Shows
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Mother’s Story Of Grief, Depression, and Hope After Her Son’s Suicide with Anne Starke, David’s MomA suicide can leave a family with a thousand questions and zero satisfying answers. I sat down with Ann Starke, a nurse, wife, and mom, to talk about the day her 16-year-old son, David, died by suicide and what it’s like to live with the shock of finding your child and realizing there is nothing you can do to undo it.Ann shares the subtle changes she noticed in David over time and why teen depression can be impossible to “logic away,” even when a kid is loved, talented, and surrounded by friends. We talk honest...
2026-04-2848 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorContagious Hope with Billy & Julie Melton, Juliana’s parentsThe phone call changes everything. One minute you’re living a normal week, and the next you’re racing toward tests, scans, and words like “concerning” and “brain tumor.” I’m joined by Billy and Julie Melton to remember their daughter Juliana, a newlywed with a contagious laugh, a love for people, and a faith that stayed steady through a long, painful 16-month cancer fight that ended on Valentine’s Day 2018.We talk about what happens after adult child loss, when the world keeps moving but your time feels stuck. Billy and Julie describe the raw first year, the...
2026-04-1454 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorRemembering Micaela, with Doug Schneider, Micaela’s DadA father checks “Find My iPhone” and realizes the unthinkable might be true. From that moment, Doug Schneider’s world changes forever. Doug joins me, Greg Buffkin, to tell the story of his daughter Micaela, a recent college graduate who landed her dream job at Warner Brothers, loved adventure, and wanted to be a light for Jesus in the entertainment industry. What follows is an honest conversation about child loss, sudden tragedy, and what grief looks like when it moves from the pulpit into your own living room. We talk about the early days after the fatal c...
2026-03-311h 03
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor“Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength” with Jodi Snowdon, Grace-Linzey’s MomJodi Snowdon is an author, podcaster, and speaker who serves women through her podcast, Depth, and her blog, Heartbreak to Strength. In August 2022, she released her first book, Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength. Having walked through multiple heartbreaks (divorce, miscarriage, & cancer), Jodi now inspires women to grow deeper in their faith and to find hope, joy, and purpose through their unexpected storms. She lights up the most when she shares her testimony using her cracked clay pot, a visual reminder that God shines...
2026-03-171h 04
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorWhen Hearts Shatter, with Carol Brown, Jackie’s MomIn this transparent and hope-filled conversation, Carol Brown shares her journey of grief after the tragic loss of her precious 29 year old daughter Jackie, who was a dedicated teacher and a bright light in the lives of many. Carol reflects on the impact of grief on her life, the importance of community support, and the lessons she learned about faith and God through her experience. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about grief and the significance of keeping loved ones' legacies alive. Carol also discusses her involvement in grief support ministries, highlighting the importance of connection...
2026-03-0354 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorIn a Single Moment, with Karen McCord, Carley’s MomOn this episode, Karen McCord shares her profound experience with grief, following the loss of her daughter Carley, a well known ESPN sports reporter, in a tragic plane crash while traveling to cover the Atlanta Peach Bowl in December 2019. Karen reflects on both the personal and public aspects of her journey through grief, the impact of her daughter's life, and the haunting thoughts she sometimes experienced about outliving Carley. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories to connect with others who are navigating their own grief journeys. Karen also shares how GOD revealed His love, grace...
2026-02-1755 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorGrieving Between The Two Rails With Ron Deal, Connor’s DadIn this heartfelt episode, Greg Buffkin welcomes Ron Deal from FamilyLife to discuss the profound journey of grief following the loss of his precious son Conner. Ron shares his personal story of losing Connor to a sudden, tragic medical complication, emphasizing the importance of not wasting pain and using it to help others. The conversation delves into the duality of grief, represented by the metaphor of two rails: one of pain and sorrow, and the other of hope and trust in God. Ron explains how navigating between these two rails is essential for healing, and how sharing their...
