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In this episode, Laura talks with bereaved mom Jody Hudson, whose daughter Alex died at the age of 22 after a long battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease. Jody shares the heartbreaking journey of watching her daughter suffer through years of unanswered medical questions and treatments, and the deep grief that followed Alex’s death. Yet in the midst of unimaginable loss, Jody made a conscious decision not to allow grief to define her identity, but instead to seek God’s direction for how to move forward.  Through faith, honest conversations with God, and a desire to honor Alex’s life, Jody found purpose in helping others, including starting a foundation to support Lyme disease patients. Her story offers encouragement for grieving parents who feel lost in the darkness, reminding them that while grief is real and lasting, it does not have to define their future. With God’s help, it is possible to carry our children with us while still finding meaning, hope, and purpose again.  Jody Hudson is a faith-filled mother, author, and speaker who shares hope from the depths of loss. After walking alongside her daughter Alex through years of medical uncertainty (which was correctly diagnosed as Lyme disease in 2017), Jody now speaks honestly about grief, identity, and choosing how we show up after life-altering loss. She is the author of My Promise to Alex, an award-winning memoir woven with themes of faith, resilience, and a mother’s enduring love. Jody encourages grieving parents to trust God, move forward with purpose, and remember that grief may shape us, but it does not define us.  (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) Links Mentioned in this episode: Jody’s website and book: My Promise to Alex: Through Pain Comes Purpose Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents Get your free copy of Rebuilding Your Life: A Gentle Guide Toward Hope and Healing After Child Loss To support this podcast and, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content, visit us on Patreon.   Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jeremiah Wofford was born on March 9 and is forever 44. Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and is forever 28. Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and is forever 54. Kirsten Brown was born on March 12 and is forever 25. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this tender episode, Laura welcomes Ashley to share the story of her daughter, Bridget, who was stillborn at 24 weeks after a complicated pregnancy.  Ashley speaks candidly about the trauma of delivering a baby who never cried, the sacred hours they were able to hold her, and the heartbreak of leaving the hospital without her. She also addresses the unexpected layers of grief that follow pregnancy loss—returning to an empty nursery, physical reminders like milk coming in, and the deep struggle with self-blame, offering reassurance that these painful realities are both common and valid. Out of that sorrow, Ashley describes how surrendering her pain to Jesus transformed her faith and eventually led to the ministry of Bridget’s Cradles and her book, Cradled in Hope. The conversation explores biblical lament, holding both joy and grief at the same time, resting in God’s sovereignty, and finding healing through Christ-centered support. With honesty and hope, Ashley reminds listeners that grieving with hope means trusting in eternity while allowing Jesus to walk closely with us in the present pain. Ashley Opliger is the USA Today bestselling author of Cradled in Hope and the founder and executive director of Bridget’s Cradles, a national nonprofit providing hope and healing to more than 30,000 bereaved families each year in over 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. She hosts the award-winning Cradled in Hope podcast and is a sought-after speaker and writer. Ashley also leads in-person and online support groups and organizes Wave of Light, an annual remembrance event held on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and two sons.  (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  Links Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Ashley at AshleyOpliger.com and BridgetsCradles.com. Send email to laura@gpshope with Bridget in the subject line for book drawing The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal are now available; order now on Amazon or directly from GPS Hope. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Miesha Grimes was born on March 1 and is forever 24, Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and is forever 24. Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and is forever 32. Courtney Harris was born on March 4 and is forever 34. Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

