the 100th episode of the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Podcast, which means it has been going faithfully for almost two years already!

In trying to decide what to do for this special episode, I realized that many of our listeners might not know things like how the ministry of GPS Hope got started, what happened that caused me to start writing my first book, or the crazy story of how we ended up purchasing the Hope Mobile (a 38-foot motor home) to live in full-time. So, I asked “the man behind the curtain” to join me, so we could share some of these things with you together.

You will also hear me share a nugget from a verse in the Bible that has a new meaning to all of us, after the death of our child.

Here’s to the first 100 episodes, and to many more, as God continues to lead the ministry of GPS Hope!

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Website: gpshope.org

Read Becca’s story

In Loving Memory Hearts

Sign up for the Weekly Word of Hope

GPS Hope YouTube Channel

When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing online self-help courses

Information on The Grief Cruise (a grief seminar on a cruise ship with special workshops by GPS Hope)

To become a Grieving Parent Sharing Hope by supporting GPS Hope monthly or with a special gift

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Rohit Matthew was born on March 16 and is forever 23.

Adam Block was born on March 16 and is forever 34.

Taraoluwa Chizoba was born on March 17 and is forever 7.

Kyle Moroney was born on March 20 and is forever 23.

Aaron Wright was born on March 20 and is forever 32.

Joshua Aaron Smith was born on March 21 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

99. Grief and Music (with Hannah Linton and Kathi Wilson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:00:48 +0000

This is the last episode in our series of Grief and Music after Child Loss.

What you will be hearing is part of a conversation I had with Hannah Linton and her mom, Kathi Wilson that was originally recorded as a video in 2017 for our Hope & Healing Virtual Summit (online conference). Kathi is a singer/songwriter, and one of her CD’s I played many times in my little prayer room as it ministered to me in my place of suffocating darkness after my daughter Becca died.

Connections were made at some point, and Hannah was the first one to reach out to me, asking for help with her loss of a recently birthed a premature daughter who only lived a few hours. We became very close, as we corresponded with each other.

Hannah and her mom, Kathi, have a very special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to give you the chance to meet them in this episode. You will also get to hear one of Kathi’s songs called, These Are the Tears.”

Hannah Linton has been an integral part of the worship ministry of her mom, Kathi Wilson. She is blissfully married to Micah, her first love, and is a happy stay at home mom with her 4 beautifully abundant children. Hannah has lost 8 babies from this earth and walked the road of sorrow till she found the home comfort has become for her. Music and writing have played an important part of this journey.

Kathi Wilson has been crafting lyrics and making melodies to match them for over three decades. Songwriting has genuinely become a crucial element in how she navigates the sometimes very challenging journey we call “life.” As a singer/songwriter, Kathi is regularly motivated to express her deepest longings, in order to maintain a deep connection with her heart, to continue to cultivate her intimate friendship with God, and to build more meaningful relationships with everyone she learns to know. It is one of her greatest delights to release songs of deliverance and healing over broken hearts and torn up lives.

(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:

Kathi Wilson’s CD, Nothing Will I Withhold

Find out more about the GPS Hope & Healing Virtual Summit (online conference)

Donate $20 here to be entered for a $100 Amazon gift card drawing (deadline is March 13).

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

Amy Rebecca Wetmore was born on March 13 and is forever 30.

Andrew Woulard was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Jeffrey Macedo was born on March 15 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

98: Grief and Music (with Angelique Marketon)

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 12:00:12 +0000

We are continuing with our series on Grief and Music by talking to Angelique Marketon. Angelique has been a songwriter and worship leader for many years. Her ministry through music was starting to grow to a national level, as area churches would ask her to come and lead worship for their events, and her recordings were starting to get noticed.

Then her son and only child, Isaiah, died at the scene of a car crash, and her own world crashed down around her. Since that time, she has gone from “being strong” and continuing to lead worship, to isolating herself as she took a huge dive down into that dark abyss we are all too familiar with, to immerging with God’s strength, writing songs and leading worship once again, but with a different heart of the raw and real wounds of life, and a deeper anointing.

(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:

To connect with Angelique:

On Facebook Angelique Marketon or Angelique Marketon Music

Look for Angelique Marketon on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite music app.

Angelique’s furniture restoration business: Uplifted Inspirations

To find out more about joining GPS Hope for a cruise click here.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Christian Fafnis was born on March 4 and is forever 20.

Ava Jenkins was born on March 6 and is forever 2.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

97: Grief and Music after Child Loss (with Yolanda Blade-Rory)

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 12:00:11 +0000

We are in a series of Grief and Music. This week, our guest, Yolanda Blade-Rory, shares with us her experience with music and worship after the unexpected death of her seven-year-old young son, Sasha, who died of an unknown heart condition.

The episode ends with listening to one of the songs Yolanda wrote in her place of fighting the suffocating grief.

Yolanda Rory is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She began her employment with The Ohio State University as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 2016. She currently teaches and provides clinical supervision to graduate students in the OSU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Yolanda is also a singer/songwriter who shares original songs of hope and victory with those who are grieving the loss of a child. She has released 1 album and 2 singles since 2018.

(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:

Connect with Yolanda on Facebook here: Yolanda Blade Rory Music

Find Yolanda on Instagram at @bladerory

To find out more about joining GPS Hope for a cruise click here.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

William Burke was born on February 20 and is forever 29.

Dennis Santos was born on February 23 and is forever 31.

Yafet Haddish was born on February 27 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

96: Grief and Music After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:00:23 +0000

This is the first episode in a series about Grief and Music. Music affects our souls. God created it that way. Music can be a powerful tool as we fight our way out of the darkness, trying to find hope, light, meaning and purpose again after the death of our child.

In this episode, I will share my personal experiences with music, as well as giving you plenty of reasons to have music in your life right now, showing you lots of ways that music (including sad music) can help with your grief.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join GPS Hope and other pareavors on a cruise! Click here for more information.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35.

Sean Kelly was born on February 22 and is forever 44.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

95: When Our Children’s Organs Were Donated (With Melanie Delorme and Rita Jackson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:00:46 +0000

This is a topic I don’t hear talked about much, but it affects so many of us. Who would have ever thought we would be faced with the decision of donating our child’s organs? There are so many mixed emotions about this, whether you did, or whether you didn’t.

The world of organ donation is a family within a family. We are all family in the world of being a parent bereaved of our child (a pareavor), but if you donated any of your child’s organs, you are in that smaller family within the bigger family.

I have two guests joining me today, because our daughter was on the other end as someone who needed a heart transplant but didn’t make it to be able to get one. She had so much medication in her for so long that nothing was usable, so I don’t have experience with going through that process.

This episode is not to heap guilt on anyone who said no, when asked about donating your child’s organs. You made the right decision for you at that time. We can all look back and wish we had made some different decisions surrounding our child’s death, and we can all look back and be glad about some of the decisions we made.

This episode is to give a voice to and hear from those parents whose child was an organ donor. I was asked when I first started this podcast to do an episode on the topic of organ donation, so here it is.

Melanie Delorme was a content English teacher, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Then, without warning, she gained the title of bereaved parent when her eight-year-old son, Garrett, was accidentally killed in a hunting accident in 2008. Her road to healing brought her to write her first book, After The Flowers Die: A Handbook of Heartache, Hope and Healing After Losing a Child. Melanie is involved with her local chapter of The Compassionate Friends and is passionate about offering hope to other bereaved parents. She is currently living on a ranch in Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband, Gerry, and their two children, Morgan and Justin.

Rita Jackson’s life as she knew it was forever changed on April 25, 2013 when her daughter Jasmine passed away. It was only due to her daughter’s compassionate decision to register to be a donor that she has survived the depths of despair and began to build a life for herself. With the donation of bone and connective tissue, veins, skin and heart valves, her daughter has touched the lives of more than 30 people and their families.

A year after her loss, she became an Ambassador for OneLegacy where she has had many opportunities to speak on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and the need for more people to register.

(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:

To connect with Melanie Delorme: Website – melaniedelorme.com

To connect with Rita Jackson: Website – Donatelifecalifornia.org/jasmine

Email – rjackson4donatelife2017@gmail.com

To place your order or find out more about Pearls of Hope click here.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

Jeffrey Allision was born on February 14 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

94: Names Have Meaning

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:00:08 +0000

In our Western Culture, we usually choose names for our newborn babies because we like the sound of it, or we name them after a famous person, or even after an object or a place because we want to give our child a unique name.

No matter how we came up with our child’s name, names have meaning, and our name can affect who we become as a person, and how we live our life. This isn’t just something from “Bible times” but for all time.

Join Laura Diehl as she talks about this unusual topic, in connecting our child’s name with how their life was lived. She will also take it further by talking about the meaning of our own name, and how it can encourage us as a bereaved parent, that we still have purpose and destiny in our lives.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To find out more about Pearls of Hope click here.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

93: Empowering Your Healing Process after Child Loss (with Pam Vredevelt)

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 12:00:37 +0000

This is the third and last episode in our series for the newly bereaved.

Today we will be hearing from Pam Vredevelt, who has faced both a pregnancy loss, and the death of her 16-year-old son. Not only can Pam share from the personal experience of child loss, she can add the depth of being a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years.

As a bereaved parent, we hear a lot about giving ourselves grace. Pam shares why that is important because of how it affects our brains and bodies in the healing process.

She also shares how the brain will try to reestablish control and does so by blaming ourselves, which causes a defense system to rise up within us, causing the attacked to also be the attacker, blocking our ability to go through the needed healing process.

There are a lot of good things in here that are very helpful to all of us on this unwanted journey, especially for those who are in those early months and years.

Pam is a Licensed Professional Counselor, popular conference speaker, and best-selling author. She is married to her best friend, John, and they have four children. Two reside in the United States, two are in heaven. Her grace-filled wisdom, refreshing hope, and practical counsel have guided thousands towards recovery after a deep loss.

(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:

Pam Vredevelt’s website: pamvredevelt.com

Find out more about My Grief Journey Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

Find out more about My Grief Journey Coloring Book and Journal for Kids

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Robert Lelle was born on January 28 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

92: What is “Normal” for a Newly Bereaved Parent?

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:00:38 +0000

When my daughter, Becca, died, I thought I was getting early Alzheimer’s because of how forgetful I was, how scrambled my mind felt, and how quickly important information could leave my brain. I had no idea for the first couple of years that it was “normal” for a parent after the death of their child, and it was a relief to find that out.

What else is “normal” for a newly bereaved parent?

First, it is important to know that I consider “newly” bereaved, as anything from the very first day to the first two or three years. It’s also important to know that most experts will say that for a parent who has lost a child, anything under five years is considered fresh grief. Losing a child is also considered traumatic grief – it is a trauma, and PTSD can come with it, depending on the circumstances of their death.

Along with some of my own experiences, I have asked some of my friends who have been on this journey for a while to share a word with those of you who are new on this unwanted path. Last week we heard from four of them. This week we will hear from five more. They are:

BJ Jensen – Love in Motion Signing Choir (www.signingchoir.com)
Sara Nelson – Footsteps of Hope (www.hopefootsteps.com)
Michele Paul – Umbrella Ministries (www.umbrellaministries.com)
Melanie Delorme – After the Flowers Die (www.melaniedelorme.com
Pam Vredevelt – Licensed Counselor and author (www.pamvredevelt.com)

As you listen, you will find out that pretty much whatever it is you are experiencing is normal after the death of your child, and it’s such a relief to hear it from others who have been right where you are.

(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:

Get a printable PDF copy of “My New Normal” from the GPS Hope free library along with many other free downloads. (If you have not accessed the library before, you will need to create an account by simply give yourself a name and a password.)

See information to join us for the weekend retreat in Texas.

See information to join us on The Grief Cruise.

Don’t forget to let me know what to do for the 100th podcast. Email me at laura@gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Hugh Brown was born on January 19 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

91: To the Newly Bereaved after Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:00:12 +0000

There is no training for being a bereaved parent. It is a very dark place, and we can feel utterly alone, as if no one understands. But those of us who have lost a child do understand, and we want to walk with you, especially through the darkest part of your grief.

In this episode there will be things shared that are important for you to know. Not in the way of a “to do” list, but more of a “give yourself grace” list.

I asked some of my friends who have been on this journey for a while to share a word with those of you who are new on this unwanted path. This week we will hear from:

Anne Moss Rogers – Emotionally Naked (www.emtionallynaked.com)
Mitch Carmody – Heartlight Studios (www.heartlightstudios.net)
Joy Ware Miller – H4: Helping Hurting Hearts Heal (ijoyinspirations.com)
Linda Findlay – International Grief Institute (www.internationalgriefinstitute.com)

I know at the beginning, it doesn’t seem like it at all, but…

It is possible to have hope in the midst of your intense pain.

It is possible to have light break through the darkness.

It is possible to laugh and have joy in your life in a new way.

It is possible to live a life of meaning and purpose again.

Not only is it possible, but it is probable, if you stay connected with bereaved parents who are living in that place, including those who are here at Grieving Parents Sharing Hope.

I pray that after listening to these discussions about being a newly bereaved parent, you can have a glimmer of hope that it is possible to not stay stuck in the event of your child’s death, but to find a way to live again that honors his or her life.

(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:

Find out more about The Grief Cruise: http://gpshope.org/go/cruise

Listen to Laura’s songs she is the process of rerecording for a CD: Together Forever and I Remember Well

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jake Kalicki was born on January 12 and is forever 17.

Matthew Cole was stillborn on January 15.

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Tate Kwiatkowski was born on January 16 and is forever 69 days.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

90: Verses that Helped Me Through

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 12:00:03 +0000

When my daughter died, I had already been leaning on a different yearly scripture for over twelve years. Each year I wrote down what that verse was, in the back of a specific Bible.

In this podcast episode, I thought it would be interesting and valuable to go back and look at the verses God put in my life for the past ten years, starting with the year Becca was so ill (2010), then the year she died (2011), and the following years until this current year.

I know some grieving parents struggle with reading their Bible after child loss, or what they have seen in the Word that feels like it contradicts what has happened with our child. I pray this episode with help with some of that.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To find out more about The Grief Cruise with GPS Hope, click here.

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

Daniel Norwood ll was born on January 10 and is forever 10.

Adrienne was born on January 11 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

89: Tips for Bereaved Parents, Heading into the New Year

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 12:00:37 +0000

Every time a new year shows up, it brings lots of emotions for many of us bereaved parents, especially if this is the first time the calendar has turned to a new year since your child died. It can seem horrible because it feels like we are leaving our child behind as we go into a new year.

In this episode, you will hear from a few “experienced” pareavors who know what it’s like to face going into a new year without their child, and each one will offer some advice to those who may be struggling with this.

You will be hearing from:

Linda Findlay – International Grief Institute (www.internationalgriefinstitute.com)
Michele Paul – Umbrella Ministries (www.umbrellaministries.com)
Mitch Carmody – Heartlight Studios (www.heartlightstudios.net)
Sara Nelson – Footsteps of Hope (www.hopefootsteps.com)
BJ Jensen – Love in Motion Signing Choir (www.signingchoir.com)
Glen Lord – The Grief Toolbox (thegrieftoolbox.com)

Time itself does not “heal all wounds”! It is what we do with our time that brings a measure of healing to our shattered hearts after child loss. We can’t stop the new year from coming, but there are things we can do to help ease the pain and panic of feeling like we are leaving our child behind, as time moves forward.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

I want to know more about the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss self-help courses .

Take me to sign up for the Rebuilding Your Life courses at half price!

To find more resources and support, go the GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Don’t forget to give this podcast a rating and review to help other grieving parents find us!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Melanie Bach was born on December 30 and is forever 46.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

88: Love Came Just for You in Your Place of Darkness

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:00:10 +0000

Christmas can be one of the worst weeks of the year for many of us with child loss. After my daughter, Becca, died, it made me realize that even though I did my best to make Christmas about the birth of Jesus, it really was more about things like baking traditional cookies, giving my kids presents and making the season fun for them.

