Shows
Finding Grace In The WildernessEpisode 73 Interview with Greg Buffkin of Hope After Child and Sibling LossSend us Fan MailIn May of 2026, Sharon was interviewed by Greg Buffkin on his Hope After Child and Sibling Loss Podcast. This episode shares that interview. Thank you for joining us for this special episode. If you are a bereaved parent or sibling, please reach out for our Grace In The Wilderness resources at wildernessgrace.org. Please share this episode and information with those you know who have lost a child or sibling. There is also some helpful advice for those who love bereaved parents and bereaved siblings. Thank you for sharing, subscribing, and following our...
2026-08-2557 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastWhen “The Knock” Comes with Diane Grotberg, David’s MomA midnight knock can split your life in two. Diane Grotberg remembers the moment two sheriff’s deputies told her their 19-year-old son, David, was dead, and how the first thing she felt was that everything had changed forever. David was a Baylor University sophomore, a gifted musician and friend, and a young man whose faith and compassion had already shaped people far beyond his hometown in Minnesota.We walk through the hard truth of the hit-and-run that killed him and the long, grinding wait for justice, including the reality of delay, denial, and a trial th...
2026-06-0952 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastWhen Your Darkest Loss Becomes Your Ministry, with Samantha WatsonMiscarriage can shatter your world in minutes, and sometimes it happens in a place you never expected. I sit down with Samantha Watson, a military wife and mom, as she tells the story of her 2015 pregnancy loss while stationed far from family and still building community. She shares the moment joy turned to grief, the trauma surrounding the miscarriage, and the faith in Jesus Christ that held her up when she had no strength left.We also talk about the part people rarely prepare you for: how others respond. Some want to help but freeze because...
2026-05-2647 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating Life After Suicide with Melissa & Todd Shaffer, Tristan’s ParentsA teen can look like he is just “being a teenager” while he is privately fighting for his life. We talk with Todd and Melissa Shaffer about the loss of their 18-year-old son, Tristan, to suicide after a long, confusing road that included isolation, anger, depression, and warning signs nobody around them could clearly name. Their story is honest about what it feels like to miss what you did not know how to see, and what happens to a family when clinical depression and suicide risk finally break into the open. We also dig into the complicated realities behi...
2026-05-121h 01
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastGrieving the Loss of a Son to Suicide: A Mother’s Story of Grief, Faith & Hope with Anne Starke, David’s MomWhat is it like to grieve the suicide of a son? Anne Starke shares the story of losing her 16-year-old son, David, and the grief, questions, guilt and depression that followed.We talk about suicide-loss grief, the questions parents carry after a child’s suicide, the impact of depression, the isolation that grieving families can experience, and the difficult journey of finding hope again.For parents grieving a suicide loss—or for someone trying to understand and support them—this is an honest conversation about grief, faith, compassion and hope. ...
2026-04-2849 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastContagious 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...
2026-04-1455 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastRemembering 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 04
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast“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 05
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastWhen 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...
2026-03-0355 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastIn 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastGrieving 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 07
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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...
2026-01-2053 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastIncomprehensible 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 02
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastSharing 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...
2025-12-2339 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastAshley 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...
2025-12-0945 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by...
2025-11-2558 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastFinding 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.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one th...
2025-11-1151 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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...
2025-10-2854 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastThe 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.Send us Fan Mail ***
2025-10-141h 02
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast“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.Send us Fan Mail *** If yo...
2025-09-3059 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastInvisible 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...
2025-09-1641 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastChild 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...
2025-09-0254 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast“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...
2025-08-1942 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast“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 01
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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...
2025-07-2245 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast“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
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastName Change AnnouncementSend us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/ https://www.podchaser.com/HopeAfterChildSiblingLossTheEmptyChairEndeavorYou can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.comIf you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.Thank you for listening!
2025-07-0103 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastHonoring 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...
2025-06-2446 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastFinding 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...
2025-06-1038 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastCrushed 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...
2025-05-2743 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastProcessing 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...