After the death of a child, the darkness can feel suffocating. In this deeply personal episode, Laura shares from her own journey of losing her daughter, Becca. The panic attacks, the desperate prayers and the overwhelming thoughts told her that she would never survive this kind of pain.  When everything inside us says life will never be worth living again, how do we begin to move forward? Rooted in Romans 12:2, this conversation gently explores how transformation begins in the mind, even when the heart feels completely shattered. With both biblical truth and insights from neuroscience, this episode addresses how repeated thoughts can shape beliefs and identity, and how intentional, faith-filled shifts in thinking can begin creating space for light. Renewing your mind after child loss is not about denying grief or minimizing love; it is about challenging the lies that keep grieving parents trapped in despair and learning that it is our love, not the pain, that keeps us connected to our child. With deeply heart-felt compassion and clarity, Laura offers encouragement that, with God’s help, it is possible to move forward without leaving our child behind. Links Mentioned in this episode: The paperback and Companion Journal are now available for orders on the GPS Hope webstore, along with the free gift of My Grief Journey when ordered in February. Click here to order. (They are both also available on Amazon.) Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Mark Patrick King II was born on February 22 and is forever 29. Dharahan Walker was born on February 23 and is forever 31. Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28. Paul Huprich was born on February 24 and is forever 19. Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33. Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and is forever 17. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

What does it look like to cling to God after the death of a child, when the pain feels suffocating, forgiveness feels impossible, and trust feels fragile? In this powerful continuation of Laura’s conversation with Linda Dillow, they explore the remaining heart skills that help grieving parents hold on to God and not give up. They talk honestly about lament as worship in a minor key, choosing trust over fear, the ongoing act of forgiveness (even when it must be repeated again and again), finding encouragement in God’s presence, and allowing praise to slowly become the language of a surrendered heart. If you are walking through child loss and wondering how to keep going, this episode will gently remind you that you are not expected to “get over” your grief. This is a journey taken one step, one breath at a time. God meets you in the mess, in the anger, in the questions, and invites you to experience His love in a deeper way than head knowledge alone. You may not know what tomorrow holds. But you can learn, even in grief, to trust the One who holds tomorrow. Linda’s new book is Hope for my Hurting Heart. She is also the author of several bestselling books, including Calm My Anxious Heart, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul and Intimate Issues. Linda and her husband, Jody, ministered in the former East European Communist countries and in Asia for eighteen years, training the leadership of the church. They have four grown children (one in heaven) and ten amazing grandchildren. Linda loves to encourage women to hope in God and trust in His faithfulness! (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to preorder The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal on the GPS Hope webstore. Order in February and receive a free My Grief Journey. Also available on Amazon starting February 19th. Click here to order Linda’s book Hope for My Hurting Heart.  (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.) Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and is forever 24. Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and is forever 35. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

In this first of a two-part conversation, Laura sits down with Linda Dillow to explore the heart behind her book “Hope for My Hurting Heart” and the personal losses that shaped it, including the death of her daughter, Joy. Together they begin unpacking the first three of eight “heart skills” designed to help hurting hearts cling to God and not give up.  As they discuss loss, Linda shares how grief must be faced rather than resisted, drawing from her own experiences of multiple life-altering losses. She offers gentle wisdom on endurance, perspective, and allowing pain to become a transforming work in God’s hands, setting the stage for part two of this rich and hope-filled discussion. Linda’s new book is Hope for my Hurting Heart. She is also the author of several bestselling books, including Calm My Anxious Heart, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul and Intimate Issues. Linda and her husband, Jody, ministered in the former East European Communist countries and in Asia for eighteen years, training the leadership of the church. They have four grown children (one in heaven) and ten amazing grandchildren. Linda loves to encourage women to hope in God and trust in His faithfulness! (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to order Linda’s book Hope for My Hurting Heart.  (Note: This is an affiliate link, which means a small portion of your purchase price will go to GPS Hope.)\ Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Coming soon: The Bible’s Grieving Parents paperback and Companion Journal. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24. Gage Purcell was born on February 10 and is forever 11. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.      

When God feels silent after the death of a child, many grieving parents wonder if their faith has failed, or if God has stepped away. In this tender and honest episode, Laura speaks to pareavors (parents bereaved of their child) who love God yet feel disconnected, angry, or unable to sense His presence in the depths of grief. Through real words from grieving parents and gentle spiritual reflection, this conversation offers space for honesty, lament, and the possibility of encountering God again; not through answers, but through His quiet presence within. Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to grab a copy of The Bible’s Grieving Parents eBook and find comfort in God’s Word for your grieving heart. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Josh Peterson was born on February 2 and is forever 35. Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20. Rose Elizabeth Charlton was born on February 5 and is forever 27. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.      