2026-02-031h 06
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Story of Faith, Hope and Love in Loss with Angie Ford-Green, Kevin’s MomIn this hope filled conversation, author and speaker Angie Ford-Green shares her journey of grief after the loss of her son, Kevin in a surfing tragedy. She reflects on the profound impact of his life and death on her identity, her marriage, and her family. Angie emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and the need to embrace grief while also finding hope and purpose in life after loss. Through her personal experiences and insights, she offers encouragement to other grieving parents, reminding them that they are not alone and that healing is possible through the power and grace...
2026-01-2052 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorIncomprehensible Loss, Courageous Faith with Janet BoxxIn this heartfelt conversation, Janet Boxx shares her profound journey through grief after experiencing the loss of her son through stillbirth and later, the tragic loss of two daughters in a car accident. You’ll hear us talk about how she’s continuing to navigate the messiness and complexity of grief, as well as cultural misunderstandings surrounding it, and the importance of community support. Janet emphasizes that healing is a long, often unpredictable process that doesn’t always follow standard models or stages. We also discuss the significance of lamenting and expressing true feelings to God. Ultimately, she shares...
2026-01-061h 01
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorSharing Our Grief, with Sam HodgesIn this episode, Greg Buffkin speaks with Sam Hodges, president of Church Initiative, about GriefShare, the number one grief support program in the world, and its significance in providing support for those experiencing grief, as well as the importance of community in the healing process. They discuss Sam's journey to Church Initiative, the signs of healing in grief, and some of the resources available for grieving individuals, including a new book titled 'Is My Grief Normal?'. We hope you will find this conversation encouraging, as well as informative about a proven resource for helping those who are...
2025-12-2338 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorAshley Opliger, Bridget’s Mom & Founder of Bridget’s CradlesIn this heartfelt conversation, Ashley Opliger shares her journey of grief after the stillbirth of her daughter, Bridget, and how it led to the creation of Bridget's Cradles, a ministry that provides cradles for families experiencing loss. Ashley discusses the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of grief, the importance of communication in relationships, and how grief evolves over time. She emphasizes the significance of honoring our children, navigating holidays, and the impact of loss on parenting. Through her experiences, Ashley offers hope and encouragement to others, highlighting the importance of remembering and talking about loss, as well as...
2025-12-0944 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating Grief: Insights from Melanie DeSimone, Dominic’s MomIn this heartfelt conversation, Melanie DeSimone shares her journey of grief after the tragic loss of her son, Dominic. She discusses the profound impact of child loss on family dynamics, the importance of community support, and the lessons learned through her experience. Melanie emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and practical strategies for navigating grief, while also highlighting her ministry, Heartache and Hope, which aims to comfort and support other bereaved parents.Share any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this p...
2025-11-2557 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorFinding Joy in the Midst of Loss, with Linda Cook, Joscelyn’s MomIn this heartfelt conversation, Greg talks with Linda Cook about her journey of grief after losing her beautiful daughter Jocelyn in a tragic accident. Linda shares her experiences of navigating the complexities of loss, the impact of her faith, and the importance of community support. Through her story, she highlights the ongoing process of healing, the joy of remembering Jocelyn, and the legacy she continues to inspire in others.Share any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking t...
2025-11-1150 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating the Journey of Child Loss with Kathe WunnenbergIn this heartfelt conversation, Greg talks with Kathe Wunnenberg, founder of Hope Lifters Unlimited, about her profound journey of grief and healing. Kathe shares her personal experiences with loss, including the death of her son and multiple miscarriages, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of grief and GOD’s goodness in our suffering. They discuss the importance of community support, the unique nature of grieving a child, and the role of faith in finding hope amidst pain. Kathe emphasizes the need for individuals to give themselves permission to grieve and to seek purpose in their loss, while al...