2025-05-1342 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastMultiple 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...
2025-04-291h 00
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastFeeling 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...
2025-04-1546 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastProcessing 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...
2025-04-0136 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastDiscovering 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. Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encou...
2025-03-1841 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastEmerging 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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...
2025-01-2139 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastSurviving 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...
2025-01-0737 min
Grieving 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 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 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastRediscovering 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...
2024-12-2454 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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...
2024-12-1054 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating the Holiday Season with Greg BuffkinSend us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/ https://www.podchaser.com/HopeAfterChildSiblingLossTheEmptyChairEndeavorYou can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.comIf you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.Thank you for listening!
2024-11-1910 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastDiscovering 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...
2024-11-1242 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastFrom 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...
2024-10-2941 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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...
2024-10-1539 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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...
2024-10-0146 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating 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...
2024-09-1741 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA 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...
2024-09-0355 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastOur 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. Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hop...
2024-08-2042 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastOur 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...
2024-08-0639 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastFrom a Crisis of Faith to a Discovery of Hope with Teresa Davis, R.N., Andrew's MomWhat do we do when our deepest fear suddenly becomes our new reality? How do we even begin to process and navigate the pain and grief we never could have imagined? This is where Teresa Davis found herself on November 28, 2018 when she learned that her 32 year old son, Andrew had died when the plane he was piloting crashed in a very remote area, leaving behind a young wife and two children. Desperately wanting answers to so many questions, Teresa experienced a crisis of faith for the first time in her life. " The eyes of grief sent me on...
2024-07-2343 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast"Walking Through Fire" with Vaneetha Risner, Paul's MomIn this episode, well known author and speaker Vaneetha Risner and I talk about her long journey of loss and suffering beginning with childhood polio, several miscarriages, the death of her infant son Paul, post-polio syndrome, betrayal and abandonment by her first husband, and caring for young daughters alone while battling illness. We talk about how GOD lovingly met her in the fire of suffering, using it to radically transform her, and then "watched Him turn her suffering into a conduit of grace and a passion for helping other people find hope in their suffering". In her book, "...
2024-07-0946 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jenny Leavitt, Jacob's MomEvery year, approximately 11,000 people are killed by drunk drivers, an astounding number. Jenny Leavitt's 17 year old son, Jacob, was one of them in August, 2015. Miraculously, her 29 year old son, Caleb, survived, but was left with catastrophic injuries requiring a long period of healing and recovery. How do parents survive and navigate something so traumatic and senseless? Jenny, already a stage 4 cancer survivor, candidly shares her journey from brokenness, pain, and anger towards GOD, to a place of healing and restoration. Listen as Jenny shares how GOD demonstrated His love and faithfulness during her darkest season of pain and...
2024-06-2542 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating the Devastation of Suicide with Tobe and Amy Witmer, Abbie’s parentsAs the day began to unfold on June 28, 2023, life as they knew it would never again be the same for Tobe and Amy as they learned their precious, beautiful 28 year old daughter Abbie had taken her own life after a long battle with depression and PTSD. Tobe and Amy had witnessed the pain and suffering of others as they grieved their loved ones in his role as a church pastor, but nothing could have prepared them for this. The death of a child leaves parents feeling shattered and empty; suicide adds a layer of complication, disbelief, guilt, and e...
2024-06-1148 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Grandparent’s Grief Journey with Dr. Michael Bullock, Miles’ grandfather and President of Miles’ MissionIn our previous episode, Michael’s daughter, Jennifer Bullock-Moore, shared the story of the tragic loss of her beautiful son Miles to stillbirth in September 2021. Grandparents, like surviving siblings, are often overlooked following the death of a child, but their grief is just as real. In this episode, Michael describes the heartbreaking pain of losing his grandson and the intense weight of trying to navigate his own grief journey, while also grieving for his precious daughter and the pain and suffering she has had to endure. As a seasoned pastor who had counseled and comforted many grieving people ov...