The death of our child causes us to rethink everything we thought we knew about life and about God. And Christmas is a great time to remind ourselves that Jesus came here on earth as a baby, for the purpose of dying so that we can live forever with Him, and with our children and other loved ones.

Without God’s love, we would remain drowning in a sea of grief. In this episode, I start out reading something I wrote called Forever, and then go on to share about the hope of heaven, because of His incredible love for you and your child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

I want to know more about the self-help courses based on the book When Tragedy Strikes.

Take me to sign up for the Rebuilding Your Life courses at half price!

The poem “Forever” that was read in this episode can be downloaded in the GPS Hope free members library. Just click here. (If you have not signed up to access the library, you will need to put in your email address and give yourself a password.)

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

James Anthony Walkley was born on December 23 and is forever 28.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

Tevin Tyon was born on December 28 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Information on the retreat in Texas, March 2021

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.

87: Joy that Goes Beyond Our Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 12:00:26 +0000

Child loss take us to such a dark place that we can easily believe it’s impossible to ever have joy in our lives again. But if Christ is in us, so is joy, because that is one of the fruits of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Our lives will never be the same. We will never be the same, but He is always the same. God is right here with us, ready to wash over us with His love, to put the pieces of our shattered hearts back together and to help us fight our way out of the darkness of the enemy and back into His light.

In this episode I share a key that will move us in the direction of having joy back in our lives again. It might not look or feel the same, but it is real, and it is possible.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the book Hope for the Future and the live advent readings.

Sponsor a podcast in memory of your child on a special date

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Brian was born on December 17 and is forever 26.

Austin Smith was born on December 18 and is forever 30.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

Dylan Bieber was born on December 21 and is forever 16.

Jonathan Granick was born on December 21 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

86: It is Possible to Have Peace with Your Pain

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:29 +0000

Christmas time can be brutal the first few years for those of us who have lost a child. It is so easy to lose what little peace we started to find.

This week we will talk about peace, and the Prince of Peace who came as a baby to die so that we can have peace in the midst of our worst nightmare.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Join GPS Hope on a cruise for those who have faced a deep loss, December 2021. Click here for information.

Click here to find out more about the book Hope for the Future and the live advent readings.

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Sarah Jordan was born on December 11 and is forever 42.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

Cameron Paddock was born on December 14 and is forever 22.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

85: You Can Have Hope During the Christmas Season

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 12:00:27 +0000

You may not agree with the title of this podcast episode, but it really is true. You can have hope in your life again after child loss. And the Christmas season, as difficult as it can be, is a great time to have that hope infused into your heart and soul.

Each week during the advent season, I do a live candle lighting on Facebook (with the advent wreath we used in our home as our children grew up) and read an entry from the book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents.

This week’s episode is centered on the reading I did Sunday, November 29, and the topic is hope.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the book Hope for the Future and the live advent readings.

Click here to purchase an eBook version of Hope for the Future directly from GPS Hope. (There is also a paperback version that can be ordered from your favorite book provider.)

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Andreas Claren was born on December 1 and is forever 30.

Jesus Ortega was born on December 2 and is forever 20.

Angie Mata was born on December 4 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss courses

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.

84: Looking Toward My Future After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 12:00:04 +0000

This is the final episode in a 3-part series called Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss.

First, we hear from two bereaved parents (Sara Nelson and Melanie Delorme) about their journey coming out of the darkness and back to a place of living a life of meaning and purpose again.

Then I share how I have seen and experienced how God lovingly wants to help each of us to move in that same direction.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click the link below to go to:

Course One – How Do I Even Start to Rebuild My Life?
Course Two – Working Through the Darkness
Course Three – Looking Toward My Future

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Josie Floyd was born on November 24 and is forever 25.

Jessika Matejcik was born on November 25 and is forever 21.

Austin Delgado was born on November 26 and is forever 21.

Tyler Green was born on November 26 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss courses

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.

83: Working Through the Darkness of Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 12:00:55 +0000

When our child dies, we find ourselves in a place of darkness we didn’t even know existed.

There are often many struggles within that place of darkness. Today we will touch on three of these:

Prayer
Those around us who don’t understand and aren’t supporting us
How our thoughts can keep us in our place of darkness

I want to encourage you that it won’t always be this dark. Those of us who are on this journey ahead of you thought we would never come out, but we did, at some point. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here, is to walk with you through that darkness, to help guide you back into a place of light, hope and even a life of meaning and purpose again. Our prayer is that we can help you get there quicker than you would be able to get there by yourself.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click the link below to go to:

Course One – How Do I Even Start to Rebuild My Life?
Course Two – Working Through the Darkness
Course Three – Looking Toward My Future

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15 ½.

Austin Lotterman was born on November 20 and is forever 8 ½.

Jacinda Avina was born on November 22 and is forever 18.

Jacob LeTourneau was born on November 22 and is forever 21.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Skylar Spencer was born on November 23 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss courses

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.

82: Our Mental Breakdown After Child Loss

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:00:56 +0000

In this podcast episode, I talk about the mental breakdown that we struggle with after the death of our child.

If you are like me, the mental break downs are so very frustrating; the confusion, the fogginess, not being able to concentrate, and major forgetfulness (as in forgetting how to do a simple task you have done most of your life)!

It really scared me as I started wondering if I was having an onset of early Alzheimer’s. It took me quite a while to find out that was a normal part of intense grief.

What was happening with me physically and mentally during the worst of my grieving period those first couple of years seemed so much greater than my strength to get through it. But I did, and so can you.

This was a session taken from Course One: How Do I Even Start to Rebuild My Life? from the Rebuilding Your Life After the Death of Your Child courses. Next week will be a session from Course Two: Working Through the Darkness.

This episode was sponsored by Jeff and Stacie Snider, in loving memory of their son, Brenton Kristoffer Smith, on the anniversary of his sunset date, November 10, 2015. Thank you, Jeff and Stacie for your support of this podcast. You have our hearts and our prayers.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click the link below to go to:

Course One – How Do I Even Start to Rebuild My Life?
Course Two – Working Through the Darkness
Course Three – Looking Toward My Future

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23.

David Shelton was born on November 11 and is forever 23.

Austin Augustine was born on November 14 and is forever 16.

Casen Sancraint was born on November 14 and is forever 10.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Rebuilding Your Life After the Death of Your Child courses

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.

81: Seven Shifts in How You See God

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:00:14 +0000

When our child dies, we start out in such a place of darkness and eventually have moments we see light or hope, and then fall back into that darkness. Along with that, many of us have a hard time seeing or finding God in all of the pain and confusion.

No one has all the answers to our questions of “Why?”. So instead of being stuck there, it can be helpful to change some of our perspectives, which is what I talk about in this episode.

Seeing things through God’s eyes is always better than through our own. We need to ask Him for His eyes, and then give Him time to show us.

I don’t expect you to connect with all seven of them, but my prayer is that one or two of these thoughts will help you move toward having more hope and light in your life on your way to learning how to live a life of meaning and purpose once again.

This is not in spite of your child’s death, but because of his or her life!

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click the link below to go to:

Course One – How Do I Even Start to Rebuild My Life?
Course Two – Working Through the Darkness
Course Three – Looking Toward My Future

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

It is a bit unusual, but there are none to announce this week!

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Tale of Two Brains video with Mark Gungor

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.

80: Spouses and Grief (with Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 11:00:46 +0000

At GPS Hope, we get emails from those of you who are struggling in your marriage after the death of your child, or who have questions about how your spouse is grieving. So, I decided it was time to do a podcast episode on this topic.

Of course, this means I got to bring in my other half to talk about this subject, as my husband Dave joins me to share his side of things.

In our workshops, Dave and I like to use the acronym T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R to bring up eight points on how to understand each other and strengthen your marriage during this dark and difficult time, which we share with you in this episode. We pray it will help you on your grief journey together.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information on The Grief Cruise in Dec. 2021 with GPS Hope

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.

Donice Vaughan was born on October 29 and is forever 30.

Marisa Diaz was born on October 29 and is forever 20.

Zen Dylan Koh was born on November 1 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Expressions of Hope blog with these five things as a printable download.

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.

79: Five Suggestions for When You are Told, “You Should be Over This by Now”

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 11:00:33 +0000

So often I hear the frustration of bereaved parents who are hurt and angry because people around them think they should be doing better than they are, even as early as 3 or 4 months, on up to the first few years.

This episode addresses this difficult issue, with some ideas of things that can help you deal with these kinds of ignorant remarks.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To get a list of my top ten recommended books from a couple years ago (or to let me know what book(s) helped you), email me at laura@gpshope.org.

GPS Hope website: gpshope.org

Find out more about My Grief Journey: A Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

Find our more about Come Grieve Through Our Eyes

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Taylor Contreras was born on October 20 and is forever 16.

Mckenzie Aucapina was born on October 21 and is forever 7 ½.

Matthew Sulikowski was born on October 22 and is forever 36.

Nate Wilson was born on October 22 and is forever 30.

Dustin Clements was born on October 26 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

78. The Dance with Grief (with Erica Mitchell)

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 11:00:51 +0000

This week is a continuation of last week’s episode as I talked with Erica Mitchell. Erica had a pregnancy loss and had to deliver her stillborn son, which was pretty traumatic.

Last week we ended in the middle of Erica’s story of God allowing her to see her son, Sheldon, in heaven. She was so angry that He would dare to show her that, after taking her son from her.

This episode starts with God’s response to Erica, and then continues as she shares about her struggle with the grief and how God has helped her through the darkness.

She also tells us about their rainbow baby, Zoey, and her traumatic birth, how they almost lost Zoey, and also and the fears Erica had to fight during that time.

Instead of pushing God away during these times of pain and confusion, Erica chose to draw as close to Him as she could. This has allowed her to be able to minister in a deep way to others who have lost a child or been through a traumatic event in their lives.

We are all on our own journey of child loss, but we all need hope in our place of darkness, which I pray you will receive in hearing Erica’s story.

Erica Mitchell is a daughter of the King. She loves being a wife of 9 years to Justin and the mother to 3 sons: Shylo 8, Shay 6, Sheldon (growing up in heaven) and rainbow baby girl Zoey. She believes worship is a lifestyle and loves to create with lyrics, music, and makeup. She has a calling and anointing in her words and voice to encourage and bring freedom to others in their personal relationship with Jesus. Her faith and heavenly perspective are contagious and overflows into all areas of her life.

(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:

Read a recent Expressions of Hope blog written by Erica: Child Loss, PTSD and God.

Connect with Erica on Facebook or email her at: jemitchell4ev@yahoo.com.

Find out how to have an In Loving Memory heart placed on the Hope Mobile for your child.

Contact us to let us know if you live in one of the areas mentioned so we can plan to get together by emailing office@gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Joshua Kirkendall was born on October 6 and is forever 14.

Isaac Cojocarescu was born on October 14 and is forever 10.

Bub Amis was born on October 16 and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

77: God is Always With Us (with Erica Mitchell)

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 11:00:59 +0000

This is the beginning of a chat I had in the Hope Mobile with a Wisconsin friend, Erica Mitchell.

Today’s talk is quite a bit of the details (and I do mean details – as in possible trigger warning, which are important to her story) of Erica’s story of the traumatic pregnancy loss of her son, Sheldon, including her questioning why God would make promises to her that He wasn’t keeping.

Erica does a great job of sharing how she saw God preparing her for the loss and walking with her as she went through the drawn-out trauma. She also does a great job of sharing the raw realness of not understanding what was happening or why it was happening, and being confused and angry with God.

This is the same seesaw many of us find ourselves on. We know we desperately need Him to get us through this suffocating darkness, but at the same time we feel like it is His fault for leading us to this painful place.

Most of us desire and even beg God to see our child in heaven. We close this episode with Erica getting that chance and being angry that God would dare show her Sheldon with Jesus in heaven after taking him away from her.

(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:

Watch Erica in Bride shocks groom as she sings to him walking down the aisle “From This Moment” YouTube video (which has over 15 million views).

Read a recent Expressions of Hope blog written by Erica: Child Loss, PTSD and God.

Connect with Erica on Facebook or email her at: jemitchell4ev@yahoo.com.

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Joshua Nicholson was born on October 9 and is forever 29.

Niyam Deloatch was born on October 10 and is forever 20.

Mitchell was born on October 12 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

76: Finding Others Who “Get It” as Bereaved Parents

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:00:37 +0000

When our child dies, most of us have an immediate support system. But as the weeks and months go by, those people usually go back to their lives and we are left still shattered.

We feel like we are going crazy. People around us say that we should be “over this” by now and make us either feel angry at them for suggesting such a thing, or feel guilty for still being such a mess, easily confused, forgetful, not wanting to be social, crying all the time, etc.

How do we know if this is “normal” grief for someone who has lost a child, or if it is abnormal and we need to get some professional help or be on meds, like some friends and family might be telling us?

Finding others who are ahead of you on this journey of child loss can be that anchor of assurance and hope that you need.

In this episode, Linda Findlay joins Laura Diehl to talk about the importance of connecting with other bereaved parents for support, how it isn’t morbid to attend a group meeting, and how cruises (yes, a cruise ship out on the ocean stopping at tropical places) can be the ultimate place of connecting with others who “get it”, helping you move in the direction of greater healing.

Linda Findlay has worked with grieving families for over 30 years. After losing her daughter in 1989, she started a resource and referral service for grieving families. Soon after she began providing personalized aftercare solutions for hundreds of funeral homes across the nation. Linda is now an aftercare specialist who has created, facilitated, and coordinated hundreds of workshops, services, and support groups. As a Christian lay counselor, Linda’s highest honor is to enter people’s lives and help make a difference.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Get more information to join GPS Hope on a grief cruise.

Mourning Discoveries(for funeral home aftercare services) with Linda Findlay.

YouTube video “Does It ever get better?” with Laura and Linda.

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Giovanna Giannini was born on September 30 and is forever 20.

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and is forever 4.

Corey Ryan Woodrich was born on October 1 and is forever 31.

Joshua Konaszewski was born on October 2 and is forever 24.

James Gross was born on October 3 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

75: You Are in His Hands

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:00:50 +0000

Isaiah 62:3 is a scripture that has had a special meaning to me for several years now. It says, “You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord.”

What does that mean? How can that possible apply to us after the death of our child?

A few years ago, God used this verse to show me how we can transform our lives to live out our rightful royal place in His Kingdom, no matter what we have been through on this earth, including the death of our child.

I believe there are three parts which will allow us to see the crown, wear the crown and be the crown of glory in Isaiah 62:3. In this episode, I share about the crown of our identity.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Read about the story (and song) behind the name of Crown of Glory.

See and order Keep Calm and Be the Crown T-shirt

Contact GPS Hope to let us know where you are located send an email: office@gpshope.org

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Ryan Bradley was born on September 22 and is forever 25.

Brittany Evans was born on September 25 and is forever 26.

Cody Simmons was born on September 25 and is forever 25.

Cherie Martinez was born on September 28 and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

74: Why Doesn’t God Seem to Care About Me and My Pain?

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:00:02 +0000

Lately I have been hearing from several of you, “I know my child is in heaven and no longer has to deal with pain and suffering, but what about me? What about my family? Why doesn’t God seem to care how much pain we are in from my child’s death?”

This has been tugging on me, so I decided to devote a podcast episode to this topic. This episode is from my heart, sharing a word I believe came from God on this, and my own insight on some things God has shown me since the death of my own daughter that might help soften some of these kinds of frustrations.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information on the multiple award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child.

Information to join GPS Hope on a cruise

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Justin Seehafer was born on September 16 and is forever 28.

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and is forever 49.

Alistair James Fleming was born on September 19 and is forever 26.