After the death of a child, grief can feel suffocating and impossible to escape. Many bereaved parents find themselves overwhelmed by painful thoughts that deepen the darkness and make it hard to imagine ever breathing freely again. In this episode, Laura explores how your thoughts affect grief after the death of a child, and why what happens in our minds matters so much in the healing journey. With honesty, compassion, and faith-centered encouragement, Laura shares how anger, bitterness, and false beliefs can quietly take root—and how, with God’s help, those thought patterns can begin to change. While we cannot control every thought that enters our mind, we can learn how to recognize which thoughts are pulling us deeper into despair and which ones can gently guide us toward hope. This episode offers reassurance, understanding, and a reminder that even in the darkest places of grief, you are not alone—and that healing can begin one thought at a time. Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope Click here to grab a copy of The Bible’s Grieving Parents eBook and find comfort in God’s Word for your grieving heart. Sorry, When Tragedy Strikes Kindle version is no longer 50 cents. But the paperback version is on sale for only $11.99  (as of 1/27/26). Click here to order from Amazon. (Note: using this link may give GPS Hope a small commission from your purchase.) If When Tragedy Strikes has encouraged you, I’d be grateful if you’d click here to leave a rating or review. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Lucas Wildgoose was born on January 25 and is forever 17. Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17. Lion Kingsbury was born on January 29 and is forever 20. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.      

Sibling loss runs far deeper than many people realize. When a child loses a sibling, they lose not only shared memories of the past, but also the future they imagined growing up together. For bereaved parents, this grief can be especially painful to witness—because sibling loss is rarely talked about and often misunderstood. Siblings who lose a brother or sister are often called the forgotten grievers. While much of the support and acknowledgment rightly centers on parents, surviving children may feel overlooked, unsure where their grief belongs, or hesitant to express their pain. Many parents are left wondering how to best support their children while navigating their own overwhelming loss. In this episode, Laura is joined by two guests who have each experienced the profound loss of two siblings. They also share a unique family connection as father and daughter-in-law. Together, they offer honest insight into what sibling loss truly feels like, what grieving children often carry silently, and how parents can gently and intentionally support their surviving children through the loss of a brother or sister. Whether you are a parent seeking to better understand your child’s grief, or someone wanting to acknowledge the often unseen pain of sibling loss, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope for walking this road together. Bobby is married to his wife, Amy, and together they have four adult children. He serves in the Air Force and lives in the country near Wichita, Kansas and is the Founder of Sibling Lifeline. Bobby is deeply committed to service both in uniform and in the community. He volunteers with Make-A-Wish, the Wichita Children’s Home, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). He is also actively involved in leading fellow Airmen into the local community through various youth outreach events. In his personal time, Bobby enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking trails, and playing sports. He carries the memory of his two brothers, Robert and Carl Bisterfeldt, both in Heaven, which continues to shape his compassion for others and his dedication to serving those navigating grief and loss. Gabby is married to her husband, Caleb, and together they share life with their two amazing cats, Miles and Willow, along with their dog Murphy. She works in business management and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. Gabby is the Co-Founder of Sibling Lifeline. Gabby enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling. She has a deep passion for serving others and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations. Having both a brother and a sister in Heaven, Caleb Lillis and Jessicca Haveman, Gabby brings compassion, empathy, and lived understanding alongside those navigating grief and loss. Links Mentioned in this episode: Find comfort in The Bible’s Grieving Parents now on Kindle or PDF while the paperback edition is on its way. If you would like to receive a weekly word of hope alongside thousands of other bereaved parents, click here. To learn more about Sibling Lifeline and connect with Bobby and Gabby, click here Bereaved siblings can join the Facebook community here Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27. Luke Joseph Raymond was born on January 18 and is forever 30. Joshua David Raymond was born on January 18 and is forever 34. Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