2025-10-2853 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorThe Impact of Grief on a Mom’s Heart with Christina Schuetz, Sylvia’s MomIn this heartfelt conversation, Christina Schuetz shares her profound journey of grief following the loss of her daughter, Sylvia, who battled congenital heart disease. Christina discusses the impact of this loss on her mental health, including struggles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and open communication in navigating grief, and how these experiences have inspired her to write a book aimed at helping others through their own grief journeys. Christina's story is one of resilience, hope, and the ongoing process of healing.Share any comments here *** Please t...
2025-10-141h 01
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor“My heart no longer beats the same” with Felicia Cook, Corey’s momIn this heartfelt conversation, I talk with Felicia Cook, a mother who lost her son Corey to a fentanyl overdose. Felicia shares her journey through grief, the impact of losing a child, and how her faith has helped her navigate this unimaginable pain. She discusses the importance of community support, the complexities of mental health and substance abuse, and her desire to honor Corey by helping others facing similar struggles. Through her story, Felicia offers hope and insight into the healing process after loss.Share any comments here *** Please take a m...
2025-09-3058 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorInvisible Loss, with Cheryl DavisOn this episode, Cheryl Davis, host of the Time for Mom podcast, shares her story of loss as a young mom whose heart was neither equipped nor prepared to deal with the grief of child loss. Cheryl’s is a story that represents over a million others just like hers every year in the U.S. suffering the death of a child by miscarriage. All too often, we have a tendency to rank or compare grief based on our own subjective views or experiences. This is especially true in loss due to miscarriage or stillbirth, and can result in...
2025-09-1640 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorChild Loss and Work with Shelly Kolwinska, Margaret Roses’ Mom In this episode you’ll hear Shelly Kolwinska share her profound journey of grief following the stillbirth of her daughter, Margaret Rose. In our conversation we discuss the importance of community support for grieving parents and the unique services offered by The Child Loss Foundation. Shelly's personal story intertwines with her professional mission as Director of Child Loss@Work to help others navigate their grief, emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion in the workplace for those who have experienced child loss. Threaded throughout our conversation you’ll hear Shelly talk about GOD’s faithfulness and goodness along her gri...
2025-09-0253 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor“Finding the Gold in Grief” with Sarah Beth GerbersFinding anything good in grief might seem impossible for you today, and if so, you’re not alone. Grief often feels like it has taken on a life of its own, and even wants to become your new identity. How can there possibly be anything resembling gold in our grief journey? On this episode you’ll hear a conversation I recently had with Sarah Beth Gerbers about how she began to discover gold on her multiple grief journeys; yes, Sarah has experienced the loss of a precious, beautiful child five(5) times by miscarriage! By any standard, that’s more h...
2025-08-1941 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor“Sibling Lifeline” with Bobby and Gabby BisterfeldtThey are known as “the forgotten mourners.” On this episode you’ll be hearing a conversation I had with Bobby and Gabby Bisterfeldt, founders of Sibling Lifeline, as we talk about how the death of a child affects surviving children. Both have experienced the tragic loss of two siblings each. As they share their stories, you’ll learn how each tried to process their own pain and grief while attempting not to be an additional burden on their grieving parents. It’s a common dilemma most siblings face after such a loss, but often overlooked or misunderstood by others who...
2025-08-051h 00
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Heart Stopping Call, with Mary McNamara, Zack's MomA phone call on Christmas morning 2020 brought heart shattering news she never could have imagined. On this episode, Mary McNamara talks with me about how one phone call forever altered her life that day. Her beautiful 28 year old son, Zack, had died during the night alone. We talk about the questions such a sudden, unexpected tragedy leaves a parent facing and trying to process. You'll also hear Mary talk about what a caring, sensitive, and funny young man Zack was as well as some of his struggles. With courage, transparency, and grace, Mary shares her own struggles along...
2025-07-2244 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor“I Will Praise Him in the Storm” (Hannah Sullivan) with Brad and Jill Sullivan, Hannah’s parents On this episode, Brad and Jill Sullivan join me to talk about their sweet daughter Hannah, and their grief journey since losing her to a glioblastoma brain tumor in February 2009 after a year long battle. Hannah loved Jesus, and her faith in Him enabled her to not only endure this battle, but to live each day with purpose to honor Him even as she underwent radiation therapy and surgery. Brad shares a very touching conversation he had with Hannah at one point that year as the two of them talked about why GOD allows us to suffer through s...