Nathan Young was born on September 19 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

73: My Child Seemed to Know

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:00:04 +0000

I like to find out what topics you, the listeners, would like to have discussed, and one of them is this topic of our children who seemed to know that their time here on earth was going to be short.

This could be a rough one, but since some of you have been asking, I decided to take it on.

I also decided to branch out a bit on a similar topic of our children who let us know they didn’t want to die.

Why does any of this matter? What’s the point of talking about all of this?

I share that as well, and close with a prayer over all of us as we continue to walk this unwanted journey together.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information to join GPS Hope on a cruise

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and is forever 32.

Kelli Diane Kirby was born on September 10 and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

72: Losing an Only Child (with Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 11:00:28 +0000

It is devastating enough to have one of our children die, but to have your only child leave this earth gives a parent even more difficulties to have to fight against in working through the suffocating darkness.

Sara Nelson lost her only child, Jeanette, and feels called to help others through their grief, no matter the loss, but has a special place in her heart for those who, like herself, have lost their only child.

Sara and her husband, Dennis, live in Arizona.

(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:

Connect with Sara Nelson

Website: Footsteps of Hope

Email: writingsmiles2@gmail.com

Author Facebook page

Find Footsteps of Hope on Amazon

Information to join GPS Hope on a cruise

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Kevin Stoneburner was born on September 1 and is forever 27.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and is forever 22.

Toni was born on September 4 and is forever 24.

David Hector Toledo was born on September 5 and is forever 36.

Francesca Anne C. Agravante was born on September 6 and is forever 8.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

71: I Can Breathe Again (with Ashley Pittman)

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:00:22 +0000

Ashley Pittman lost a set of twins, seven months into her pregnancy through premature labor. Will Jr. took his last breath in her husband’s arms and Aree’a took her last breath on Ashley’s chest.

Ashley struggled with her grief for the next several years, believing her pain is what kept her connected to the twins. During that time, her marriage started to unravel to the point that her husband had an affair.

Eight years after deeply struggling with this huge loss, God suddenly lifted the weight of grief, delivering Ashley from shame, guilt and sorrow, making her feel like she could breathe again.

Ashley encourages other parents not to give up on continually asking God to bring a healing to their broken soul, while giving them permission to move toward that healing and allow time for it to happen.

The interview ends with Ashley praying a beautiful prayer over the listeners.

Ashley K. Pittman had always desired to have a family, and almost as soon as her family was given to her, it was taken away. For a long time, she held on to the pain. She shut out the person who loved her the most, her husband. And even after they were blessed with more children, she still wasn’t free to live her life, to love freely, and be there for her children. She was simply existing through the shame and guilt she felt from the loss of her babies. Ashley is finally free of the heartache and grief that kept her crippled. She is now locking arms with other women and walking with them through the heartache to H.O.P.E. The freedom to breathe, love, and live again, especially after extreme loss is possible.

(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:

Connect with Ashley Pittman: www.ashleykpittman.com

Ashley’s book on Amazon: I Can Breath Again

I want more information to join GPS Hope on a cruise

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Information on the December 2021 cruise

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.

70: Happiness Versus Joy

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:00:05 +0000

If you are like many Christians, we have been taught that happiness is more of a fleshly thing, and that we shouldn’t be trying to be happy. “God isn’t interested in your happiness.”

Really???? Then what is heaven about? Why does God try so hard to get us to believe and receive His love for us?

Happiness should not be our main goal in life, but happiness should be part of the Christian life. It was in the days of the early church, and it should continue as His church.

Joy is spiritual fruit. Happiness is soul fruit.

Is it possible that the two are more related than we realized? Joy is an undercurrent in our lives. But joy can also be a visible excitement over God doing something in our life presently or hopeful anticipation for him to do something in the future, which is happiness.

We can (and should) have both, even after the death of our child. It won’t happen right away, but we can move toward it, allowing it to slowly make its way back into our lives.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

GPS Hope Members Library

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

69: Our Children are Our Life

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:00:50 +0000

When our child dies, anything that gave us joy or made us feel fulfilled in life seems to be wiped out. Most of us aren’t suicidal; we just don’t want to be here anymore. We can’t imagine living life without our child being part of it and we know we can’t continue to live for years with this kind of pain.

We need something bigger than us, and bigger than our pain, to live for with our remaining time here on earth. If none of those things that were part of our lives before the death of our child are big enough, then the reason to continue living is for our child who is no longer here with us.

Living for our child, because of his or life, can be a step toward having joy back in our lives again. In this episode, Laura shares why and how to do this.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Information on book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child

GPS Hope Members Library

Wall of Remembrance

“In Loving Memory” Heart Decals to put on the Hope Mobile

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and is forever 30.

Miracle Valentina Harvison was born on August 12 and is forever 2 ½ months.

Joshua Egloff was born on August 15 and is forever 22.

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

68: Joy is Part of God’s Kingdom

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Our lives revolve around our children. They become one of our main reasons to live. When our child dies, the pain is so intense that it feels like we can’t continue to live (even if we have other children, maybe a loving spouse, a job we used to enjoy getting up for every day or a ministry that was extremely fulfilling).

We need to figure out how to want to live again.

Most of us don’t even think that is possible, but it is.

There are things we can do to help ourselves:

get the strength needed to keep going
learn how to get beyond just surviving
find something bigger than our loss to live for
live a life of meaning and purpose again
Have joy back in our lives

Joy is part of the Kingdom of God. Most of us have been robbed of that joy when our child died. As we wind down on the series of Finding Joy Again, we look at how we can get that joy back. Not a euphoric happiness, but an undercurrent that opens the door for all of the needs listed above.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

GPS Hope YouTube channel

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and review to help other parents who are looking for something that will encourage them.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

67: Getting out of “Whyville” (With Joe and Shaunda Knight)

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:00:23 +0000

This week is a continuation of my talk with Joe and Shaunda Knight in our Finding Joy Again series. (If you didn’t hear last week’s episode, I highly recommend going back to hear Shaunda share about her “Matt box” in Episode 66: Fighting for Joy.)

This week the discussion covers:

How easy it is to go back to that dark place, and how our perspective can make the difference between staying there or coming out.
How even a career pastor can ask questions, including “Why?”
How our changed view of God after the death of our child may not be correct.

When we ask God “Why”, we don’t usually get an answer. But there is a question He will answer, which is “How”. We hope our talk will help by giving you a changed perspective if this is an area that is a struggle for you.

(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 find out more about the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents (only $5 through the month of July 2020).

Knightsong Ministries website

To receive information on GPS Hope Bereavement Cruises when they become available, fill out this form.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and is forever 5.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and is forever 31.

Mitchell Herrmann was born on August 1 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

66: Choosing to Find Joy Again (with Joe and Shaunda Knight)

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 11:00:11 +0000

Last week I started talking about scriptures that can be difficult to understand like having joy in trials or rejoicing always in the Lord. This episode was going to be part 2 of that discussion. Due to “the computer eating my homework”, I lost my notes and was unable to record what I had planned to share.

Instead, this episode is an edited version of a talk I had with Joe and Shaunda Knight, of Knightsong Ministries. Joe and Shaunda live full-time in their fifth wheeler, traveling the country sharing hope with others after the death of their son, Matt, in 2007. (No wonder Dave and I like them so much!)

It is a great discussion on the topic of finding joy again, including when Shaunda shares about her “Matt box”.

(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:

When Tragedy Strikes on Amazon (eBook on sale for only $3.99 through July 26, 2020.)

Click here to find out more about the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents.

Go to the GPS Hope web store to order the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for only $5 through the month of July.

Knightsong Ministries website

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Robert William Corbett was born on July 20 and is forever 21 years old.

Joey Figueroa was born on July 23 and is forever 39 years old.

Claire Rebecca was born on July 27 and is forever 5 years old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

65: Untangling Tough Scriptures About Joy

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:00:33 +0000

This series of Finding Joy Again wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t also talk about some verses in the Bible that tell us to have joy in our trials, which can almost be like stumbling blocks that get in the way – things we can trip over.

As I started recording, I realized I had written myself so many notes on this topic, looking at a few of these verses that talk about having joy in our trials that I ended up cutting it off to have a part one and part two.

Here in part one we will look at:

2 Corinthians 8:2
James 1:2-4
Romans 12:2
1 Peter 1:6-9

Next week we will look at a few more verses.

If there are scriptures that just don’t make sense right now, or seem to contradict what you are experiencing, it’s okay to be honest with God about it, and set them on a shelf for a while, including these verses about joy. The Holy Spirit will pull them back down to untangle them for you when He knows you are ready to see them through God’s eyes and understand how they can help meet you where you are at that moment.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to find out more about the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

Go to the GPS Hope web store to order the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for only $5 through the month of July.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Abby Sherwood was born on July 15 and is forever 18.

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Evelyn Grace MacQuarrie was born on July 16 and died at birth.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course

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.

64: Six Stepping Stones to Finding Joy Again

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:00:22 +0000

Facing child loss puts us on a very long, unwanted journey. Not only do we feel robbed of our child, but we feel robbed of who we were as a parent and as a person.

One of the things that seems to take the longest to find again, after the death of our child, is joy.

In today’s episode from the Finding Joy Again series, we talk about six steppingstones that can help us with getting beyond the darkness to restoring joy in our lives.

Yes, it is possible to have joy and laughter in your life again. Not only is it possible, but it is needed to be able to live in a way that honors the life of your child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Go to the GPS Hope web store to order the My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for only $5 through the month of July.

Request to join the private When Tragedy Strikes Facebook page. (Be sure to answer the questions when or you will be denied.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Andres Martinez was born on July 7 and is forever 21.

Jessica Lynn Szerlong was born on July 9 and is forever 30.

Ethan Barclay-Weberpal was born on July 10 and is forever 18.

Stephanie Waters was born on July 10 and is forever 21.

Everardo Martinez was born on July 11 and is forever 19.

Clifford Patrick Keenan Jr. was born on July 11 and is forever 24.

Norma Gomez was born on July 11 and is forever 12.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

63: Things That Keep Us from Finding Joy

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 11:00:31 +0000

God promises that we can have joy in our lives, and there doesn’t seem to be any parameters or limits on which of life’s circumstances (or tragedies) don’t qualify.

We are the ones who have to decide that we want joy back in our lives again and be willing to work for it after the death of our child.

How do we do that? Especially when we aren’t sure we can get out of the darkness, finding hope, much less joy.

In this episode, we talk about a few things that keep us from being able to pursue joy, which has gone dormant inside of you. Even if you aren’t ready to think about the possibility, the things discussed when applied with God’s help, will get you moving in the right direction to find your way out of the darkness and to a place of hope, light and yes, even joy eventually.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Guilt, Shame and Regret YouTube video with Dr. Doug and BJ Jenson

Request to join the private When Tragedy Strikes Facebook page. (Be sure to answer the questions when or you will be denied.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

There were no birthdays this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

62: You Are Loved

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:00:31 +0000

This is the second episode in the Finding Joy Again series.

As I push for myself to learn how to have joy back in my life again, one thing I am sure of is that we can’t have joy without a revelation of God’s love for us. We must learn how to live loved by God, which is a struggle for many parents, after the death of their child.

We want to pull God down to our level of humanity, to try and make sense of Him, but that just doesn’t work. Because He is so much bigger than what we can comprehend, there are going to be answers we are not able to receive this side of eternity.

Feelings don’t equal truth and they fail, but God’s love never fails. We have to become vulnerable to see who He truly is and allow Him to love on us in this dark painful place, if we want joy in our lives again while waiting to be reunited with our children.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Please remember to take a few seconds to give the podcast a rating and review.

It is easiest to give a rating/review directly from the app on your phone on the platform you are using to listen to the podcast. (Just go to the main page of the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast and scroll down to the ratings and reviews.)

There are a couple of extra steps to give a review on Apple/iTunes from your computer. If you want to help others find us this way, here are the steps. Click here, which will take you to the podcast.

• Under the podcast title, click on the box that says “Listen on Apple Podcasts” (and open iTunes when it asks if that is what you want to do). • Once in iTunes, under the title Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, click on “Ratings and Reviews”.

Here is where you can click on the star of the value you want to give the podcast (clicking on the 5th star is the highest, the first star is the lowest). Then just click on “Write a Review” under Customer Reviews to share what you like about the podcast/why you listen to it.

THANK YOU!

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

61: Planting the Seed of Joy

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 11:00:32 +0000

In this new series, Finding Joy Again, we are going to be digging deep into the topic of joy.

• What is it? • Is it even possible to have joy in my life again? • If so, how do I get there? • How can I hold on to it and not keep losing it?

Before we can have joy again, there is a seed that needs to be planted; the seed of hope.

Most of us are familiar with Nehemiah 8:10, that the joy of the Lord is our strength, but chances are pretty good this verse hasn’t been explained to you in a way that takes all the pressure off of you and turns it into a seed of hope that can be planted in your life.

Listen to this episode as host, Laura Diehl, shares what God has been teaching her about planting the seed of hope that can be nourished to eventually grow into the fruit of joy. Not a euphoric happiness, but a strength that can carry us through the rest of our time here on earth while we wait to be reunited with our children.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more about the book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child

To check out the When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course click here.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Calvin Joseph Kendricks Jr. was born on June 17 and is forever 28.

Joe Luzzo was born on June 18 and is forever 17.

Tony Posatiere was born on June 18 and is forever 38.

Alyssa Tyner was born on June 19 and is forever 2 ½.

Kari-Lee Birrell was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

60: Four Keys to Unlock the Door to the Prison of Grief

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:00:23 +0000

How we think about certain things can either keep us in our place of darkness or can help us find our way out. In this continuation from last week’s episode (“This Was NOT in My Plan!”) we look at four more keys that can help unlock the door to the prison cell of our suffocating grief.

The four keys are: 1. Come into right alignment 2. Rest in Him 3. Surrender 4. Change the “Why?” question

There are many more keys, but these are the ones discussed in this episode.

Remember, this is a process, a marathon. You may not be ready for all of these keys yet, but at least you will know that you can use them when you feel you need another breakthrough on this journey.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

To check out the When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course click here.

Please remember to give a rating and a review on the platform where you listen to this podcast.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Beth Simmons Marsh was born on June 12 and is forever 58.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

59: This Was NOT in My Plan!

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:00:37 +0000

It was certainly never in our plan to have a child leave this earth ahead of us. But that is what happened to many of us, and it changes everything.

It may have blindsided us, but it didn’t take God by surprise. Even before your child was thought in your mind, He knew how many days he or she would have here on this earth.

We can’t move forward without hope. So how do we get that hope to be able to start working our way out of the darkness? Is it even possible?

Listen to this episode to find out.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

YouTube Video that talks about Becca’s amputation and shows her first little prosthetic leg: Your Changed Identity

Forgiveness Prayers (scroll down to the bottom of the show notes to request them to be sent to you): Podcast Episode 6

Find on Amazon When Tragedy Strikes:Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your purchase will be donated to GPS Hope.)

(To check out the When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course click here.)

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Riley Whitehead was born on June 3 and is forever 19.

Aaron Paige was born on June 6 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

58: I Am So Angry With God (With Wayne Jacobson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 May 2020 11:00:30 +0000

The death of our child gives us so many mixed emotions about God. Here are just some of them:

God betrayed me so I can’t trust Him anymore.
I am so angry and confused with why God allowed my child to die.
I know I had faith! Why didn’t my faith keep my child from dying?
Why bother praying and serving God if He is just going to do whatever He wants to do anyway?

These are all talked about in this episode with Wayne Jacobson, which is an edited version of our live discussion on YouTube for Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Together in May 2020.

We are all on a journey, and we are all at different places. If being angry with God is something you struggle with, it’s okay.

Wayne served as a pastor for twenty years and was also a contributing editor to Leadership Journal. As the director of Lifestream Ministries, he now travels the world helping people learn to live deeply in the life of Jesus and share it freely with others. He has written and worked with others on many books about spiritual intimacy and relational community, including He Loves Me, So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore, A Man Like No Other, and The Shack.