After the loss of a child, joy can feel impossible, like a door that has been permanently locked shut. In this episode, Laura gently shares three biblical, grace-filled keys that can help unlock your heart again after child loss.  Drawing from her own journey as a bereaved parent and from her book When Tragedy Strikes, Laura explores how thankfulness, the Word of God, and extending care to others can slowly allow joy to take root, not as surface happiness, but as a deep, steady undercurrent.  This episode offers encouragement for grieving parents who long to believe that joy is still possible, even when life will never look the same. Links Mentioned in this episode: This episode includes a session from the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss online workshops, created specifically for grieving parents navigating life after child loss. The workshops are based on the award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes and comes with a free eBook copy. Learn more at gpshope.org/wtscourse Click here to share your thoughts on the GPS Hope Facebook page (under the post of this podcast episode) or click here to share directly on the GPS Hope website in the comment section under the episode. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28. Adrian Augustine was born on January 17 and is forever 18. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

After the death of a child, the idea of joy can feel unreachable, or inappropriate. In this tender episode, we explore a deeper understanding of joy that does not cancel grief or require happiness. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is a quiet, steady work of God within us. It is something that can exist even while sorrow still weighs heavily on the soul. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, this episode offers hope to grieving parents who wonder if joy can ever return, and reassurance that joy may look different now, and that’s okay. This conversation offers hope for grieving parents who are asking hard questions, holding onto faith, and wondering what healing might look like now. If you are searching for hope after loss and reassurance that joy may return, even if it looks a bit different, this episode meets you where you are. Links Mentioned in this episode: This episode includes a session from the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss online workshops, created specifically for grieving parents navigating life after child loss. The workshops are based on the award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes. Learn more at gpshope.org/wtscourse Click here to post your picture on the GPS Hope Facebook page, under the post of this podcast episode.  Support the podcast and keep it ad-free: patreon.com/gpshope   Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

Entering a new year without our child bring heavy emotions for bereaved parents. The turning of the calendar can feel like we are leaving our child behind, especially if this is the first new year since their death. Even years later, the weight of time passing can still take our breath away. In this episode, Laura pulls up a recording from the archives, inviting listeners to hear from several experienced bereaved parents (pareavors) who have walked through anywhere from six to over thirty new years, without their child. Each guest shares their thoughts and suggestions about how to soften the pain of this difficult transition of entering a new year without our child.   You may find that one or more of these voices speaks directly to your heart as you step into this new year. Featured Guests Linda Findlay – International Grief Institute & The Grief Cruises www.internationalgriefinstitute.com Michele Paul – Umbrella Ministries www.umbrellaministries.com Mitch Carmody – Heartlight Studios www.heartlightstudios.net Sara Nelson – Footsteps of Hope www.hopefootsteps.com BJ Jensen – Love in Motion Signing Choir www.healinghallelujah.org Glen Lord – The Grief Toolbox www.thegrieftoolbox.com Links Mentioned in this episode: Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved ParentsA full year of encouragement written specifically for parents who have lost a child. It doesn’t have to be read daily. Just pick it up on the days you need extra hope and encouragement. Click here to learn more. Please take a few seconds to leave a rating and review, so other parents can find the same hope you are receiving from this podcast. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Aria Arrona was born on December 31 and is forever 15. Trenton Plummer was born on December 31 and is forever  22. Madison Clark was born on January 2 and is forever 20.  Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

