All Episodes

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

Some of the things discussed were:

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

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

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

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

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (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.

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

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

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

Note: Today’s podcast episode, along with the other June episodes, are being

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

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

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

Find out more about the cruise or retreat here.

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (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 a very traumatic story. Before ending his own life, Jacke’s son, Randy, attempted to kill his wife, his two young children and his father-in-law.

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

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

Randy’s childhood: 3:00

Randy’s adult years: 6:46

The night it all happened: 12:20

Randy ends his life: 18:40

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

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

The current situation: 36:44

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

The divorce: 41:55

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

Jacke prays for the listeners: 57:32

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

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Connect with Jacke on her website at grievingmoms.com

Go to the GPS Hope website here: gpshope.org

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (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.

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

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

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

Go to the GPS Hope free members libray here. 

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

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

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

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

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

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

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

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

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

Take me to www.gpshope.org.

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

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

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

Sign up for the Weekly Word of Hope.

Sponsor an episode the week of your choice here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (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.