Wayne is also a mediator on governmental issues involving church and state in educational issues and recently released the coauthored book A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation.

He lives in Newbury Park, California with his wife of over forty years and enjoys his children and grandchildren.

(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 watch this full discussion on YouTube. (You can also find the other 20 live discussions with different topics and guests.)

To connect with Wayne Jacobson and see his blog, find his podcast The God Journey and look at his books : www.lifestream.org

Find on Amazon When Tragedy Strikes:Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of you purchase will be donated to GPS Hope.)

Click here to check out the When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course.

Podcast Episode 7 and Episode 8: Forgiving God

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

Shaun Klein was born on June 1 and is forever 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

57: Our Grief is the Same, Yet Different

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 May 2020 11:00:38 +0000

In the last seven weeks, we have been in a series of people in the Bible who lost a child.

We have looked at

• Adam and Eve who were the parents of the first person who died in the Bible (#49: The First Death in the Bible was a Son Who Was Murdered) • David, who lost an infant son (#50: A Rainbow Baby in the Bible) • What we could learn from Mary, the mother of Jesus at the death of her son (#51: Three Things we Can Learn from Jesus’ Mother After the of Our Child) • We looked at Job and there was so much there we can learn from in our own grief, there were two episodes (#52: Why Did God Allow Me to Suffer Like This and #53: Trying to Find God in the Midst of Our Deepest Pain) • Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth was very bitter after the death of her husband and both sons, but God restored her life (#55: From Fullness to Bitterness to Fullness Again) • Last week I shared some thoughts on both Jacob and Jairus, who had their children returned to them (#56: Reunited with Our Children)

This will be the last episode of this series.

We all had hopes and plans for the future of our children. No matter the age of the death of our child, none of us planned for our own future to not include our child who is no longer here with us.

There are times that an entire group of children are wiped out such as mass shootings.) Unfortunately, this isn’t new. In this episode, we look at a couple of groups in the Bible, who as a mass of parents, had that future taken from them in an instant.

Even if our children died in the same or similar way of others, some of the issues we deal with may be the same, but our individual grief is still unique and different than any other person’s grief.

There are things we can do, to help ourselves, which are shared with the listeners, including making sure we are connected to others who are ahead of us on this journey.

This episode is sponsored in loving memory of Isaiah Santell.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to sponsor a podcast in loving memory of your child.

Get a schedule for the May 2020 live online Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Together.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Chris Rueben was born on May 19 and is forever 16.

Ryan Drew was born on May 19 and is forever 31

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

Flora Mae Sparger was born on May 24 and is forever 12 days.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

56. Reunited with our Children

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 May 2020 11:00:04 +0000

This is part of the series People in the Bible Who Lost a Child. In this episode, we are going to look at two dads, who had their children returned to them while still on this earth; Jacob in the Old Testament, and Jairus in the New Testament.

It would be easy for us to compare the fact that we didn’t get to have our children back and be bitter or angry about it. But that would prevent us from seeing there are things we can discover in these two families that will help us in our own deep loss and grief.

God has the final word on everything. Even when it seems like God has lost control, it isn’t true. Death is not the end, it is a door to the next life, and we will only be separated from our children for a short time, compared to eternity.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Get a schedule for the May 2020 live online Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Together.

Click here to become a monthly partner, giving hope to other parents, or to give a special gift to keep this podcast going, along with providing other needed resources to bereaved parents.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Jack Randall Whitaker who was born on May 12 and is forever 37.

Jordan Slusher who was born on May 17 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

55. From Fullness to Bitterness to Fullness Again

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 May 2020 11:00:02 +0000

This week we are looking at Naomi, in the book of Ruth. Naomi lost her husband and both of her sons. She became a bitter woman, blaming God for her troubled life.

She doesn’t realize how much God is at work behind the scenes, and eventually is able to declare that God never stopped showing his grace to her.

Sandwiched in the middle of all this, is Naomi’s daughter-in-law, Ruth. They have a very unusual relationship, which we also explore, especially for those of us who struggle with our son-in-law or daughter-in-law, the spouse of our child who died.

It is possible to make the same circle Naomi did, from fullness, to bitterness, and back to fullness again. Listen to find out how that was able to happen for Naomi, and how it can also happen for you.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Get a schedule of the live discussion for Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Together.

Click here to become a monthly partner with GPS Hope or to give a special gift.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Herman Joubert was born on May 5 and is forever 21.

Adam Walker was born on May 6 and is forever 28.

John Patrick Keck was born on May 7 and is forever 23.

Ashley Pekarek was born on May 10 and is forever 24.

Sarah Wilber was born on May 10 and is forever 34.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

54: Why Did God Allow Me to Suffer Like This?

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 11:00:43 +0000

Last week we started looking at Job through the eyes of a parent who has also lost a child. This week continues this fascinating study, starting with of Job’s friends, whom he calls “miserable comforters”.

There are many things we can relate to in the book of Job, much more than I realized until I dug into the book of Job for the purpose of this series in looking at parents in the Bible who have lost a child.

In this episode, we also take a look at Satan’s role in this, and how it might be a very similar role he played in the death of our own child.

And then, of course, there is God’s over arching view that comes into play, which is important to look at through a different lense than we are probably used to in this unique book in the Bible.

I pray you come away encouraged, with fresh new insight from someone we usually only partially hear about in messages about Job and his trials.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Click here to become a monthly partner with GPS Hope or to give a special gift.

(GPS Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit and runs on the financial support of those who believe in passing along the hope they have received to others.)

Birthdays:

Nikolas Barrett Graves was born on May 3 and is forever 23.

Shannon Olsen was born on May 3 and she is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

53: Trying to Find God in the Midst of Our Deepest Pain

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:00:46 +0000

We are still in the series Parents in the Bible Who Lost a Child, and this week it’s time to look at Job. You are probably tempted to skip this one because it’s easy to pass right by him, thinking we already know Job’s story. (He lost everything, had friends who didn’t do a good job of comforting him, and then God gave him everything back…Whatever…!)

Please stay with me for this one because…

As I started really studying Job from the perspective of a parent who has had my own child die, it amazed me how much is there that we don’t realize. In fact, there is so much richness and depth that can encourage us in our situation as bereaved parents (such as Job is someone who can identify with our suffering in the face of when it doesn’t make sense, especially if we have held up our end in being a “good Christian”) that it will take two episodes to get through it.

This week we are going start by looking at Job himself, and at his wife. Next week we will look at his so-called friends, God’s response to everything, and then pull it all together.

I believe both weeks will bring encouragement, hope and light, to help lift some of the heaviness in your soul after the death of your own child.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Find out more information about Pearls of Hope.

Go to the web store to place your order or look at the jewelry options.

Join us live this Saturday, April 25th at 4:00 PM Central, for the Pearls of Hope oyster opening.

Birthdays:

Adam Sharp was born on April 21 and is forever 19.

Christopher Schofer was born on April 21 and is forever 25.

Abigail Jane (Abi) was born on April 25 and is forever 18 months.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

52: The Difference a Year Can Make

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 11:00:28 +0000

This is episode 52, which means this episode completes a full year of the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast.

Because of this milestone, we are taking a break from the current series to share some thoughts about the difference a year can make.

Those of us who have lost a child from this earth are painfully aware of this. Usually after the death of our child, we can’t see any movement toward healing, especially those first couple of years. We feel like whenever we take one step forward, we fall 3 steps backwards. It’s too dark to make heads or tails of where we are or where we are going.

While it is extremely important to acknowledge that part of the process in going through the intense darkness, it is also important to acknowledge that a lot is happening in that first year, even when we don’t think so.

No matter how dark it is, each day gets us one day closer to the hope and the light we long for and desperately need. And as you begin to find yourself getting glimpses of hope and light in your life, another year can bring you to new places you never thought would happen, including the discovery of what you want to do to keep your child’s memory alive, in a way that helps others and reminds them that your child lived, and his or her life still matters!

No, our lives will never be the same, but we won’t always stay in that place we started out in that first year, even though it may seem like it.

Join host, Laura Diehl, as she looks at what a difference a year can make in getting past the horrible pain and to a place of hope, light, purpose and meaning again in our lives.

Links

Click here to celebrate the one-year anniversary with a $10 gift (or any amount, including to become a monthly supporter).

To contact Laura directly: laura@gpshope.org

Birthdays

Becca Diehl Howard was born on April 13 and is forever 29.

Carter Braun was born on April 13 and is forever 15.

Brandon Matos was born on April 14 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Heart Decal on the Hope Mobile

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

51: Three Things We Can Learn from Jesus’ Mother After the Death of Our Own Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 11:00:02 +0000

Since Easter is in just a few days, it seems like a good time to look at Mary, Jesus’ mother, as a parent who lost her child.

I had never taken the time to see Mary’s life through the eyes of a grieving parent. But as I began to study it out for this episode, I was amazed to discover, based on what are told about her life, how many ways we can relate to Mary as a bereaved parent.

Even beyond that, at first glance, it doesn’t seem like there is much in the Word about Mary as a grieving parent that could help us much. However, if we look a bit deeper, there are three important things we can learn from Mary’s life, that most of us can apply to our own deep loss.

Links mentioned in episode

Website: gpshope.org

Sponsor an episode in honor of your child

Birthdays:

Greg London was born on April 4 and is forever 34.

Michael Rhodes was born on April 11 and is forever 18.

Malish (Caspian) Aurova was born on April 11 and is forever 9 weeks old.

Megan Small was born on April 11 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

50: The Rainbow Baby in the Bible

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:30:01 +0000

Did you realize that King Solomon was a rainbow baby?

The scriptures that surround this situation can be confusing, and even hurtful, especially to those who have lost an infant. Podcast host (and ordained minister), Laura Diehl, spends most of the time on this episode doing her best to untangle these verses, giving listeners new eyes to see and know that God cares, and that He always has a plan for our lives and the lives our of children, no matter how long or short their lives were here on earth.

This episode is part of the series Parents in the Bible Who Lost a Child.

Links

GPS Hope YouTube Channel

Website: gpshope.org

Email Laura Diehl: laura@gpshope.org

Birthdays:

Jonda Steinkamp was born on April 2nd and is forever 5 months old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

49: The First Death in the Bible was a Son Who Was Murdered (with Angela Alexander)

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:03:10 +0000

In this new series, we will be looking at parents in the Bible who had a child die.

I don’t know about you, but there are so many things in the Bible that I see through new eyes after my daughter Becca died, and one of those areas is reading about the parents who lost a child and are recorded in God’s Word.

I find it pretty amazing that the first death in the Bible is one of the worst things that could ever happen to a person… not just the death of one’s child, but a son murdering his brother!

Angela Alexander is a bereaved parent and she has also gone through the horrible experience of her brother murdering her sister. Back in 2017, I did an interview session with Angela for our Virtual Summit (an online conference I put together of 19 sessions with over 20 different speakers on all kinds of topics for bereaved parents).

Part of this episode is an edited version of that conversation, when she shares about that murder and how it affected her family, especially her father. Her story is one of healing and redemption, which leads the way for many of us who struggle, especially if our child was murdered.

April 1, 2000, while Angela was in Japan on military duty her family in California was involved in a fatal car crash. Sadly her two eight-year-old sons Murice and Roger passed instantly at the scene. One of the many miracles is God allowed both to write and leave behind incredible good-bye letters. Since then Angela has retired from the Air Force Reserve. Now she’s an Author and Inspirational Speaker of her amazing testimony titled, Miracles in Action Turning Pain into Power and Grief into Peace.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links mentioned:

How to contact Angela Alexander: Angela@MiraclesInAction.com

Miracles in Action

2017 Virtual Summit

Birthdays:

Waylyn McRae was born on March 25th and is forever 17.

Michael Young was born on March 26th and is forever 22.

Dakota Crandall was born on March 27th and is forever 25.

Tommy Simmons was born on March 29th and is forever 59.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

48: Does God Contradict Himself? (With Dave Diehl)

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:00:26 +0000

As I was doing some studying in the Word, looking at some of the parents in the Bible who had lost a child, I came across a scripture that just seemed to go totally against what I believe about God, and even what I have shared with others about God’s goodness, and how He doesn’t cause death.

I told Dave what I had just read and decided to put the podcast microphone between us to record our discussion and thoughts on this subject.

Warning: If your loss if fresh, or if your loss is an infant, there may be some triggers in here, because it is based on 2 Samuel 12:13-15 that says God struck King David’s child with an illness to cause him to die. This is something that goes against what we know about God being a loving Father and other scriptures, which can cause lots of pain and confusion in the death of our own child.

However, I felt it was important to share this conversation with our listeners, to let you know that I still grapple with things myself, and there are plenty of times that I just don’t have the answers I wish I had.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t trust God, which in itself also seems contradictory, doesn’t it?

The take-aways I hope you will find in this episode are:

God is too big to be understood with our small, finite brains. If we could figure Him out, then He wouldn’t be big enough to be God.
God IS love itself, which means it is impossible for Him to be or do evil. So, if I struggle in seeing Him that way, it means there is something about Him I don’t understand yet or am not seeing through His eyes.
As a believer in Christ we are under the blood covenant of Jesus, which means all of your sins have been paid for. Your child did not die because of a past sin!
God doesn’t promise that we are immune from the pain and suffering of this world, but He promises to be with us through those times, being everything we need, if we let Him.
This is not our home. Nothing here is permanent. When it is our time to leave this earth and arrive in our eternal home, we will either understand the whys, or we just won’t care anymore because of how wonderful it all is.

Dave and I are not Biblical scholars and don’t have the theological answers to why it seems God contradicts Himself, but we do know that peace comes when we choose to trust Him, in spite of what doesn’t make sense from our limited view and painful circumstances.

We have chosen to stay in relationship with Him because we don’t know of any other way to make it through our time here on earth.

Dave Diehl is retired from a career of over thirty years in IT. He is the cofounder of GPS Hope, doing all of the unseen things like technical support, planning the itinerary, and driving the Hope Mobile. Dave wrote a chapter in Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes, and ministers directly to grieving fathers around the nation at the GPS Hope & Healing conferences and retreats.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Birthdays:

Kyle Moroney was born on March 20 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 47: Getting Started Raising Funds for Your Cause (with Mary Valloni)

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 11:00:10 +0000

Sometimes we know what we want to do to help our child leave a legacy, but we don’t know how to get started with raising money to support that cause.

Professional fund raiser, Mary Valloni, and host, Laura Diehl, continue their talk from last week, and Mary shares some thoughts and encouragement in this area.

Two things discussed are:

It’s important to have clarity so you don’t push people away who are confused by your cause.
How it can help to have a “why” that goes even beyond leaving your child a legacy.

Mary Valloni is an author and a fundraising coach, consultant and speaker. She is known for her track record of successfully teaching individuals and nonprofit organizations how to dramatically improve their finances. She has raised millions of dollars for organizations like the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association, and Special Olympics. Her award-winning book, Fundraising Freedom, has effectively shifted the way individuals and organizations look at fundraising and finances, allowing them the freedom to focus on what really matters. Mary lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and their two Dalmatians.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To connect, visit MaryValloni.com To start learning how to raise funds with more freedom, listen to her podcast at fundraisingfreedompodcast.com.

“In Loving Memory” heart on the Hope Mobile

Ways to support GPS Hope in honor of your child

You can also contact us directly at office@gpshope.org

Birthdays:

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28.

Amy Rebecca Wetmore was born on March 13 and is forever 30.

Andrew Woulard was born on March 15 and is forever 23.

Jeffrey Macedo was born on March 15 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

46: Six Rookie Mistakes in Raising Money for Your Cause (with Mary Valloni)

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:00:16 +0000

The last two episodes in this series on How to Help Your Child Leave a Legacy are with professional fundraiser, Mary Valloni. Since many of you are doing things in honor and memory of your children that involves raising money for your cause, I thought it would be helpful to get some tips from someone who has lots of experience in this area.