2025-07-0859 min
While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss262 | The Empty Chair Endeavor (Part Two) with Greg and Cathy BuffkinWelcome back to the second half of my conversation with Greg and Cathy Buffkin.In today's episode, the Buffkins speak directly to the grieving parent—especially the one who has lost a child to suicide and is wondering how to take the next breath, let alone the next step. With transparency and tenderness, they offer hard-won wisdom from their own journey, sharing what sustained them through the darkest days and how God’s presence, along with the support of others, helped carry them forward.They share honestly about the emotional weight of guilt, the unique stru...
2025-07-0246 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorName Change AnnouncementShare any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability for others, and we value your feedback!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/id1654053256You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/Our Facebook link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavorIf you would like to share your story o...
2025-07-0103 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorHonoring His Son with David Corvi, Charlie’s DadOn this episode, David Corvi and I explore the many facets of how grief after child loss affects men. The impact of such trauma is often overlooked or downplayed with dads, due, in large part, to cultural norms and unrealistic expectations of men in our society. While men and women grieve differently, men do indeed grieve, but the impact is not often visible. Having experienced the unthinkable pain of losing his beautiful son Charlie to late term stillbirth in October 2021, David candidly shares a dad’s unique journey from brokenness and disbelief to experiencing GOD’s loving kindness and...
2025-06-2445 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorFinding Hope After Loss, A Young Mom’s Journey with Rachel MaxwellSeemingly unpredictable and random, miscarriage loss leaves parents, more especially moms, devastated and brokenhearted. Pregnant yesterday, but suddenly today, no longer. She’s left with countless questions that often have no answers, feelings of guilt that she didn’t do something right, fear that it might happen again, and so much love in her heart that now has no where to go. In this episode, Rachel Maxwell shares her story and we talk about these challenges and how she faced them. With a deep compassion for others borne out of her own pain and loss, Rachel shares how she...
2025-06-1037 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorCrushed But Not Broken, with Tracy Dailey, Emma’s MomIn this episode, Tracy Dailey and I talk about her journey that began without warning on May 30, 2007. Eight months into her pregnancy and only 24 years old, Tracy was told by her doctor, after performing an ultrasound, that her sweet, precious daughter Emma, had no heartbeat. Everything seemed to slip into slow motion, and denial took over temporarily. Prior to the previous day, it had been a picture perfect pregnancy, and now the unthinkable had become reality and her life forever changed. Prior to this day, Tracy had never experienced grief. Now, without any support network, Tracy and her...
2025-05-2742 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorProcessing Grief as a Dad With Tommy Henderson, Nick’s DadCritically injured by a hit and run driver on 10/5/23, Tommy’s beautiful 23 year old son Nick died from his injuries on October 21, 2023, a day that would forever change Tommy’s life. Parents shouldn’t have to bury their children. Like other dads, Tommy had dreams of seeing Nick discover his purpose in life, possibly get married and have a family of his own, and enjoy activities he and Nick loved doing together. Like those dreams, Tommy’s life was shattered that day. I hope you’ll listen as he shares his story and we discuss the impact of grief on a...
2025-05-1341 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorMultiple Losses, Unspeakable grief, and Resilient Hope with Betty RingeisenIn this episode, pastoral counselor, author, and Bible teacher, Betty Ringeisen, talks with me about a grief/healing journey that began 20 years ago after miscarriage. Tragically, what lay ahead was unthinkable ... over the course of a few more years, Betty and her husband would experience the life altering loss of four (4) other children by miscarriage. How can a young mom survive, let alone process, that level of pain and trauma? Can a heart so deeply wounded ever heal? Betty's story is one of resilient faith and endurance in the face of deep loss and brokenness. It's also the...