2024-05-2845 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jennifer Bullock-Moore, Miles' Mom2022 statistics from the National Institutes of Health mirror findings of an investigation by ProPublica into the U.S. stillbirth crisis in which more than 20,000 pregnancies every year are lost at 20 weeks or more with the baby being born dead.As the news anchor for the local NBC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio, Jenn’s pregnancy was celebrated and followed in a very public manner. But on October 11, 2021 tragedy struck when her beautiful son, Miles Owen, was stillborn at 33 weeks with little warning. Listen as Jenn shares her story of unspeakable loss and brokenness, finding herself in a very da...
2024-05-1453 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Aubrey Sampson: Author, Church Planter, Podcaster, and SpeakerIn this episode, noted author, speaker and podcaster, Aubrey Sampson, talks with me about her personal grief journey and a crisis of faith following the sudden, tragic death of her cousin Cameron in a snow hiking accident. Describing Cameron as being like a brother, his untimely death resulted in a season of very deep grief and depression. As if that weren’t enough, after waking up one morning suddenly unable to walk, Aubrey was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease … all within a matter of months. Join us as she shares how GOD met her in the deepest pain and...
2024-04-3056 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Tim Challies, Nick's dadHow is a parent supposed to accept and begin processing the sudden, unexplainable death of their child? Healthy 20 years don’t just die suddenly without warning or symptoms of some sort. Sadly, a phone call brought this devastating news to Tim Challies and his family on November 3, 2020. His precious son Nick, engaged to be married, and working towards a seminary degree, passed away suddenly while participating in a school activity. In this episode, Tim, a noted author, speaker, and blogger talks with me about the impact of this unspeakable loss, and how GOD shows up in our places of...
2024-04-1649 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jessika Stephen Sanders and Eric Schumacher, authors of "In His Hands, Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis"What do we do when the news we receive changes everything and we suddenly find ourselves in the middle of a crisis without warning? It leaves us paralyzed with fear and uncertainty so deep we don’t even know if we can pray, or how we can pray. If that’s where you find yourself as you’re reading this, please listen to this conversation.In this episode, authors, Jessika Sanders and Eric Schumacher, talk with me about how GOD used the crises and loss they faced in their own lives, to inspire them to collaborate on their...
2024-04-0238 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Terry Sternad, T.J's dadFor Terry Sternad, the cold, icy December day on a horse ranch in Colorado, was to be one of watching his daughter take a riding lesson while his 5 year old son T.J. enjoyed exploring around the stables where he had played on previous trips. What happened over the next few hours would forever profoundly alter Terry’s and his family’s lives.In this episode, Terry and I talk about the heart wrenching loss of his precious son that day, how GOD lovingly revealed Himself in the pain, and put him on a journey of healing and...
2024-03-1945 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastNavigating the Nightmare of Suicide with Stephanie Carducci, Daniel's MomJanuary 31, 2018 should have been a "normal", otherwise uneventful day for Stephanie Carducci and her family. They would soon discover that was not to be the case, when they learned their beloved 17 year old son, Daniel, had taken his own life. The death of a child by any cause is such an unthinkable, unspeakable event for parents, but suicide compounds the pain and trauma with all the unanswered questions it leaves coupled with confusion, guilt, and a need for answers.Listen as Stephanie and I talk about how she has navigated a now six year long grief journey...
2024-03-0542 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Dad’s Journey Through Miscarriage with Eric SchumacherThe death of a child at any age is a traumatic, unspeakable loss for parents. All too often, however, the emotional, mental, and even physical pain suffered by parents as a result of miscarriage or stillbirth isn't afforded the same level of compassion or understanding as loss from other causes. In this episode, author, pastor, and podcast host, Eric Schumacher joins me to discuss the impact such a loss has had upon him and his wife Jenny, not just once, but four (4) times. If you have ever experienced such a loss, I believe this is an important discussion...