Mary has been on staff and raised millions of dollars for large organizations, but she now has her own consulting business to also be able to help those who are trying to raise smaller amounts for worthy causes, including missionaries getting out on the field.

GPS Hope has been using Mary’s personal guidance with learning how to be supported as a nonprofit and how to become fully funded, so I am very blessed to have her share some of her expertise with you. Both Mary and I hope the things you hear on these two episodes will be valuable to you, helping you not only raise the needed funds for your cause, but to bring in more than you thought possible, in honor of your son or daughter.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To connect, visit MaryValloni.com To start learning how to raise funds with more freedom, listen to her podcast at fundraisingfreedompodcast.com.

Birthdays:

Christian Fafnis was born on March 4 and is forever 20.

Ava Jenkins was born on March 6 and is forever 2.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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 judgement in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

45: The Comfort Cub (with Marcella Johnson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 12:00:33 +0000

This interview with Marcella Johnson is a continuation of last week’s talk (episode 44).

In this discussion, Marcella shares about how she developed The Comfort Cub (the first weighted therapeutic bear) after the death of her son, who died in her arms fifteen minutes after being born.

I personally know a mom who lost her daughter during pregnancy well over twenty years ago, who started weeping when handed The Comfort Cub, because of the deep healing impact it had on her.

But these bears aren’t just for pregnancy loss. They have a healing effect for many mothers of any age child loss, and for those who have faced other types of deep traumas. And there is starting to be more and more professional confirmation on the helpfulness of this type of therapy.

If you haven’t yet found a way to leave your child a legacy, you may want to consider supplying these Comfort Cubs in your child’s name, for your local hospital or other emergency responders who are on the front lines of trauma and tragedy.

Marcella’s thoughts on leaving a legacy for our child: We don’t want the next person who finds themselves in our place to have to feel the depth of what I felt. What can I do, to help them along? Finding that thing that helps keep your child’s legacy alive is a beautiful and healing thing to do. Every life is precious and significant and needs to be celebrated, cherished and acknowledged.

Marcella Johnson invented the world’s very first weighted therapeutic teddy bear after the death of her son, George Gabriel Johnson, on April 11, 1999. When she first began she made each teddy bear by hand and personally delivered them to every hospital in her hometown of San Diego, CA. The Comfort Cub is now in top hospitals across the USA and is used on every continent to help alleviate grief and trauma.

Although it was originally created for mothers who lose a child, The Comfort Cub has effectively been used to provide profound relief for the loss of any loved one, adoptions, trauma, occupational and autism therapy. She also works closely with the San Diego Police Department in their Trauma Intervention Program, The SD County Emergency Shelter for Children, Domestic Violence Centers and Forensic Health and child abuse victims. Her goal is to help bring healing to anyone experiencing a significant loss or trauma in their life.

She has won several awards for helping those in need including the Soroptimist International “Women Helping Women Award, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Women to Watch Award”, The Channel 10 “Leadership Award” and has received Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to her community.

Marcella is the mother of five children, has been married for 32 years and lives in San Diego, California. She is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and has been a tireless volunteer to many non-profit organizations in the San Diego area.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Marcella’s website: The Comfort Cub

The Comfort Cub Facebook page

To enter the drawing for The Comfort Cub send an email to office@gpshope.org and put in the subject line; The Comfort Cub. Remember the deadline to enter is midnight Pacific time on Tuesday, March 10.

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

GPS Hope travel schedule and events

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.

44: The Bond of a Mother to Her Child (with Marcella Johnson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:00:07 +0000

Laura’s guest for this and the following episode is Marcella Johnson. Over twenty years ago, Marcella knew she would be losing her son, George, at birth because of a rare, fatal disease that would not allow him to live outside the womb.

This interview with Marcella is part of the “How to Help Your Child Leave a Legacy” series. But the discussion surrounding the death of Marcella’s son was so rich with encouragement and new perspectives, it needed to be its own episode.

Join us next week for part two, when we will hear from Marcella what she has been doing for the past twenty years, which is allowing her to leave a legacy in a powerful way for her son, George.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Marcella’s website: The Comfort Cub

Laura’s book: When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child

Birthdays:

Sean Kelly was born on February 22nd and is forever 44.

Dennis Santos was born on February 23rd and is forever 31.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

43: Footsteps of Hope (with Sara Nelson)

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:00:51 +0000

Many parents who have lost a child either think about writing a book or have been told they should write a book. Obviously, it’s a great way to tell your child’s story and to help him or her continue to live on in the hearts and minds of others.

But how do you do it? Where do you start? Who do you go to for help?

As a published author of seven books, host Laura Diehl is joined by Sara Nelson, a bereaved parent and a new author. They discuss how knowing the purpose for writing your book can help determine the process you choose, and talk about things like the differences between traditional publishers, vanity publishers, “hybrid” publishers and self-publishing.

Sara also shares some great words of encouragement, especially for those who are new on this journey.

Sara’s answer to how to help your child leave a legacy: Don’t necessarily try to find something that your child did that you can carry on. You don’t have to be who your child was, trying to fill their shoes. That is impossible. Find something that is your way of carrying on their memory, picturing your son or daughter up there in heaven, cheering you on.

Sara Nelson taught elementary and middle school grades in Christian school for 15 years before retiring from teaching to focus on writing. Themes of hope, faith, and trust in the goodness of God permeate Sara’s writing. She authentically testifies to the goodness of God, not because He keeps bad things from happening, but because He strengthens us, comforts us, weeps with us, walks with us, and carries us through, enabling us to overcome whatever happens.

Sara has been ministering in grief support since 2017. Her desire to provide comfort and support to others who have experienced a heartbreaking loss stems from personal experience. As a writer, Sara instinctively began chronicling her grief journey, which evolved into a book and testimonial to the faithfulness of God.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Find Sara Nelson on Facebook

To go to the Footsteps of Hope Facebook page

Email Sara: hopefootsteps@gmail.com

Go to Laura’s publisher Morgan James Publishing

Find out more about Laura’s book with MJP: When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child

Go to My Book Hook for help on how to write a book, or sign up for an Author Secrets webinar that will also get you started and connected with AAE. (Note, both of these links are connected to Laura’s name, so that if you decide to publish your book through Author Academy Elite, GPS Hope will get a monetary thank you from AAE for the recommendation.)

For help with self publishing, check out Chandler Bolt and Self-Publishing School.

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 42: When the Unthinkable Happens (with Rick Kauffman)

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 12:00:51 +0000

Rick Kauffman calls himself a fixer and as a fixer, he was a total failure after his three-year-old daughter, Kelsey, drowned in a public swimming pool, eight feet in front of a life guard. Rick started getting involved with water safety, but he quit as things in his life went downhill. Rick ended up divorced, was a failure as a dad, and even attempted suicide. For eight years he let the darkness of grief consume him and blamed all of his failures on his daughter’s death, instead of his own bad choices.

Fifteen years later, Rick came back to the area of water safety and found out nothing has changed. The numbers of drownings were still the same and there were still too many families with a similar story of children drowning in front of a lifeguard. God has given Rick favor to be a voice and to help bring awareness of water safety to others in Kelsey’s name.

Rick has been on this grief journey for over twenty years, and has a lot of good things to share with us.

Rick’s answer to how to help your child leave a legacy: Start small. Make a difference in one person’s life, then do it again, and do it again, until you reach hundreds, thousands and maybe even millions. Get with yourself and with God, asking Him for help, and He’ll show you the way. Let Him help you find your story because you never know who you will touch.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Rick Kauffman’s Information

The Kels Group Website

The Kels Group Podcast

Email: rick@thekelsgroup.com

Families United to Prevent Drowning Website

I want to know more about sponsoring a podcast episode in honor of my child.

Birthdays:

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10, and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 41: Paying it Forward (With Crystal Webster)

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:00:16 +0000

This second episode of the Helping Your Child Leave a Legacy series is with guest, Crystal Webster, who lost her one and only child eight hours after birth. Several years later, after coming out of the debilitating darkness of grief, she discovered something she could do that would help others who found themselves in that same place, be able to “pay it forward” when they came out of their own dark place of grief.

During our conversation, we also covered a few other topics within the world of grief.

Crystal’s suggestion to helping your child leave a legacy: Find something (and it doesn’t have to be big) that brings others happiness and yourself happiness.

Crystal Webster’s daughter, Madelyn Elizabeth, died just 8 short hours after birth while in her mother’s arms. As Crystal grieved the loss of her only child, she began to feel isolated and ill-equipped to handle her emotional journey. Vowing to honor her daughter’s brief life and to support others from feeling as lost and lonely as she did, Sharing Solace was founded, which brings together those grieving any type of loss by providing physical keepsake gifts intended to be ‘paid forward’ to others.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To find out more about Crystal, her book coming out, and Sharing Solace, click here.

Go to Laura’s publisher Morgan James Publishing

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 40: Texting and Driving (with Patti Small)

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:02:02 +0000

Today is an interview with the first guest for the How to Leave Your Child a Legacy Series.

Patti has had quite the journey for over twelve years since the death of her daughter, Megan. I am sure you will take away some valuable thoughts, especially the word of encouragement that hope and helping others, go hand-in-hand.

Patricia Small grew up in the beautiful upper peninsula of Michigan. While doing her medical internship in Houston, she met her husband, Kevin, and they had two children, Megan and Jacob. Their children were the center of their world and life was good, filled with the typical sports and school events.

But Patti’s life changed forever on November 25, 2007.

Her daughter, Megan, was returning to Baylor University after Thanksgiving break when she was killed instantly in a head on collision by a young college student who was texting behind the wheel of his truck.

In March of 2010, a jury in a civil trial found this young man responsible for the wrongful death of Megan Marie Small after only 2 and one-half hours of deliberation. The landmark verdict established a precedent for distracted driving accident victims across Texas and throughout the country and continues to make reckless drivers responsible.

Since that time, Patti has honored her daughter’s life by becoming an advocate for distracted driving awareness in the state of Texas. She is now also an advocate for Texas statewide “hand-free” legislation and looks forward to her retirement years when she can become a full-time advocate and speaker in the local schools and student driving facilities.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Email Patti Small at triish2424@aol.com

Listen to podcast episode 32: Why Should I Go to a Retreat?

I am interested in sponsoring a podcast in honor of my child.

Birthdays:

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 39: Helping Your Child Leave a Legacy

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 12:00:14 +0000

We can make sure our child’s legacy continues to live on in a way that makes a difference in this world, even if he or she never took a breath outside the womb.

This episode is laying the foundation for the series Helping Your Child Leave a Legacy. For the next few weeks we will be talking to parents who have done everything from starting a local support group, to raising money for a cause, to writing books, to starting businesses and non-profits, to helping change laws.

Your child’s life mattered! The fact that your child died matters; it matters to society and it matters to the world. And your pain matters! YOU are the one who can make sure your child is remembered and that his or her life will continue to touch others even though he or she isn’t here on earth any more.

We can take our horrific pain and allow God to help us use it for something good.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

I want to know more about placing a heart on the Hope Mobile in loving memory of my child.

I am interested in sponsoring a podcast in honor of my child.

I want to be part of Hope for Hundreds, providing resources and support for other pareavors.

I want to add my child to the GPS Hope Wall of Remembrance.

I want to give a special gift or become a monthly partner with GPS Hope.

Birthdays:

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Hugh Brown was born on January 19 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 38: The Top Podcast Episodes of 2019

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:00:11 +0000

As we start 2020, we decided to use this episode to look back and listen to a few minutes of each of the top five podcasts of 2019. (To go directly to these episodes to hear the full discussion, use the links in the “Links referred to” section below.)

The very first Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast went out on April 23rd, and that first one ended up being the fifth most popular. This was the first of eight episodes that deal with the difficult and necessary subject of forgiveness.

#5 – Episode 1: Is Forgiveness Really Necessary?

The episode that came in next, was the first one in a series about fears we deal with after the death of our child. There are so many fears we now must constantly fight our way through. The episode that laid the foundation for talking about some of the specific fears was number four.

#4 – Episode 12: Facing Our Fears After the Death of our Child

The third most popular episode of 2019 was from the series on how to take care of ourselves, body, soul and spirit. The episode where I talked about how the death of our child affects us emotionally seemed to be of interest to a lot of us.

#3 – Episode 22: The Emotional Breakdown

The podcast episode that came in second was part two of an interview with Glen Lord. Glen lost his 4 ½ year old son in 1999, so he has been on this journey for over twenty years and has so much wisdom and guidance for bereaved parents.

#2 – Episode 20 Finding Your Direction Again (with Glen Lord)

The number one Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast episode for 2019 was also with a guest. Ron Kelly has a passion for grief within the workplace, including how it affects employers, co-workers, and us as employees after the death of our child. This episode was packed with all kinds of help and information that goes beyond just the workplace.

#1 – Episode 9: Grief and the Workplace (with Ron Kelly)

So those are the top five podcast episodes for 2019.

Thank you for being a listener. With all the things going on in your life, we don’t take it lightly that you would take the time to hear what we hope is encouraging and helpful on this unwanted journey we have found ourselves on.

If you have a subject you would like to be discussed, or someone you think would be a good guest, I would love to hear from you. Let me know by emailing me at laura@gpshope.org.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

NOTE: Any podcast can easily be found by using the URL: gpshope.org/podcast/# but instead of the # put in the actual number of the podcast, such as gpshope.org/podcast/28.

#5 – Episode 1: Is Forgiveness Really Necessary? (The other episodes in this series are 2-8.)

#4 – Episode 12: Facing Our Fears After the Death of our Child (The other episodes in this series are 13-18.)

#3 – Episode 22: The Emotional Breakdown (The other episodes in this series are 23-27.)

#2 – Episode 20 Finding Your Direction Again with Glen Lord (Part one is episode 19.)

#1 – Episode 9: Grief and the Workplace with Ron Kelly

I want to keep this podcast listener supported (either with a special gift or become a monthly partner).

Birthdays

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

Adrienne was born on January 11 and is forever 19.

Jake Kalicki was born on January 12 and is forever 17.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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!

Blog: Three Ways to Face Bittersweet Events as a Bereaved Parent

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.

Episode 37: How Can I Go Into the New Year Without My Child?

GPS Hope — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:00:18 +0000

The new year is now upon us. For most people, anything that is new evokes a measure of excitement with possibilities, especially a new year.

But for those who have had to face the darkness of the death of their child, “new” can bring almost a panicked feeling, as if we are leaving our child behind. This especially applies to the new year for those who lost their child within the past year.

Podcast host, Laura Diehl, shares three things that going into a new year usually brings to bereaved parents, based on her own experience after the death of her daughter, Becca.

We are reminded of our intense need for others to talk about our child
We find ourselves with a new resolve to not leave our child behind and to find ways to honor their life
We renew our desperate desire for feeling less pain and sadness in our grief

And to help you with that, Laura offers some suggestions to move you in that direction.

A new year can bring new hope, new light, new life and new possibilities. What is discussed in this podcast episode can help with something we cannot control – crossing over into a new year.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Order a signed copy of When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child from GPS Hope for a discount price of only $14 plus get a FREE copy of My Grief Journey: A Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents. Take me to the GPS Hope store. (Put the book When Tragedy Strikes in your cart, and use the promo code PODCAST37.)

Sponsor a podcast episode in memory of you child.

Birthdays:

There are no birthdays to share this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 36: Does God Really Love Me? Finding His Love During the Holiday Season

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 12:00:01 +0000

We all need a deeper revelation of God’s love for us, but especially those who are questioning God’s love after the death of their child.