2025-04-2959 min
All Episodes294: Child Loss by Suicide Part 2 (with Greg and Cathy Buffkin)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 Th...
2025-04-2935 min
All Episodes293: Child Loss by Suicide (with Greg and Cathy Buffkin)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.
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...
2025-04-2248 minGrieving Parents Sharing Hope293: Child Loss by Suicide (with Greg and Cathy Buffkin)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. Greg and Cathy Buffkin lost their son, Ryan, to suicide in 2015. On their journey that began out of unspeakable trauma and brokenness, […]
2025-04-2248 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorFeeling Isolated and Disconnected with Martha McGeehon, Everly’s MomHave you ever felt utterly alone and helpless when your heart has been shattered and your world turned upside down? Did the people you thought you could count on let you down? After losing her precious, beautiful 4 month old baby daughter Everly, Martha found herself in a battle with grief that severely challenged her faith as a Christian. At a time when she needed unconditional love, support and understanding, what she got from too many people were well meaning “platitudes “ poorly timed or thought out, while others were either silent or nowhere to be found. Most were kind, sensi...
2025-04-1545 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorProcessing and Navigating Grief as a Dad with Richard Wons, Trinity’s Dad“After Trinity died, I was barely functional”, is how Richard described himself after he and his wife Stacey lost their precious daughter shortly after being born. Doctors described it as a “medical mystery”. In a previous episode (12/10/24) Stacey shared about her grief and healing journey as Trinity’s mom, and in this episode Richard and I talk about the impact of grief and trauma from a dad’s personal experience. It’s no secret that men and women both process and navigate grief differently, and in our conversation, Richard shares how Trinity’s death affected his identity as a protector and...
2025-04-0135 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorDiscovering Hope after Brokenness with Rachael Chumney, Jamie’s MomThe unspeakable pain and trauma from losing her beautiful 2 year old son Jamie, left Rachael crushed, broken and rudderless. How does a young mom deal with such tragedy alone? Where does she turn to soothe the pain and find comfort? In the aftermath, Rachael’s life began to take some unfortunate twists and turns and she shares how GOD showed up on that journey and began making something beautiful out of all those broken pieces. Share any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Appl...
2025-03-1840 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Mom’s Grief Journey with Heather West, Adalyn and Maelyn’s MomWhen her eight month old daughter Adalyn died of two congenital medical conditions in May 2017, Heather’s heart was shattered and her life upended with grief. Three short years later, the unimaginable happened when her daughter Maelyn was stillborn in July 2020. How does a parent even begin to comprehend and process such unspeakable trauma? How can a mom navigate such grief and loss while trying to take care of another living child? Heather and I explore these and other questions as we talk about her journey over the past eight years from brokenness to rediscovering meaning, purpose, and ho...
2025-03-0442 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorEmerging Through the Crushing Pain of Grief with Kim Peacock, Nicole's Mom"When Nicole went to Heaven, darkness invaded our world, and we wondered if our family would survive the crushing pain of grief." Kim Peacock When Kim's daughter Nicole died in a tragic off-roading accident three days after Christmas in 1998, it left her shattered, and her whole world seemed to stop. No parent is ever prepared for such trauma and pain, much less equipped to deal with it. Kim and I talk about what that season was like, the struggles that descended, and how, by GOD's grace, she began to experience healing, and emerging through the darkness of gr...
2025-02-1851 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating the Grief of Stillbirth with Leslie Burman, Willow's MomAfter waiting the long arrival of their precious daughter Willow, June 8, 2017 was supposed to be a day of joyful celebration for Leslie and Andrew Burman. When their sweet baby was born still that day, their hopes were crushed and their hearts shattered. It wasn't supposed to be that way! How do young parents begin to process something so painful and traumatic? How do they go back to an empty home and try to figure out the way forward? "Through it all, though, I felt a sense of calmness and peace. It was out of my hands. There w...