As Christmas draws near and a new year approaches, this episode is a gentle pause; a sacred moment set aside to pray over grieving parents who are carrying love and loss side by side. The heart of the episode is a heartfelt Christmas prayer, spoken just two days before Christmas, acknowledging the unique pain this season holds for parents who are missing a child. Rather than forced cheer, this prayer invites God’s presence, Emmanuel, God with us, into the quiet, heavy and complicated moments of grief. Listeners are reminded that: God sees every tear, every memory, and every ache Love does not end with death Our children are known, seen, and held by God Peace is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ This episode closes with reflections on love, hope, and purpose; how the love we have for our child, when wrapped in God’s love for us, can become a powerful force in this world, even after profound loss. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join the Patreon community as a way to help keep the podcast ad-free, along with getting special access to things Laura only shares in the Patreon community. Click here. As the new year approaches, many grieving parents feel the weight of moving forward without their child. Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents, written specifically with that reality in mind. Learn more: gpshope.org/reflections Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29. Megan Tryphaena Petkau was born on December 23 and is forever 8. John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32. Diane Holt (Laura’s sister) was born on December 25 and is forever 62. Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13. Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Subscribe, share, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Support the podcast and keep it ad-free: patreon.com/gpshope Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.    

The holiday season can feel unbearably painful after the death of a child. While the world around us glitters with lights, gatherings, and celebrations, we grieving parents feel the weight of loss more intensely during this time of year. In this episode, Laura offers heartfelt guidance, practical support, and spiritual encouragement to help pareavors gently navigate the holidays with compassion for themselves. Drawing from lived experience, this conversation explores meaningful “gifts” you can give your mind, body, and soul as you move through the weeks ahead, whether this is your first holiday season without your child or your twentieth. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join Laura live on YouTube at 8:00 PM Central as she shares Sunday’s reading and lights the red candle of love. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents — a hardback devotional offering comfort throughout the year. Click here to learn more. Click here to be sent a PDF of Ten Ways to Honor Your Child. Special December Offer — a free Pareavor bracelet included with every paperback book order (excluding Reflections of Hope, which ships directly from the printer). Click here to claim yours in the GPS Hope webstore, where you will also find wearable hope on clothing merchandise. Help us keep this podcast ad-free while receiving special encouragement and bonus content. Join the GPS Hope Community on Patreon Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jeff-Free Hoke was born on December 17 and is forever 33. Adelaide Rowell was born on December 20 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Christmas can stir up a deep ache for any parent who has lost a child. The lights, the music, and the memories bring both beauty and pain, often side by side. In this week’s episode, Laura shares a tender and meaningful offering for this difficult season: she reads several comforting and encouraging daily entries (Tuesday through Saturday) from her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents. These readings are meant to gently guide you toward finding God’s peace after child loss at Christmastime, whether you listen all at once or pause after each day’s reflection. This episode provides calm, hope-filled moments to breathe, reflect, and feel less alone during the holidays. Laura’s hope and prayer for each listener, is that as you move through this sacred and tender season, you experience God’s peace after child loss at Christmastime in ways that meet you gently right where you are. May His love wrap around you like a warm blanket, bringing moments of comfort, hope, and light.   Links Mentioned in this episode: One powerful way to experience and share God’s peace after child loss at Christmastime is to honor your child in a meaningful, lasting way. To Sponsor a podcast episode, click here . Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. GPS Hope YouTube Channel for weekly Advent candle lighting Take advantage of purchasing a book and getting a free pareavor/hope bracelet. Click here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ashton Boldt was born on December 8 and is forever 22. Aaron Fitzgerald was born on December 10 and is forever 24. Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