There are so many things that show God’s love. We just need to have our eyes and hearts open to see and receive them. In this episode, Laura does her best to point the listeners in the right direction to have this happen.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Book: He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobson

Give a gift to GPS Hope to help continue providing resources and support to grieving parents

Sponsor an In Loving Memory heart on the Hope Mobile for your son or daughter

Birthdays:

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

Tevin Tyon was born on December 28 and is forever 21.

Melanie Bach was born on December 30 and is forever 46.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

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.

Episode 35: Is It Possible to Have Joy Again?

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:00:10 +0000

Joy is something that can elude us for a long time after the death of our child. Not just that undercurrent that is a peaceful, confident hope, but joy from good and wonderful things that are going on around us.

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit who is always at work in us. But what about when we aren’t seeing or feeling the Holy Spirit at work in us, much less seeing any fruit of joy, either now or in the future?

In this episode, Laura gets raw and real about her own struggle with this issue of joy and issues a challenge for her and the listeners to take together.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Hope for the Future – information on both the book and the advent Sundays live on Facebook

GPS Hope Facebook page (to join for live advent time the four Sundays before Christmas)

Join the Hope for Hundreds: Provide support and resources for hundreds of other pareavors for $100/ monthly gift to GPS Hope.

Choose a podcast episode and sponsor it in honor of your child (a one-time $200 gift to GPS Hope).

Sponsor an In Loving Memory heart for your child on the Hope Mobile (a $100 one-time sponsorship).

Birthdays:

Austin Smith was born on December 18 and is forever 30.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

Dylan Bieber was born on December 21 and is forever 16.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

To have Laura come and speak or sing 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.

Episode 34: Finding Peace During the Holidays

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:00:16 +0000

Advent is a time of waiting. Many people are waiting for Christmas with joyful anticipation, mixed with frazzled busyness. But for many of us who have faced the death of our child, it is a time of waiting for the season to just… be…over.

God knew from the very beginning of time that we would struggle with feeling so hopeless in our grief, and He did something about it. He sent His own Son to become one of us here on earth, knowing the purpose of His birth was to die for all of us; not just so we could have an abundant life after this earth, but so that we could also experience things like peace, while here on this earth facing the often brutal attacks of the enemy.

Jesus isn’t just our Savior, He isn’t just our King, He is also our shepherd, to guide us into a place of peace; a peace that doesn’t make any sense after the death of our child. But their death isn’t the end, it is not the final word.

When the angels announced the earthly entrance of Jesus as a little baby, they proclaimed, “Peace on earth!” Peace came as a gift in a manger. Peace is God’s plan for us and it is being extended to each one of us. He did His part. Our part is to let go of what we are carrying that keeps us from accepting His gift of peace.

If you need peace this holiday season, Laura is here to assure you that you can have it, even in the midst of the pain of your deep grief.

Birthdays:

Sarah Jordan was born on December 11 and is forever 42.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 20.

Cameron Paddock was born on December 14 and is forever 22.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Hope for the Future – information on both the book and the advent Sundays live on Facebook

Choose a podcast episode and sponsor it in honor of your child (a one-time $200 gift to GPS Hope).

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents

To have Laura come and speak or sing 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.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

Episode 33: Finding Hope During the Holidays

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 12:00:10 +0000

The end-of-the-year holidays can be brutal for those who have lost a child, especially those first few years. It can feel like a continual slap-in-the-face reminder of who is not here with us.

Even if we have other children or grandchildren, a loving spouse, a great job or are part of a fulfilling ministry, it feels almost impossible to want to be part of the festivities. It just isn’t in us.

Join Laura for the next few weeks leading into Christmas, as she gives hope, infuses peace, reminds us how powerful God’s love is, and even tackles the subject of joy.

The subject for this episode is hope, as she shares how Christmas is the perfect time of year to allow God to stir this up in us, even within the deep grief and loss of our children.

Birthdays

Jesus Ortega was born on December 2nd and is forever 20.

Angie Mata was born on December 4th and is forever 36.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Song Together Forever

In Loving Memory Hearts

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents

To have Laura come and speak or sing 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.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

Episode 32: Why Should I Go to a Retreat for Bereaved Parents?

GPS Hope — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:00:15 +0000

It took podcast host, Laura Diehl, almost four years after her daughter died to go to a conference for bereaved moms because she didn’t think it would help her at all to be around a bunch of others who were a mess like she was. But when she finally went, Laura discovered it was just the opposite; it was wonderful and healing to be with others who understood, and she got to talk about Becca with others who wanted to hear about her daughter.

This episode is a discussion that took place in Texas with five “cabin mates” at a recent weekend retreat. Only two of them already knew each other. These moms ranged from losing their child twelve years ago to as recent as two months! Some have been to conferences and retreats before, and for some it was their first time.

You will enjoy their almost instant camaraderie as they share some nuggets they are taking home with them after spending the weekend together. And you might be really surprised at what Melissa has to say, who just lost her son, Cody, two months ago.

Moms from left to right: Patti – Megan’s mom, Sherry – Taylor’s mom, Melissa – Cody’s mom, Judy – Ben’s mom, and your’s truly – Becca’s mom.

Birthdays

Jessika Matejcik was born November 25 and is forever 21.

Austin Delgado was born on November 26 and is forever 21.

Andreas Claren was born on December 1 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

GPS Hope Event Calendar

GPS Hope Retreats (be sure to email us at office@gpshope.org if you would like us to have a retreat in your area.)

Umbrella Ministries

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

My Grief Journey: A Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

To have Laura come and speak or sing 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.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

Episode 31: What to Do When Others Think “You Should be Over This by Now”

GPS Hope — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:00:30 +0000

This episode is for those of you with people in your life who don’t understand why you are still struggling with the death of your child. Laura understands what that is like, because she had someone tell her that she needed to just move on.

Let’s face it, the people around us are not going to understand and, how could they? But it still hurts when family or friends are so insensitive and say things like this to us.

In this podcast, Laura makes five suggestions on how to help yourself handle these kinds of remarks.

Hopefully these five suggestions will help you deal with those in your life who think grief is a short event in time, instead of the life-long process that it is.

Birthdays

Austin Lotterman was born on November 20 and is forever 8 and a half.

Jacinda Avina was born on November 22 and is forever 18.

Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38.

Skylar Spencer was born on November 23 and is forever 24.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 30: Help for the Holiday Season (Part 2)

GPS Hope — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:00:26 +0000

The holidays can be brutal, especially those first few years.

In part two of this subject, Laura starts out by answering a couple of specific questions asked by pareavors about how deal with the holidays.

She then goes on to share several ideas on how to help you face those gatherings, by opening the door to bring your child with you in a way that honors him or her and helps you.

Birthdays

Austin Augustine was born on November 14 and is forever 16

Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15 ½

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

My New Normal

When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course – Click here to find out more or to register.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

Episode 29: Help for the Holiday Season

GPS Hope — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:00:22 +0000

In October, many stores already have fall items on clearance and are filling the shelves with Christmas items. This can make it feel like the holiday season is the entire last 3 months of the year instead of only the last 6 weeks.

Many of us would love it if we could just sleep through it all and wake up in January!

The end-of-the-year holidays can leave one frazzled, but they can be outright brutal when dealing with deep grief at the same time.

One of the most important things to know is that it is okay not to be okay! Especially as a bereaved parent who is deeply missing and grieving their child during this time of year. In fact, not only is it okay, it is normal to be a mess, whether it is a few hours, a few days, or the entire season.

However, there are things you can do to help ease the pain and bring in a glimmer of light here and there into your place of darkness. Most of the discussion in this episode is about seven different ways you can do this during the tough holiday season.

The topic of help during the holidays will continue next week, answering questions that get sent in about the holiday season, along with specific things you can do to help ease through it a bit with family and friends.

Birthdays

David Shelton was born on November 11 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To send in a question about the holidays to be answered on the next podcast email them at laura@gpshope.org or click here to go to the Facebook post and place it in the comments.

Find out more about the When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life With Hope and Healing after the Death of Your Child

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 28: We Are Here for You

GPS Hope — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 11:00:16 +0000

This is a bit of a different podcast, as host, Laura Diehl, invites her husband, Dave, to join her. Dave and Laura Diehl are the co-founders of the national ministry Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope), and in this podcast episode, they share their story, including:

How their oldest daughter, Becca, died
How what started as a church life group began to unexpectedly turn into other things, as other bereaved parents started contacting them
Why Laura became an author of multiple books
The word pareavor (how it came about)
How God surprised them both by laying on their hearts to sell their house and travel full-time in a motor home they lovingly call the Hope Mobile
What it has been like adjusting to living in a house on wheels
Where their travels are taking them in the next six months

Along with encouraging bereaved parents to be patient as they decide how they want to honor the life of their child, Dave and Laura also share about the “In Loving Memory Hearts” that are filling the outside of the Hope Mobile, with the names of our children who are no longer here on this earth with us.

Birthdays

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19

Donice Vaughan was born on October 29 and she is forever 30

Zen Dylan Koh was born on November 1 and is forever 17

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Find out more about the In Loving Memory Hearts on the Hope Mobile

Laura’s books – Click here to see them all in the store

The following links take you to a more descriptive page of Laura’s most popular books:

My Grief Journey: A Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

My Grief Journey Coloring Book and Journal for Kids

Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents

Come Grieve Through Our Eyes: How to Give Comfort and Support to Bereaved Parents by Entering Our World

See our itinerary. (Send us an email at office@gpshope if you would like to set up a time to meet.)

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

“In Loving Memory” heart to put on the Hope Mobile

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 27: Three Ways to Get Back on Track Spiritually

GPS Hope — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:00:22 +0000

The Road to Repair Series

This series has been addressing how we are three-part beings (body, soul and spirit), that all three parts break down after the death of our child, and how we can work on repairing those three parts.

In the final episode for this series, host, Laura Diehl, shares three specific areas that need to be dealt with when it comes to our shattered spiritual walk.

Birthdays

Matthew Sulikowski was born on October 22 and is forever 36

Dustin Clements was born on October 26 and is forever 21

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

See our itinerary. (Send us an email at office@gpshope if you would like to set up a time to meet.)

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 26: Dealing With Our Spiritual Breakdown

GPS Hope — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:00:35 +0000

The Road to Repair Series

This episode was taped the day before the eighth anniversary of Becca’s death, (Laura’s daughter) so you will hear some emotion in her voice occasionally.

We have been talking about how we are three-part beings (body, soul and spirit), that all three parts break down after the death of our child, and how we can work on repairing those three parts.

The first two weeks we addressed our physical breakdown. The last two weeks we talked about our soul; specifically, our mental and emotional breakdown.

This week we will start talking about our spiritual breakdown, and how to get back on track in this area.

In this episode, host, Laura Diehl, addresses the big question of “Why?” along with a few other issues we struggle with, in our relationship with God after the death of our child.

Birthdays

Mckenzie Aucapina was born on October 21 and she is forever 7 1/2

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

The award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child

When Tragedy Strikes Course: A Blueprint for Learning How to Live Again After the Death of Your Child

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

Virtual Summit: Information and how to purchase it.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 25: The Physical Breakdown and Sleep (with Denee Martindale)

GPS Hope — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 11:00:27 +0000

The Road to Repair Series

God created us as three-part beings; body, soul and spirit. Too often we don’t think about how these three parts operate separately, or how they are intertwined, with one part affecting the other two parts.

We started out this series by looking at how our soul is affected, which is our mind/thoughts, our will and emotions.

This episode is a continuation of last week with special guest, Denee Martindale, where we started looking at how our bodies are affected. Denee lost her daughter, Naomi, by suicide while battling postpartum depression. Naomi and my daughter, Becca, knew each other here on earth, but it wasn’t until our two daughters were together in heaven that our friendship started. I consider Denee a special friend, and someone I can turn to for health advice.

Last week we talked about four things we can do to strengthen ourselves physically, after the death of our child, and this week we will specifically address the issue of sleep.

Note: This is a recording from our 2017 Virtual Summit (a series of 18 session topics with over 20 guests that could be watched online), which is available in the GPS Hope online store.

Denee Martindale is a mom and grandmother who started her own business in the quest for health after the death of her daughter. Her passion is to help as many people as possible see the connection between physical health and mental health (especially those who have faced trauma and tragedy), guiding them to a place of wholeness, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Joshua Nicholson was born on October 9 and is forever 29.

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and is forever 17.

Isaac Cojocarescu was born on Oct. 14 and is forever 10.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Find out more about how to have your child added to the Hope Mobile with an “In Loving Memory” heart.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

When Tragedy Strikes course: Find out more or to sign up as a student.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 24: The Physical Breakdown – Four Ways to Become Healthier (with Denee Martindale)

GPS Hope — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:00:27 +0000

The Road to Repair Series

We started out this series by looking at how our soul is affected, which is our mind/thoughts, our will and emotions.

This episode is with a special guest, Denee Martindale. Denee lost her daughter, Naomi, by suicide while battling postpartum depression. Naomi and my daughter, Becca, knew each other here on earth, but it wasn’t until our two daughters were together in heaven that our friendship started. I consider Denee a special friend, and someone I can turn to for health advice.

In this episode, we talk about four things we can do to strengthen ourselves physically, after the death of our child, leaving the fifth one for next week’s podcast.

I am sure you will enjoy Denee, with her sweet personality, along with her desire and passion to see pareavors walking in health.

Note: This is a recording from our 2017 Virtual Summit (a series of 18 session topics with over 20 guests that can be watched online). Since the original session was almost an hour, it has been cut down and shared in two separate podcasts.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and is forever 4 years old.

Corey Ryan Woodrich was also born on October 1 and is forever 31.

Joshua Konaszewski was born on October 2 and is forever 24.

James Gross was born on October 3 and is forever 30 years old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Virtual Summit: Information and how to purchase it.

Please remember to share in the comments something you are going to do, based on what you heard in today’s podcast.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

Story behind the word “pareavor”

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 23: The Mental Breakdown

GPS Hope — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 11:00:54 +0000

The Road to Repair Series

We are starting out this series by looking at how our soul is affected, which is our mind/thoughts, our will and emotions. Last week we tackled the emotional breakdown. This week we will take a look at our minds, or the mental breakdown, that makes us all think we are going crazy.

We can often be frustrated with ourselves for what a mess and how unpredictable we are, months and years down the road. We don’t like being that way. But the fact is, that is now a part of who we are, and even as we “grow” out of that, we will always be capable at any moment of returning to being that fragile broken person.

Join host, Laura Diehl, as she shares some helpful suggestions on how to strengthen our souls within our grief, after the death of our child.

Note: Many parents are angry at God for allowing their child to die. Laura understands this, and does not lay guilt on anyone for these raw and real feelings. With acknowledgement of this, she delicately shares insight into how the following scriptures can help us, even in our hurt and anger.

Psalm 91:9 “You have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.”

Psalm 71:3 “Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come.”

Romans 8:18 “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.”

Eph. 3:20 “With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.”

1 Peter 5:10 “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect (mature, restore), establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

1 Peter 1:3 “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Rev 22:13 “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ““For our … troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Birthdays

Alistair James Fleming was born on September 19 and is forever 26

Brittany Evans was born on September 25 and is forever 26

Cherie Martinez was born on September 28 and is forever 31

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

When Tragedy Strikes Hope & Healing Course for Bereaved Parents (A Blueprint for Learning How to Live Again, After the Death of Your Child)

36 Scriptures of Hope

Go to GPS Hope free library to access PDF of Corrie Ten Boom’s poem The Weaving

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

My Grief Journey: Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 22: The Emotional Breakdown

GPS Hope — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:00:58 +0000

The Road To Repair Series

In this episode, we will tackle the emotional breakdown, which would be the soul (our mind/thoughts, our will and emotions).

Join host, Laura Diehl, as she shares some helpful suggestions on how to strengthen our souls within our grief, after the death of our child.