2025-02-0455 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Grieving Dad’s Journey with Dr. Allan MacDonald, Josh’s DadOn this episode, my friend, Dr. Allan MacDonald and I talk about his journey with grief that began on December 31, 2018 when his 26 year old son Josh died after a valiantly fought, odds-defying battle with a congenital medical condition. Allan shares how Josh not only survived the initial heartbreaking medical prognosis, but went on to embrace life with a contagious zeal for living and doing all the things that weren’t supposed to be possible. We discuss the impact that deep trauma left Allan to process and try to navigate after losing not only Josh, but his marriage just a...
2025-01-2138 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorSurviving the Unthinkable Loss of a Baby … Twice, with Kendall and Andy Reid, Ruby and Jack’s ParentsFor most people, the thought of losing their child is almost more than their hearts can bear, seemingly unsurvivable. Unfortunately for Kendall and Andy Reid, this became a reality in 2017 when their precious 2 day old daughter, Ruby died suddenly in the hospital. Still grieving such a tremendous loss, their lives were once again shattered by the death of their second child, Jack, as a result of stillbirth in 2019. How does a young couple even begin trying to accept and process something so unimaginably painful? How does one maintain their sanity, return to work, and carry on with the...
2025-01-0736 minAll Episodes281: A Glimpse of Hope After Child Loss (with Greg Buffkin)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:
Tips for B...
2024-12-3154 minGrieving Parents Sharing Hope281: A Glimpse of Hope After Child Loss (with Greg Buffkin)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 […]
2024-12-3154 minGuest Interviews281: A Glimpse of Hope After Child Loss (with Greg Buffkin)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 […]
2024-12-3154 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorRediscovering Hope After Traumatic Loss with Dave and Laura Diehl, Rebecca’s parentsWhen parents are suddenly stricken by unspeakable trauma, what can they do, to whom can they turn, and how do they continue living with a shattered heart?For Dave and Laura Diehl, their grief journey began on October 12, 2011 when their 29 year old daughter, Rebecca, lost a battle with life long medical challenges that began at the age of three(3). Learn how Laura and Dave dealt with the pain and navigated questions that challenged their faith while trying to support each other as well as the grief their other children were experiencing.Finding themselves in the place...
2024-12-2453 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating Loss Due To A Medical Mystery with Stacey Wons, Trinity's MomWith no symptoms or warning signs to prepare her for what was to come after an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, Stacey and her husband Richard's beautiful baby daughter Trinity died shortly after birth in February 2006 leaving them crushed and broken. Doctors could only speculate on the cause, but ultimately it was to remain a mystery. How do young parents process such a traumatic loss and shattered hopes and dreams? As Stacey and I talk about her journey from the unthinkable, she candidly shares the deep impact of grief on everyday life, relationships with others, how GOD healed her...
2024-12-1053 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Mom’s Journey After Suicide with Deana Morris, Travis's MomBy most accounts, March 18, 2023 was just another ordinary day in Abilene, Texas. For Deana Morris and her family it was the day that turned their lives upside down as they discovered their dearly loved 28 year old son Travis had taken his own life. Suicide blindsides loved ones, leaving them with unbearable pain, a lifetime of too many unanswered questions and an additional layer of complication to their already unspeakable grief. Join us as Deana and I talk about her journey over the past several months; discover the importance of having strong community when we’re hit by the st...
2024-11-2645 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating the Holiday Season with Greg BuffkinShare any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability for others, and we value your feedback!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/id1654053256You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website: https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/Our Facebook link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavorIf you would like to share your story o...
2024-11-1909 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorDiscovering Hope in the Aftermath with Kellie Sipos, Emilie's MomIn the U.S., approximately 270 people die of a drug overdose every day based upon May, 2024 statistics. For Kellie Sipos and her family, these statistics became very personal on July 22, 2018 when their precious 24 year old daughter, Emilie, lost her battle with an addiction. Far too many parents have have had their lives shattered as a result of this insidious blight in our nation. Listen as Kellie shares her story, with refreshing authenticity and transparency, about a journey that began with unspeakable, crushing grief resulting in her own personal battle with substance dependency as she tied to deal with...