When we lose a child, part of us dies too. One of the deepest questions a grieving parent asks in those early months and even years is, “Who am I now?” The identity we had as a parent suddenly shifts, and our role looks nothing like what we thought it would. Today’s episode looks at that identity after child loss and what it truly means to be a pareavor. Most of us never heard a word for a parent who has lost a child until the word pareavor came along. Pareavor gives language to a grief and experience that was never named in our culture. It validates our loss and our story. But as powerful as it is, it still isn’t the whole story of who you are. In this episode we talk about the deeper identity we carry as believers—one that goes beyond grief and beyond the label of pareavor. We look at who we are in Christ, why God calls us His children, and why it changes everything for our future. Whether you are new to GPS Hope or have been walking with us for years, you are not alone. You carry a story that continues beyond death. Your child is safe with God, and you are held firmly in His hands. Your purpose is not over, and your life still has great meaning. If you’ve ever asked, “Who am I now after losing my child?” this episode is for you. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join the GPS Hope Community on Patreon Here: Help us keep this podcast ad-free while receiving special encouragement and bonus content. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Click here to look at Laura’s books and get your free pareavor/hope bracelet when you place your order through the month of December. (This excludes digital books or Reflections of Hope.) See the bracelet or order more here. Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ginny Rettig was born on November 30 and is forever 21. Drew Jaggars was born on December 2 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Today’s guest has lived life after losing a child for nearly thirty years, which means he brings decades of hard-won wisdom and the honesty of someone who still remembers the darkness well. Like most pareavors, Tracy Brinkmann never imagined he could climb out of that crushing place of grief. But his story is a powerful example of how one dad found meaning, purpose, and God again after the unthinkable happened. In our conversation, Tracy shares openly about the deep anger he carried toward God after his 18-month-old daughter, Krysta, died in his arms. We talk about what it looks like to move through that anger instead of living in it, the surprising ways his prayers and relationship with God were reshaped, and the conscious decision he made to rebuild a life that mattered again. This episode is a heartfelt look at the real journey of life after losing a child; a journey full of questions, rebuilding, unexpected grace, and the slow return of purpose. Tracy’s honesty shows that even when faith feels shattered, God has a way of meeting us in the dark and gently leading us forward. Tracy Brinkmann is a father of four, a former military man, and the voice behind The Dark Horse Entrepreneur – AI Escape Plan and Your Success DNA, two shows drawing more than 300,000 monthly downloads. His life reads like a redemption story—addiction, the devastating loss of his daughter, divorce, bankruptcy—yet Tracy rose from it all to lead corporate marketing teams and build a thriving digital brand. Today, he helps parents and small business owners compress time and multiply income through AI, podcasting, and automation. His reactivation campaigns have produced a month’s worth of revenue in under seven days. Tracy speaks with compassion, clarity, and conviction—living proof that no setback is final, and no dream is too late. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  Links Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Tracy Brinkmann: Website | Podcast Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Share with Laura and others a way you brightened your own day a bit by brightening someone else’s here on the GPS Hope website under the show notes. (Or on the public or private GPS Hope page under the podcast episode.) Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Elizabeth Pasqualone was born on November 14 and is forever 28. Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38. Brendan Weidner was born on November 28 and is forever 14. Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21. Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In recognition of National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Nov. 22), today’s episode features a deeply heartfelt conversation with a remarkable pareavor, Carol Krawiec. Carol has endured the unimaginable, losing three of her five sons, with her most recent loss being to suicide. She opens her heart and shares the stories of her boys, the weight of navigating suicide loss, and how God’s steady presence has carried her and her husband, Fran, through overwhelming grief. Carol speaks honestly about mental illness, addiction, guilt, questions, and the lifelong ache of losing a child. Although this episode focuses on suicide loss, the wisdom, comfort, and hope Carol offers are meaningful for every grieving parent. Carol and her husband Francis have been married for 48 years.  Carol is a retired Special Education teacher. For over 50 years she worked to develop programs for children and adults with special needs in the community, the classroom and in local churches. Carol is currently a Leader with Grieving Moms Finding Hope and conducts several Zoom Groups each week. She has also been a speaker and group leader for Umbrella Ministries. Carol and Fran facilitate a BASIS support group for parents that have experienced child loss each month in Cape May County, NJ. After the inconceivable loss of her 3 sons, it has become Carol’s desire that none of her pain would be wasted, but rather used by God to strengthen the hearts of others walking the journey of child loss. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) Links Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Carol: ckrawiec806@yahoo.com  Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent. Check out all the ways to wrap yourself in warmth and hope here.  Would you like to sponsor an episode in honor of your child? You can do that here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Lara Ann was born on November 17 and is forever 15. Timothy Krawiec was born on November 17 and is forever 27. Benjamin Krawiec was born on November 21 and is forever 32. Matthew Conte was born on November 22 and is forever 36. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The holidays can highlight our grief in painful ways when our child is no longer here with us. This week, Laura talks about how gratitude and grief can coexist — especially during the holiday season — and how God gently meets us in both. You’ll hear Laura share a deeply personal story about Becca’s last Thanksgiving — how supporting her desire to host created a bittersweet memory that has become precious. It’s a beautiful reminder that the smallest gifts and moments can be sacred, even in the ache of loss. She also shares that God truly can be Emmanuel – God with us – through the Christmas season. This episode offers gentle encouragement to recognize the goodness still present, without denying or minimizing the pain. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon. Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents — Click here If this episode encouraged your heart, would you share it with another grieving parent who may need to know they aren’t alone this holiday season? You can also connect with Laura and other pareavors through: Website | Facebook | YouTube Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jake Hammaker was born on November 4 and is forever 26.  Everett Molino was born on November 9 and is forever 15. Beau-Dean Gordon was born on November 10 and is forever 23. Nathan Theriault was born on November 11 and is forever 2. Solange Pantoja was born on November 13 and is forever 33. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