Birthdays

There are no birthdays to announce this week.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Request the list of Ten Ways to Honor Our Child

Current GPS Hope retreats

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 21: Grieving an Adopted Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:00:45 +0000

This subject directly affects podcast host, Laura Diehl. Laura got pregnant her summer out of high school and her boyfriend walked out on her. Shortly after Becca was born, Laura struck up a friendship with a co-worker, which turned into love and a marriage proposal. Little Becca was two years old when Dave and Laura were married, and he adopted Becca as soon as he could legally do so.

All of us have extra layers of grief, based on our individual situations, and losing an adopted child definitely has them as well. Dave and Laura discuss some of these added issues that biological parents don’t deal with.

Please note: While it is impossible to compare our losses and grief, it can be helpful to hear from those who have a different loss than ours, such as a different age, a different way of death, or a parent who loses a child who was adopted.

Although this subject may not directly affect most bereaved parents, it is an important one to look at for those who are affected by it, whether directly or indirectly in the grief of losing a child.

Dave Diehl is retired from a career of over thirty years in IT. He is the co-founder of GPS Hope, doing all of the unseen technical support for the ministry. He also manages the itinerary and the finances. Dave wrote a chapter in Laura’s book When Tragedy Strikes, and ministers directly to grieving fathers around the nation as Dave and Laura travel in their home on wheels; a 38-foot motor home they lovingly call The Hope Mobile.

Birthdays

Justin Seehafer was born on Sept. 16 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Click here if you want to know more about the book Come Grieve, including how to get a couple of free chapters.

If you want to know more about any upcoming GPS Hope & Healing retreats, click here.

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and a review on iTunes or where ever you listen to it.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 20: Finding Your Direction Again (with Glen Lord)

GPS Hope — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 11:00:48 +0000

When our child dies, most of us don’t believe we can find our way out of the darkness, much less have a life with meaning or purpose again.

Or if we believe it is possible, we don’t know how to get there.

That is one of the purposes of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope). We are here to walk with parents through the suffocating darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

Host, Laura Diehl, recently heard Glen Lord teach a workshop titled Finding Your Direction Again. It was so good that she invited him on the podcast to share it with the listeners.

Be sure to grab paper and pen, as you will be asked to pause the podcast to write some things down as Glen takes you through some practical steps of finding purpose and meaning after the death of your child.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

David Hector Toledo was born on September 5 and is forever 41.

Francesca Anne C. Agravante was born on September 6 and is forever 8 years old.

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and is forever 30.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Find out more about sponsoring an “In Loving Memory” heart on the Hope Mobile, in honor of your child.

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and a review on iTunes or where ever you listen to it.

To go to the Grief Toolbox or contact Glen Lord, click here.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 19: Having Hope (with Glen Lord)

GPS Hope — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 11:00:39 +0000

No matter how dark it is after the death of our child, as a follower of Christ, we all have a seed of hope inside of us.

Host, Laura Diehl, and her guest, Glen Lord, talk about how to nurture that seed of hope so that it can grow, allowing you to live a life worth living once again.

Yes, it will look very different and we will remain broken, but we can get to the point where we choose to remain closed in that brokenness, or become open and beautiful, allowing the life of our child to continue through us.

Glen Lord was on the fast track to accomplishing his goal of being a CEO of a fortune 500 company. The death of his son, Noah, in 1999 put brakes on the life he had so carefully planned. As Glen sought a new path, he realized that there was a need for genuine, accurate grief information. This realization, plus his extensive business experience, fueled the founding of The Grief Toolbox and creation of the Walking Through Grief® program, both offer a community of grief resources around the world and a marketplace of grief and memorial products. Glen is past president of the national board of directors of The Compassionate Friends. He is a sought after keynote, inspirational presenter and workshop leader.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Kevin Stoneburner was born on September 1 and is forever 27.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and is forever 22.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Please remember to give this podcast a rating and a review on iTunes or where ever you listen to it.

To go to the Grief Toolbox or contact Glen Lord, click here.

Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 18: I Am Afraid My Child Might Not Be in Heaven

GPS Hope — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 11:30:40 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

Laura and her guest, Pastor Lynn Breeden, talk passionately to those parents who live in fear, not knowing if their child who died is in heaven.

They share things we know about God such as:

• His desire that no one perish without Him • That nothing can separate us from His love • How Jesus opened the door for the thief on the cross as that man was dying

Fear and faith come from the same root; it is our response to the unknown. We get to choose if we are going to live in the torment of fear (which comes from the enemy) or to rest in faith that God’s love found a way through the darkness and your child accepted His offer of salvation. It could have been earlier in life and you didn’t know it, or even in those moments of transition of leaving this earth.

Laura and Lynn talk about how it is not only possible, but probable that God reached out to your child and he or she grabbed ahold of Him. You can choose to have faith that your child is in heaven, and rest in that hope.

Lynn closes by praying over the listeners.

Lynn Breeden’s life was forever changed on October of 1987, when her son Joel Brian died of cancer at the age of five. After coming to terms with this loss, her greatest desire was to help other moms through their own loss, so they do not have to grieve alone. Lynn founded Mourning to Dancing, which is a non-denominational ministry, with the sole mission to offer comfort, hope, and encouragement to mothers who have suffered the loss of a child. She also currently serves as the Pastor for Bremen United Methodist Church in Bremen, Indiana.

Birthdays

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

Kristina Michelle Lee was born on August 26 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To find out more about GPS Hope retreat(s) click here.

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here, or go to her ministry, Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

If you have a topic you would like to hear discussed on the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope Podcast, email Laura Diehl.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 17: I Am Afraid I am Losing My Mind

GPS Hope — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:00:39 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

“Grief fog” or “grief brain” is a very real thing. There are chemical changes in our brain with deep grief, and it can affect us for a very long time, as in years. Some of us feel like we have permanently lost our sharp minds and the ability to think quickly.

You are not getting early Alzheimer’s – what a relief! It is just part of grief, and it is normal to have that fogginess increase at difficult times of year like our child’s death anniversary date, their birthday, etc.

Host Laura Diehl and her guest for this series on Facing Our Fears after the Death of Our Child, Lynn Breeden, tackle the subject of how grief affects us more than just emotionally, but also physically.

Birthdays

Jadyn Phillips was born on August 17, and she is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To let us know where you live, based on our travel itinerary to possibly meet or have us speak to a group, email us at office@gpshope.org.

To sponsor a heart on the Hope Mobile, click here.

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here.

Find Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 16: The Fear of Grief Triggers

GPS Hope — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 11:00:56 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

Grief triggers can happen any time, any place and with no warning. And when it happens in public, it can be very unnerving.

Laura is once again joined by Pastor Lynn Breeden, who has been dealing with grief triggers for over 30 years, after the death of her five-year-old son, Joel.

This is now a normal part of life for those of us who have lost a child, and there is just now way around it. However, there are many ways to handle ourselves when these triggers stir up our deep, painful loss. Some are healthy, and some are not so healthy, and much of it depends on where you are in your journey.

This is something that will plague us for the rest of our lives. Laura and Lynn hope and pray that you find their discussion not only helpful, but comforting and encouraging.

Birthdays

This week we don’t have any birthdays to share with our listeners.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Here is a link to the song Lynn talked about “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney.

For more information about the When Tragedy Strikes course, and to sign up to get updates and know when it is open click here.

To find out more about the award winning book, When Tragedy Strikes: Rebuilding Your Life with Hope and Healing After the Death of Your Child, click here.

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here.

Find Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 15: I Am Afraid of Losing Another Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 11:00:05 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

Losing another child is one of podcast host, Laura Diehl’s, biggest fears that she has to fight.

It is also one of the most common fears bereaved parents have, because once we know it can happen to us, we know it can happen again.

Laura tackles this big issue with friend and bereaved parent of over 30 years, Lynn Breeden. Discussing how it is okay and even normal to have this fear, they talk about some of their personal experiences on this subject, how it has affected their other children, and share what they have done to help combat this fear as it continues to rear its head in their lives.

Birthdays

This week we don’t have any birthdays to share with our listeners.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To receive a copy of the pages on fear from the My Grief Journey: A Coloring Book and Journal for Bereaved Parents, click here.

Click here to take a look at the book My Grief Journey (along with a link to order it in our store). You can also check out My Grief Journey for Kids.

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here.

Find Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help give support to grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 14: I Am Afraid to Enjoy Life Without My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 11:00:28 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

This is the second episode with Laura’s guest, Pastor Lynn Breeden.

The first conference event Laura attended after Becca’s death, was the only one Lynn has ever hosted for grieving moms (even though Lynn’s son died over 30 years ago, and she has had her own ministry to grieving moms for many years). This was when Laura first realized what a relief it was to be able to take off her mask and both cry and laugh with others who got it, and she didn’t have to apologize or feel guilty for it.

Two of the reasons discussed by Laura and Lynn for being afraid to enjoy life again are

We believe our sorrow is what connects us to our child.
We are afraid we will forget them (which is impossible to do).

They also talk about

The guilt many parents have at laughing or feeling happy
How important it is to allow your perspective to change on this journey
Specific thoughts a grieving parent can start to change as time goes on
Connecting to other parents who have been where you are in the darkness and are now in the light and can infuse hope into your life
How the amputation of Laura’s daughter’s leg is a great example of how we can still learn to live a fulfilled life

It is important to get to the place where the connection with our child is not the pain of their death, but the warmth of the wonderful memories of his or her life. And Laura and Lynn are full of encouragement that it can be done, eventually.

Birthdays

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

This week we celebrate:

Joey Figueroa was born on July 23 and is forever 39

Claire Rebecca was born on July 27, and is forever 5

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21

The special song I wrote for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

Click here for information on any current GPS Hope retreats.

Events: GPS Hope web page calendar or GPS Hope Facebook event page

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here.

Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

Partner with GPS Hope to support grieving parents around the nation

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases.

There is HOPE.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 13: I Am Afraid No One Will Remember My Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:01:14 +0000

Season Topic: Facing Our Fears After the Death of Our Child

Pastor Lynn Breeden joins Laura for the next six episodes, talking about different fears we may have after the death of our child.

This episode begins with Lynn sharing her son Joel with the listeners. He was only five when he died, and it has been over 30 years since he left this earth. Lynn then shares what she has done to keep his memory alive within herself and those around her, including her own family and people who never met him.

As they were talking, God showed Laura a new revelation of something about our children in heaven that got them both very excited!

There was also a conversation about our other children and how important it is to find a balance in helping them remember their sibling, but not giving them the message that the child who is gone is more important or more loved than the ones who are still with us.

As the discussion came to a close, Lynn encouraged us to find a way to honor God and to honor our child with what we do as time goes on, which led to suggesting a few things that we as bereaved parents can do, to make sure our child won’t be forgotten in a way that won’t be awkward for others.

“We learn how to live our life without our child in it, but we don’t live our life without them. They are still part of us for the rest of our lives,” Lynn Breeden.

Birthdays

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

This week we celebrate:

Ethan Barclay-Weberpal was born on July 10 and is forever 18.

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Robert William Corbett was born on July 20 and is forever 21.

The special song I wrote for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this podcast episode:

To contact Pastor Lynn Breeden, click here.

Mourning to Dancing on Facebook.

Click here to see the GPS Hope Wall of Remembrance or to have you child added.

Sponsor an “In Loving Memory” heart on the Hope Mobile.

If you would like to be sent a PDF of Ten Ways to Honor Your Child, click here.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help reach more grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 12: Facing Our Fears after the Death of Our Child

GPS Hope — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 11:00:52 +0000

This is the first episode in a series of seven, discussing our fears after the death of our child.

Fear brings torment, and as parents grieving the earthly loss of our child, it is easy to feel the full weight of that torment. But there is something much more powerful than our deepest fears; God’s love for us!

If we live in fear, it is because we doubt His perfect love, which is understandable because it is hard to reconcile in our minds how we can trust a God who says He loves us, and yet allowed this terrible thing to happen to our child and to us.

In this episode, Laura shares seven ways to help make a shift in how you see God in the midst of your fears, caused by the pain of the tragedy of the death of your child.

Pastor Lynn Breeden will be joining Laura for the following six episodes. Lynn lost her five-year-old son, Joel, to cancer over 30 years ago and has such a deep wealth of experience to draw on, along with so much compassion and love for those on this road behind her.

The specific fears Laura and Lynn will be discussing in the next few weeks are

Being afraid no one will remember your child
The fear and guilt of enjoying life without our child
Afraid of having another child die
The fear of grief triggers
Being afraid that we are losing our minds or going crazy
The tormenting fear of not knowing if my child is in heaven or not

We don’t have to live in fear, because God truly is with each one of us, and someday we will get to see the whole picture that we are very blinded to right now.

You can be set free from your fears.

Birthdays

Jessica Lynn Sxerlong was born on July 9 and is forever 30
Stephanie Waters was born on July 10 and is forever 21
Everardo Martinez was born on July 11 and is forever 19
Clifford Patrick Keenan Jr was born on July 11 and is forever 24

I would love to announce your child’s birthday. Click here to fill out the short form with the needed information. And be sure to let other bereaved parents know that their child can be celebrated with our listeners!

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode:

To get in on the early bird price before August 1, or to find out more about the GPS Hope retreat, click here.

We are putting our itinerary together. If you live in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Nevada (Las Vegas area), Utah, Colorado, Kansas, or Nebraska and want to see if we can get together with you, a small group, or set up a conference or retreat, email us at office@gpshope.org.

Give Hope to Others: If GPS Hope has brought you hope and light in your grief journey, please consider helping us reach more grieving parents who find themselves hurled onto this same unwanted path. Click here to support GPS Hope monthly or to give a special gift.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases, there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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. This is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgement in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 11: Pregnancy and Infancy Loss (with Kelly Gerken)

GPS Hope — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:00:58 +0000

Last week on episode 10, Laura and Kelly talked about the struggles we can have as believers in Christ, wondering where God is in the tragedy of the death of our children.

This week the discussion turns to pregnancy and infant loss. Kelly starts out by sharing why she doesn’t like to use the term “miscarriage,” and how important it is for these precious moms to have their loss of a child validated.

Much of their discussion is about some of the unique triggers and things parents deal with in early loss that those who lose an older child don’t deal with.

Other things touched on are:

Your other children when there is an early sibling loss
How fathers are often ignored or isolated in pregnancy loss
Ways to be able to have memories of your little one (even if the loss isn’t recent) to celebrate your child had life and he or she matters
Rainbow babies and fears in being pregnant again
The painful struggle of not being able to have more children after a loss

There is also time spent talking about how important it is to be able to talk about your child, and that incorporating their memory into your life is not wallowing or being crazy or being unhealthy. Acknowledging the lives of everyone we love just makes sense, no matter how long or how short their time here on earth was.

The discussion closes with sharing some personally helpful scriptures and a word of strong encouragement that God is walking with you through the dark valley of child loss.

Kelly Gerken is the founder of Sufficient Grace Ministries, serving thousands of grieving families worldwide since 2004, comforting others with the comfort she received in her time of grief. She is the mother of five children, three who dance in heaven, and two who fill her days with boyish antics on this earth. Kelly is a featured speaker at hospitals, churches, women’s groups, and a leader of educational seminars for hospital staff and caregivers. She is also a certified SGM Perinatal Loss Support Doula, building a comprehensive perinatal hospice birth and bereavement program to support bereaved families. Kelly’s book “Sufficient Grace” addresses many of the questions people ask in the face of tragedy.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Each week I am honored to announce any birthdays for the coming week of our children who are no longer here on earth with us. This week’s podcast I don’t have any birthdays to announce.

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode:

To connect with Kelly Gerken: Sufficient Grace Ministries

Click here to check out the GPS Hope & Healing Virtual Summit.

Find out more about The Comfort Cub.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases, there is HOPE!