2024-11-1241 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorFrom a Tragic Beginning with Heather Gillis, Bowen's MomApril 7, 2011 was the day Heather and her husband Mac had been anticipating with such excitement for 9 months. It was the day their precious, beautiful son Bowen was born. However, within a few short minutes he was whisked away by medical staff because something was very wrong. A day that was supposed to be filled with celebration, suddenly took a tragic turn as Heather and Mac began learning that Bowen was born with Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a condition incompatible with life. Join us as Heather shares the story of her journey from Bowen’s terminal diagnosis, his all to...
2024-10-2940 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Rediscovery of Hope After Unspeakable Loss with Yolanda Martinez, David's MomEvery 39 minutes of every day, someone in the U.S. dies senselessly at the hands of an intoxicated driver! On January 20, 2015, Yolanda Martinez and her family experienced their worst nightmare when their 14 year old son, David, was killed when their family van was hit by a speeding drunk driver. Although badly injured, their daughter and a niece survived. Listen as "Yolie" and I talk about the trauma of losing her only son that evening, how she and her husband began trying to process the unthinkable, and navigating their grief journey. Yolie's honesty and transparency allow us glimpses into...
2024-10-1538 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating Life After Suicide with David Szweda, Hudson’s dadThe unthinkable happened on January 17, 2023. David Szweda and his family’s lives would never again be the same, as they learned their 24 year old dearly loved son, Hudson had taken his own life. Such pain and loss leave parents utterly broken, wondering if they’ll survive it … and if they even want to.A father’s heart is to protect and care for his spouse and children; the death of a child not only leaves him broken, but often dealing with a sense of guilt because he failed to protect, and anger because he couldn’t control the circum...
2024-10-0145 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorNavigating Stillbirth with Erin Maroon, Ashlie’s Mom and co-founder of Ashlie’s EmbraceAfter nine long months of waiting for the much anticipated arrival of their first child, a daughter,Ashlie, Erin Maroon and her husband Anthony were crushed and heartbroken as her doctor delivered Ashlie and discovered she was stillborn at full term. Without warning, their long awaited joy and dreams abruptly vanished. How do young parents even begin trying to process something so unspeakable with the unbearable pain and unanswered questions? Grief isn’t supposed to accompany the birth of a child. Join us as Erin talks about her grief journey and we discuss some of the challenges sh...
2024-09-1740 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorA Conversation with Kim Erickson, Austin's Mom "GOD rescued me when Austin went to Heaven by allowing me to understand that Heaven is a real place, more wonderful than we can imagine." Kim Erickson, noted speaker, and author of "Surviving Sorrow: A Mother's Guide to Living with Loss." Losing her beautiful 3 year old son, Austin, to a strep throat infection in April 2008, Kim's life was shattered and put on a trajectory she could never have imagined. Join us as Kim and I talk about her grief journey, how she and her husband Devon navigated their new reality as a couple while giving each other space to...
2024-09-0354 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorOur Story Part 2 with Guest Host Danielle ZapchenckA continuation of Greg and Cathy Buffkin's story of losing our beautiful 26 year old son Ryan to suicide in October 2015. Ours is a journey from the brokenness of unspeakable loss and pain to experiencing GOD's goodness as He began making something beautiful from all those broken pieces and restoring meaning, purpose and hope to our lives. Share any comments here *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability fo...
2024-08-2042 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavorOur Story with guest-host Danielle ZapchenckIn this 2 part interview, our friend Danielle Zapchenck , host of The Parable Podcast, guest-hosts for me as we dive into the journey my wife Cathy and I have been living since October 25, 2015 when our beautiful 26 year old son Ryan took his own life. While our story is one of deep tragedy and brokenness, it's more than that. It's one where GOD enters into our pain and suffering and demonstrates His love, kindness, compassion and grace in ways that we could never have imagined. You will learn how He has continued to meet us in the darkest season of...
2024-08-0638 min