2024-02-2054 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Dr. Amy Ocasio, Thomas's momAs a licensed professional clinical counselor, Amy was well acquainted with clinical depression, it's prevalence and impact on the lives of teenagers, and associated risk of suicide. But on July 28, 2019 it suddenly became very personal when she discovered her precious, beautiful son Thomas had taken his own life at the young age of only 16.A single moment in time had turned her world upside down and would forever, mark hers and her family's lives. I invite you to listen as Amy shares her heartbreaking story and we have a candid discussion about clinical depression, suicide, and navigating...
2024-02-0649 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Danielle Duffey, Blake's momThe death of a child is so heart wrenching that it often leaves parents feeling as though they might suffocate under the weight of the grief. We desperately want answers about why it happened. How do we process such trauma and begin to navigate through the grief when there are no answers? Join me as Danielle Duffey sits down and shares the story of losing her sweet, beautiful 17 month old son, Blake, to a very rare condition known as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Unlike SIDS, this rare disorder strikes approximately only 1 of every 100,000 children aged 1 - 18...
2024-01-2346 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jessika Sanders, Founder and President of Praying Through Ministries.orgWhen life takes an unexpected turn that leaves our comfortable, predictable world turned upside down, how do we respond? Listen as Jessika shares the story of having to face the fear of losing her premature baby boy during his 37 day stay in a hospital NICU followed a few weeks later with admission to the PICU. By GOD’s grace and mercy, along with skilled medical professionals, he survived and is a thriving, healthy boy today! Jessika would describe these as defining moments in her life as GOD allowed her glimpses into the fear, pain, and suffering so many pa...
2024-01-0955 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Derek Farr, Micah's dadFor the majority of us, dates on our calendars represent a 24 hour segment of time that may be quite ordinary other than reminders of appointments, school events, etc. For some, however, a date on the same calendar represents a life shattering event that forever changes the trajectory of their lives. For Derek and Becky Farr, it came on September 28, 2021 when they received the news that their beloved son, Micah, had been killed in an early morning traffic accident at the young age of 27. As a career law enforcement officer and pastor, Derek was well acquainted with death...
2023-12-2655 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Rudy Milton, Dominique Williams' momSometimes, life deals such an unexpected, devastating blow that it leaves us crushed, and afraid that we won't be able to get back up because the pain and trauma cut so deeply. For Rudy Milton, it came on July 19, 2015 when she received the unthinkable news that her only son, Dominique, had been murdered on a public beach on Hilton Head Island, S.C. at only 17 years of age. In an increasingly violent culture, too many parents and families are left trying to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives just like Rudy. So, what do we do...
2023-12-1234 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Dr. Sonya Pitchford, Tanieka's momJoin us as Dr. Sonya Pitchford and I talk about the tragic, unexpected loss of her beautiful daughter Tanieka Coley to a massive heart attack at only 34 years of age on October 29, 2021, and how she is navigating through a journey of grief and healing with GOD's help. I believe you will be encouraged as Sonya candidly shares how GOD met her in the pain and brokenness of such trauma, and is now giving her the courage and strength to help other grieving parents by sharing her story!Send us Fan Mail ***
2023-11-2842 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Special Holiday EpisodeWith warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with hope, joy, and GOD's peace for you and your loved ones!Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/ https://www.podchaser.com/HopeAfterChildSiblingLossTheEmptyChairEndeavorYou can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.comIf you would like to share your story on...
2023-11-2105 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Charmaine Castillo, Curtis's momHave you ever met someone who epitomizes joy and gratitude, only to discover how deeply their life has been marked by unthinkable tragedy and grief? Meet Charmaine Castillo, a mom whose life was devastated by the news that her 32 year old son, Curtis, died of injuries sustained in an altercation on August 9, 2017. Learning this news through social media posts, served to compound the initial grief and trauma.Join us as Charmaine and I talk about her now six (6) year journey of GOD’s faithfulness in turning her pain and loss into purpose, meaning, and gratitude. Learn how sh...