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help reach more grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 10: Where is Your God Now? (with Kelly Gerken)

GPS Hope — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:00:47 +0000

This talk with Kelly Gerken was so full of good stuff that instead of editing things out, it was turned into two separate episodes.

In this first half, Kelly shares her story about losing her twins, Faith and Grace, before they were born, along with her son Thomas six hours after his birth.

Then Laura and Kelly turn a corner as Kelly shares her struggle with the internal question, “Where is your God now?” and the whole issue of what it means to “have faith” when our prayers don’t get answered the way we thought they would or should. They also talk about how having faith and trusting God isn’t easy to do, especially in the midst of such a dark, horrific circumstance. Hebrews 11 is where much of the discussion seemed to land.

Another part of the discussion is how God’s grace plays a big part in our lives when our child dies, giving us what we need for each moment, when we are willing to reach out and receive it is as well. This is not based on our performance, including being a “good” Christian. It is based on His heart to be near to the brokenhearted, and His desire and ability to give peace in the midst of the pain.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode:

To connect with Kelly Gerken: Sufficient Grace Ministries

Click here to check out the GPS Hope & Healing Virtual Summit.

For information about the retreat in Iowa in October, click here.

Find out more about the GPS Share & Care Support Groups.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases, there is HOPE!

I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help reach more grieving parents.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 9: Grief and the Workplace (with Ron Kelly)

GPS Hope — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 11:01:53 +0000

This week Laura talks to Ron Kelly about a subject many of us are forced to deal with way too soon; going back to work when we are in such deep grief.

This was a very packed discussion and longer than the normal podcast, but well worth it. Some of the things covered on this subject are:

How do we deal with our colleagues that are ignorant or insensitive, or who ignore us?
How can bosses/managers and coworkers help?
What can we bereaved parents do, that will help us handle difficult situations better on our jobs as we are grieving?
The way grief affects businesses financially, which is why they should want and need to take this issue seriously (which led to mentioning the need of bereaved parents being added to the Family & Medical Leave Act)

Laura and Ron also talk a bit about false anger and blame and how men and women tend to grieve differently, which affects us at work as well.

Be sure to share this episode with others who would benefit from this information, both employees and employers, grievers and non-grievers, as it affects everyone at some time.

Glenn Kelly, or Ron to his friends, lost his sixteen-year-old son and only child in 2013 to a rare congenital heart defect. Today, he is the published author of several grief support books, a Grief Keynote and Workshop Presenter, Motivational Growth Speaker, and Business Grief Coach. He has discussed grief healing on CBS television, Trinity Broadcast Network, New York Cable TV, broadcast radio programs, universities, hospitals, and in such big businesses as Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola. He has served as an Executive Board of Directors member with the Bereaved Parents of the USA, and as a Board of Advisors member with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, where his dear child passed away. First and foremost, however, today Ron remains the loving father of his late son, Jonathan Taylor Kelly.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Birthdays

Beth Simmons Marsh was born on June 12 and is forever 58.
Joe Luzzo was born on June 18 and is forever 17.
Tony Posatiere was born on June 18 and is forever 38.
Alyssa Tyner was born on June 19 and is forever 2 ½.

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode:

How to contact Ron Kelly or find out more about his books, etc.: rglennkelly.com

Click here to see the government page on the Parental Bereavement Act of 2017 (to add grieving the loss of a son or daughter to the FMLA. (You may also want to consider contacting your representatives in the senate, asking them to get it passed.)

Yes, I want to partner with GPS Hope financially to help us reach more grieving parents.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases, there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 8: Forgiving God for Allowing Our Child to Die (Part 2)

GPS Hope — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 20:12:41 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

This is part two of the discussion on forgiving God for allowing our child to die. If you missed part one, you will want to go back and listen to episode 7.

We start out by picking up where we left off in talking about the big question of “WHY?” and I share how you can turn a corner so that “why” doesn’t continue to plague you.

God’s favor

In this episode we talk about what it really means to have God’s favor, along with the difference of a “wonderful plan” for our lives and being full of wonder at how God is with us through the blessings and the painful tragedies.

It is not what God will do, but that God will BE.

During grief, people either move toward God or away from Him. But when we move away from Him, we are moving away from the One who can help us the most.

I deeply encourage you to make the same choice to forgive God that I have asked you to make to forgive your child and others (including yourself). There is no prayer written out to forgive God like I gave in the first six episodes with those we need to forgive. This is one that you need to say from your heart, and once again, visit it over and over again, until it takes root and you can lean on Him instead of stiff arming and pushing Him away.

**Reminder: God made sure that this world is not our final destination!**

We will eventually be reunited with our child, never to be separated again. And THAT is something a good God has done for us!

Birthdays

Calvin Joseph Kendricks Jr. was born on June 17 and is forever 28

I would love to announce your child’s birthday. Click here to fill out the short form with the needed information. And be sure to let other bereaved parents know that their child can be celebrated with our listeners!

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode

Since we have just finished the first series. I would really appreciate your feedback, because this podcast is for YOU! What did you like or not like about it? What topic would you like to have discussed? Is there something I can do to make it better?

Would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the page with the show notes here, or email me directly at laura@gpshope.org

GPS Hope Retreat: If you would like to get away for a weekend in a beautiful setting with myself and Dave and a small group of just 12 bereaved parents, make sure you check out our retreat scheduled in October.

Give Hope to Others: If GPS Hope has brought you hope and light in your grief journey, please consider helping us reach more grieving parents who find themselves hurled onto this same unwanted path. Click here to support GPS Hope monthly or to give a special gift.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases, there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 7: Forgiving God for Letting Your Child Die (Part 1)

GPS Hope — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 11:30:36 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

I cannot offer an easy fix or solution to this issue of needing to forgive God.

The best thing I can do isn’t to try and convince you why forgiving God is the right thing to do (or why you should stop being angry at Him), but to tell you what I have learned about God in my journey here on this earth, why I still trust Him, love Him and follow Him, why I can say He is faithful and how it has gotten me where I am today.

In this episode we discuss several misconceptions, how our perspective can change our thoughts about God, and start tackling the question of “Why?”

Since this topic is more than what we can tackle in one discussion, we will finish it next week.

Birthdays

Flora Mae Sparger was born on May 24 and is forever 12 days old (my step sister I never knew)

Shaun Klein was born on June 1 and is forever 33

Riley Whitehead was born on June 3 and is forever 19

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode

Giving Hope to Others: To help us continue and increase our reach to other grieving parents, click here to give a special tax-deductible gift or to set up monthly giving.

And don’t forget to check out the GPS Hope & Healing Retreat.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 6: Forgiving Those Who Are Not Grieving the Same Way

GPS Hope — Tue, 28 May 2019 11:00:53 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

I think we will all agree that there is no wrong way to grieve, especially when grieving the death of your child, until it comes to our spouse (or someone close to us) and then they are doing it wrong if they aren’t doing it like we are!

Laura’s husband, Dave, joins her on this podcast for a candid discussion on how they grieved Becca’s death differently, and some of the reasons.

Some practical suggestions

Laura and Dave go into depth on these three suggestions

• Plug into a local support group • Drop unrealistic expectations • Start a thankfulness journal

Sibling grief

Sibling grief will be its own series at some point, but Laura and Dave share briefly on why your other children may be doing things like pulling away from you.

Here at GPS Hope…

We encourage you to be determined that your child’s death is not what will be the death of your marriage or other important relationships. At least not on your end. The way to do that is to accept and respect the needs of that other person in how they are grieving and take care of your own needs.

Forgiveness

Each week Laura has been sharing a different prayer with you to say out loud based on the topic and this week isn’t any different. This week’s prayer can be for anyone close to you who is not grieving the same way you are, including your other children, a parent, close friend, and of course your spouse.

If you would like a PDF of these prayers, just submit the information below.

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Birthdays

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

I would love to announce your child’s birthday. Click here to fill out the short form with the needed information. And be sure to let other bereaved parents know that their child can be celebrated with our listeners!

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode

GPS Hope Share & Care Groups – find out how easy it is to facilitate your own group

GPS Hope library (to download the free eBook From Ring Bearer to Pall Bearer)

To find out more about Laura’s award winning book When Tragedy Strikes, click here.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 5: Forgiving the Person Responsible

GPS Hope — Tue, 21 May 2019 11:02:35 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

This week, we discuss forgiving the guilty; those who had a hand in our child’s death, whether it was directly or indirectly.

Your two choices

You can keep dwelling on it, rehearsing all the reasons why you should remain bitter and why that person does not deserve to be forgiven.
You can choose to release that person in your thoughts and forgive them (which does not mean you are okay with what they did and there is no need for justice, especially if it is an issue where the law is involved).

Forgiveness is for YOU

We might say or think, “I can’t forgive.” The truth is, we won’t forgive because we feel justified in blaming and making someone pay for what they did. Refusing to forgive is not hurting them; it is hurting you like a cancer eating you up and killing your soul. It is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. As long as you hold onto unforgiveness, you are chained to that person, being dragged around with your anger and bitterness.

Forgiveness does not depend on whether or not a person deserves that forgiveness. It isn’t even based on if they are sorry for what they have done. Forgiving that person is not offering them a way out; you are giving yourself a gift. A gift you deserve to have and unwrap!

Becca’s doctor

Hear about the person Laura finds herself needing to forgive multiple times, that probably caused Becca’s death and what he did.

How do I forgive them?

It is so very worth fighting through to be set free in this area, so we spend a bit of time on this question. First, we need to realize and accept that it is a conscious decision we make that goes beyond our feelings, and that it won’t be a one-time thing, but a process. We discuss how Jesus was able to forgive, and a specific insight is shared that can help us follow His example.

It helps to do an action

Quite often we need to do something tangible or take an action to put us on the needed path to forgive the person who caused our child’s departure from this earth. In this podcast, several suggestions on what to do are made, including speaking your forgiveness out loud. To have all of the prayers talked about in this series on forgiveness, submit your name and email address below.

As you determine in your heart to take these steps, God will be faithful to meet you. You will find yourself having to forgive this person less often, until one day you suddenly realize you truly have forgiven them and are free of the painful grip they once had on you.

Birthdays:

Kyle Terry was born on 5/24/90 and is forever 28.

Each week I will announce the birthdays coming up of our children who are no longer here, so that our listeners can remember them with you. If you would like your child added to the list click here to fill out the needed information.

The full song I Remember Well (which is the background song during the birthday segment) can be heard here.

Links referred to in this episode

GPS Hope & Healing Retreat: To find out about the retreat in Iowa (or any other upcoming GPS Hope & Healing retreats) where you can be ministered to body, soul and spirit, click here.

Pay it Forward: If GPS Hope has brought you hope and light in your grief journey, please consider helping us reach more grieving parents who find themselves hurled onto this same unwanted path. Click here to support GPS Hope monthly or to give a special gift.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!

You are safe here. No masks needed…

To have Laura come and speak or sing at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.

Episode 4: Forgiving Your Child for Leaving You

GPS Hope — Tue, 14 May 2019 11:05:57 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

Welcome to episode #4

Are you struggling with forgiveness after the death of your child? Well that’s exactly what we are discussing in this first series of our podcast, and this week we specifically address forgiving our child for leaving us.

A loaded and difficult topic

Some parents know they are struggling with it, but there are those who don’t realize they are until the possibility is brought to their attention. Maybe you have had this anger inside of you and didn’t know where it was coming from. Not everyone has unforgiveness against their child, but it is worth considering, especially if it is a new thought for you.

It can be a very hard thing to admit, because it sounds so awful and horrifying, but now you can be relieved to know you are not the only one who has felt this way and struggled with being angry at your child for dying and leaving you behind.

In this episode

• We discuss some of the reasons we might be angry at our child • We touch specifically on death by suicide and overdose. • I share about a time our daughter Becca took a bunch of pills. • Doug and BJ Jensen are introduced, whose son died by suicide. They are a precious couple who now have an international ministry, Love in Motion, that uses sign language to bring healing to others. • Listeners are given ideas on how to honor their child as a wonderful tribute to your son or daughter, learning that doing something good like this will help you to forgive them as you reach out to help others.

Staying angry at your child will keep you from being able to fully love them and get to a place of having warm memories of their life, instead of stuck in the pain and darkness of their death. My prayer is that by the end of our discussion, you will be walking in a new level of peace in this specific area.

Speaking adds power to our thoughts

To receive a copy of the forgiveness prayers used in this series, just submit your name and email address below and we will send the right to you.

Birthdays:

This week we celebrate

Jordan Slusher, birthday 5/17/91 and is forever 21

Chris Rueben, birthday 5/19/85 and is forever 16

Don’t miss out on the chance to have your son or daughter’s birthday announced on the podcast. Click here to give us your child’s name and birthday.

The special song I wrote for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Links referred to in this episode:

Doug and BJ Jensen’s signing song A Healing Hallelujah

To post a picture of your child’s memorial garden on the GPS Hope Facebook page, find the thread (using the search bar on the side if needed and type in “memorial garden”.)

Please remember to rate and review this podcast. The more there are, the higher it ranks in the search engines, helping more grieving parents find it!

Next week…

We will be talking about forgiving anyone who caused the death of your child, whether directly or indirectly. I will be sharing who the person is I had to forgive, so I hope you can listen in and if you know someone who might be interested in this topic, give them a heads up and let them know about it.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.

Episode 3: Forgiving Those Who Have Hurt You

GPS Hope — Tue, 07 May 2019 11:00:55 +0000

Season Topic: The Many Facets of Forgiveness

Welcome to episode #3

Are you struggling with forgiveness after the death of your child? That is the first topic series we are tackling on this podcast, and this week we are going to specifically address forgiving those who have hurt us in the grieving process.

Mother’s Day

Before digging in to the topic though, we discuss the fact that this week is Mother’s Day, and I also share a word of caution based on something that happened between my living daughter and me.

How Could They Treat Me This Way?

I have heard from so many of you at how shocked and hurt you have been at some of the responses from people around you about your grief. Close friends, co-workers, other family members, even pastors and clergy, and casual acquaintances say and do things that can cause us to isolate ourselves even more than we do already.

Some of the reasons we are given for this are discussed, and why it doesn’t really matter. What is important is learning how to release ourselves from allowing it to keep us trapped in anger, draining us of precious energy we already have too little of.

Personal “Domino Effects”

We are all very fragile and vulnerable after the death of our child. This is when we need others to walk with us, giving us grace in the suffocating darkness of our grief. Unfortunately, that is often when we get slammed with the opposite response.

In this episode, I share a couple of painful and shocking things that happened to me as a result of grieving Becca’s death in a way that is considered normal for the death of a child, but others did not see it that way.

Hurtful Words and How We Want to Respond

Let’s just say it like it is. Some people say really stupid and hurtful things out of their ignorance and wanting to make us feel better, such as

At least she is in a better place now
I know how you feel. I lost my….
At least you still have your other children
You need to just move on and quit living in the past

And then there is the whole religious issue that God is punishing us for messing up, or that our child died because we didn’t have enough faith for their healing or didn’t pray enough or claim the right scriptures for their protection.

All of these are completely absurd, and you will hear my response to all of the above. (Some responses were actually given directly to those who said these things to me, and some I wisely kept in my head).

I believe in speaking things out….

If you would like the prayers/words of forgiveness to be spoken out loud that will be talked about in this podcast season, just let us know below where to send them.

Links referred to in this podcast episode

Birthdays: If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

This week we celebrate:

Patrick Keck… birthday May 7, 1990… forever 23

Sarah Wilber… May 10, 1984… forever 34 (this is the first year for her family to be without her, so a special hug from all of us)

The special song I wrote for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. (It is the song that plays in the background of the birthday segment.)

Event page (where Laura is speaking)

Events can be found on the GPS Hope Facebook page (be sure to like/follow the page while you are there)

OR under the “resources” tab at www.gpshope.org.

And please remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE.

You are safe here. No masks needed…

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.