When our child leaves this earth before we do, it can feel like everything inside of us has died too. But God has already planted a small seed of hope deep within our hearts, because Jesus, the giver of Hope lives in us (through the Holy Spirit). However, we need to water that seed of hope after child loss. It is a seed that needs care, connection, and time to grow. In this heartfelt episode, Laura shares how healing begins to take root when we stay connected with God and with others who understand our pain. You will also hear from other pareavors what they have done to water that seed of hope. As we water the seed of hope in our own hearts, we will find that sharing our hope with others actually multiplies it. In this episode, Laura also shares how you can do that through GPS Hope, the ministry behind the Grieving Parents Sharing Hope podcast, and how together, we can build a community where no grieving parent walks alone. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon. Order your signed copy of My Grief Journey here. Click here to write a review for My Grief Journey. Ask to join the My Grief Journey Facebook group here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Chione Beverly McNeil was born on October 31 and is forever 15. Chaney Patrich was born on November 4 and is forever 20. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal way. John and Laura talk about the soul-searching journey of faith after loss, the spiritual unmooring that many bereaved parents experience, and how putting words to your pain can bring clarity, peace, and even glimpses of joy again. John shares practical tips on how to begin writing (whether journaling, storytelling, or simply putting thoughts to paper) and why it doesn’t matter what form it takes. Writing can be a sacred act of remembrance, helping you express emotions you may not be able to speak out loud. Laura also reflects on how writing can be a spiritual practice, like David’s raw and honest psalms as a way to lament, process, and honor your child’s continuing place in your heart and life. If you’ve ever wondered whether writing could help you heal, this heartfelt discussion will give you gentle encouragement and practical insight to start. John Dedakis is a writing coach, an award-winning novelist of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels, and manuscript editor. He is a former White House correspondent and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”, John regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John DeDakis”. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, John now lives with his wife Cindy in Baltimore, Maryland. In his spare time, what little he has of it, is a jazz and rock-and-roll drummer. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) Links Mentioned in this episode: Click here to connect with John on his website. Order your signed copy of My Grief Journey here. Click here to write a review for My Grief Journey. Ask to join the GPS Hope Private Facebook page. Share your thoughts with Laura about this podcast episode. Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (November Edition). Find out more about how to join Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise this coming February here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Hannah MacFarlane was born on October 26 and is forever 9. Myles Wofford was born on October 27 and is forever 4 weeks. Eric Birth was born on October 28 and is forever 29. Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19. Cassius John Franswah Jr was born on October 30 and is forever 26. James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months.  Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.