2023-11-1455 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Chris Locke, Sean's dadClinical depression is no respecter of persons, having impacted approximately 29% of the population of the U.S., according to the latest 2023 statistics, and these numbers continue to rise. Tragically, depression, all too often, results in suicide or attempted suicide, leaving in its path a wave of unspeakable pain and grief forever altering the lives of those left behind. July 18, 2018 would forever mark the lives of Chris Locke and his family when they learned their beautiful 23 year old son Sean had taken his own life, and with no warning. A star athlete with a promising future, and loved by...
2023-10-3156 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Luis and Dora Perez, Luis Jr.'s parentsSuicide deaths continue to rise in the U.S., claiming approximately 49,500 people in 2022. Sadly, this translates into many times that number of survivors left behind to grieve their loved ones. It leaves countless unanswered questions, and lives shattered by the trauma. For Luis and Dora Perez, February 23, 2010 would forever alter their lives as they learned their beautiful 23 year old son, Luis, Jr. had taken his own life. As in so many cases, there were no obvious warning signs or behaviors, intensifying the shock and trauma for parents, siblings, extended family, and friends left behind.With refreshing transparency, L...
2023-10-1750 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Tristan Borland, Maria's dadFor Tristan and Jill Borland, March 2016 was shaping up to be an exciting and busy month as they anticipated the arrival of their fifth daughter, Lucy Faith. However, a very sudden, tragic turn of events shattered their lives without any warning on March 4th when their precious three(3) year old daughter Maria died at home after briefly displaying symptoms of an apparent flu like virus. Seven(7) days later Jill gave birth to Lucy. “The grief and shock have been overwhelming. We feel stranded between death and life and have no idea how to embrace this new beautiful gift as...
2023-10-031h 01
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation With Elizabeth Abaray, Delia Grace's momAfter enduring months of a complicated pregnancy, the arrival of her beautiful baby daughter, Delia Grace, brought instant joy, a heart filled with thanksgiving, and a sense of relief for Elizabeth. However, she and her husband were soon to learn that Delia Grace was diagnosed with a rare blood condition, but otherwise, appeared and acted healthy. Her condition took a sudden turn, however, when she was only 8 weeks old. We invite you to listen as Elizabeth and I talk about her journey from the sudden, traumatic loss of her sweet daughter through a physically and emotionally debilitating season...
2023-09-1947 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Sitrena Woodson, Tiffany's momOur lives are all marked by seasons. Some, we anticipate with excitement such as marriage, a new career, or the arrival of a child into our life. Then, there are those that ambush us without any warning, leaving us completely unprepared for their devastation, how long they would last, and radically change us. February 14, 2021 marked the beginning of such a season for Sitrena Woodson with an unexpected phone call breaking the news that her beautiful daughter Tiffany had just died of a heart attack at the young age of 37. Transparent and raw, Sitrena's story is one that, I...
2023-09-0544 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Ronaldlyn Latham, JaKeith's momChristmas is a season of joy, festivities, and celebrations with family and friends in our homes, churches and communities that we look forward to for weeks. For Ronaldlyn, however, December 20, 2016 brought the tragic, heartbreaking news that her precious, beautiful son JaKeith had been murdered at the age of 34. We invite you to listen as she shares how this unthinkable loss turned her and her husband's world upside down in a single moment. Two weeks later, unbelievably, tragedy struck again when Ronaldlyn's husband died suddenly from what she believes was Broken Heart Syndrome or Stress Cardiomyopathy. Suddenly Ronaldlyn found...
2023-08-2250 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jimmy Sprayberry, Lee's dadOne of life's greatest treasures and sources of joy is our children. They fill our homes with laughter and sometimes make us so proud we feel like we'll explode. And because they don't come with an instruction book, GOD often teaches us as we try to teach and instruct them. The Bible offers plenty of wisdom for parenting ......... but not so much for losing a child. In this episode, Jimmy Sprayberry and I talk about he and his wife, Sherry's grief journey that began one fall day in October, 2006, when they received a call that their precious 22 year o...
2023-08-0842 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Amy Sylvestre, Hudson's momWhat happens when unthinkable tragedy intersects our dreams, our plans, and our faith? We’re shattered, left in utter disbelief, a state where nothing seems to make any sense. In this episode, Amy Sylvestre shares the story of her and her family’s journey from a heartbreaking diagnosis several weeks into her second pregnancy requiring a move from their home to a hospital hundreds of miles away. Born months premature, and with only 2 chambers in his heart, their son, Hudson would spend the next 9 months undergoing surgeries and treatment in the only home he would ever know. Trans...
2023-07-251h 03
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Cory and Heather Wessman, Micah's parentsOur children are such sweet, beautiful gifts from GOD, and bring unimaginable joy to their parents. Even as toddlers, we have dreams and aspirations of who and what they will become. We can’t imagine a future without them. As you listen to this episode, I believe you will be inspired and find hope as Cory and Heather Wessman share the tragic story of losing their beautiful son, Micah, at only 9 months of age, and how they’ve been able to navigate a grief journey that eventually led them to establish Hope for the Mourning, an amazing ministry, foun...
2023-07-1152 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Jeff Rollins, Zoe's dadMay 7, 2014 found Jeff and Mackenzie Rollins off to another day filled with the same activities as so many other young parents; feeding, dressing and dropping kids off at the sitter's, then on to a busy day of work. But then came the phone call that changed everything and turned their world upside down. It was the call that every parent fears. How could their sweet, beautiful, healthy 3 month old baby daughter, Zoe be gone, afterall, she was just fine when they had dropped her off at daycare earlier? Listen as Jeff talks about losing Zoe to SIDS and h...
2023-06-271h 05
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Drs. Eric and Marcy Larson, Andy's parentsAs they were moving slowly through traffic on the exit ramp for a fun time together as a family at a baseball game, what Eric describes as "an explosion" suddenly, and without warning, left their world shattered. Listen as Eric and Marcy share their story of that life altering day that took the life of their precious 14 year old son Andy. How do we go on living after we lose a child? Does life still have meaning, and do I still have purpose? Marcy and Eric talk about the impact of grief from both a mom's and dad's...
2023-06-131h 04
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Sara Emmerson, Tate's momHave you ever received unexpected, life altering news from a physician ....... and it was about your child? Those moments seem to make life stand still, and leave us wondering if we'll even be able to survive it. Listen as Sara shares her story of losing her precious son Tate before she ever even got to know him. Hear how GOD showed up in her pain, and restored hope and purpose from all those broken pieces. Today, Sara is a certified life coach, with a passion for helping others find wholeness and purpose. To find out more, visit her...
2023-05-3049 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Amanda Cordero, Alliah Faith’s momAnticipating the birth of a child is most often associated with joy and excitement; it's the culmination of months of waiting expectantly for that special day after multiple doctor visits, preparing a nursery, deciding on the "perfect" name, and dreams of an amazing future. But what happens when, without warning, tragedy strikes and everything changes? Listen as Amanda Cordero talks about her grief journey after losing her precious, beautiful daughter Alliah Faith. Discover how GOD restored meaning and hope in Amanda's life that eventually led her to a new purpose.For more information about Mending Hearts...
2023-05-1548 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Susan Brunson-Bouknight R.N., Jacob’s momFebruary 16, 2019 brought news that every parent fears. Susan's 27 year old son, Jacob had lost a long battle with an addiction. Having incurred a serious high school sports injury, Jacob, like so many others, was prescribed opioid pain medications. What began out of medical necessity, eventually took control, progressing to more potent, addictive substances. Jacob fought a long hard battle desperately wanting to be free, but the addiction was too powerful. Listen, as Susan shares her four year journey from unimaginable loss and pain, to experiencing GOD's restorative work in her life. Discover how GOD can take our g...
2023-05-0144 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA Conversation with Davey Blackburn of Nothing is Wasted MinistriesOn what might have been an otherwise ordinary fall morning, November 10, 2015 instead was marked by the horrific and brutal murder of his precious, beautiful, pregnant wife and unborn child. As the story was unfolding on national news outlets, Davey Blackburn’s world had been turned upside down. Suddenly, and without warning, he found himself a widower, the single dad of an 18 month old son, and pastor of a newly founded church in Indianapolis that he and his wife Amanda had started after having moved from South Carolina. Listen as Davey talks about his journey from utter brokenness and pain to...
2023-04-171h 02
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA conversation with Monica Shire, Nathan’s momWhat began as an otherwise normal summer afternoon, July 13, 2022, took a very dramatic turn when a police vehicle pulled up at Monica's home with news that every parent fears and shattered her world. Listen as Monica shares her story about the traumatic and tragic loss of her beautiful son, Nathan. After only eight short months, her transparency is raw, but refreshing, and will draw you into her journey from the ashes of brokenness to experiencing GOD's healing and transforming the pain into hope, meaning, and a newfound purpose in life.Please check out the following links to learn...
2023-04-0343 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA conversation with Bob Sloan, Tracy Ann’s dadOn a day that began like most others, Bob Sloan was suddenly blindsided by the phone call that every parent fears, learning that his precious, beautiful 26 year old daughter Tracy had died from an overdose. Listen as Bob shares his story of living through a long season of grief to experiencing GOD’s gifts of healing, and eventual restoration of hope, joy, and purpose.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:...
2023-03-1447 minHope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor Podcast4 things you can do to help grieving parents and siblingsEquipping others to help encourage and support grieving parents and siblings.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/ https://www.podchaser.com/HopeAfterChildSiblingLossTheEmptyChairEndeavorYou can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.comIf you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we...
2023-03-0708 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastI'm so sorry, but he took his own life last night .......That one moment in time on October 25, 2015 seemed to make time stand still for Cathy and Greg Buffkin (podcast host). The phone call that every parent fears, would forever change their lives, as they learned that their beautiful 26 year old married son, Ryan, had taken his own life. Listen, as Greg shares some of their journey from blindsiding trauma and pain through a seven year period of healing and restoration by GOD. Learn how GOD brought wholeness and joy back into their lives and is using their loss to offer hope to others experiencing such traumatic loss in...
2023-01-3115 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA conversation with Rachel and Jaclyn, Justin’s sistersTwin sisters and co-founders of Open Frame, Rachel and Jaclyn found themselves completely unprepared for and devastated by the news they received that their younger brother, Justin, had suddenly and tragically died from a fentanyl overdose.Listen as they share how GOD took them from pain and brokenness to a place of healing, restoration, and purpose.Find out more about Open Frame by visiting their website@www.openframe.usSend us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by cl...
2023-01-1653 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA conversation with Jen FarlowFrom a fairy tale romance to tragic miscarriage, then less than a year later the traumatic loss of her young husband when their newly born daughter was just three weeks old, Jen suddenly found herself a widow and single mom and her world upside down and shattered beyond recognition. Listen as Jen shares how GOD showed up in the darkest place she had ever been to revive her from the ashes to a life of restoration, purpose and renewed hope.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and en...
2023-01-0352 min
Hope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastA conversation with Whitney Turner, Ryan’s sisterA conversation with Whitney B. Turner. On the morning of Oct.25, 2015, Whitney and her family's lives were turned upside down when they learned her younger brother Ryan had taken his own life during the night at the age of 26, leaving behind a young wife and 9 month old daughter. Married with a child of her own, Whitney suddenly found herself an only child once again and struggling to make sense of this unspeakable tragedy. Questions without answers swirled as she tried to move forward through the trauma. Discover how Whitney has navigated her grief journey over the past 7 years from...
2023-01-0351 minHope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastJanuary launch announcement!We value your reviews and feedback in order to continually improve what we offer you.You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com or through our parent organization website: www.emptychairendeavor.com.
2022-12-1400 min2022-12-1302 minHope After Child & Sibling Loss: An Empty Chair Endeavor PodcastTrailerAn introduction to the podcast.Send us Fan Mail *** If you find this podcast helpful and encouraging, please leave us a review by clicking one the links below:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/ https://www.podchaser.com/HopeAfterChildSiblingLossTheEmptyChairEndeavorYou can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.comIf you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.
2022-12-0205 min