When your child has been gone from this Earth for almost as long as he had lived, you are a true survivor of child loss. In this week's episode, Ann Ryan remembers the sudden loss of her only son Ernie at the age of 24, while he was fulfilling his dream of becoming a US Marine. She recounts the lessons she has learned in her grief experience more than two decades later, and offers advice for hope to other parents.  Ann also shares how listening to a powerful collection of music helped her through her darkest hours.

Inspired, we looked up the music after our interview and fell in love! Singer/songwriter Cindy Bullens (Cidny) wrote and produced the album after the devastating loss of her own young daughter, Jesse.  We loved the music so much, we adopted (with full blessing) the beautiful song As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) as our podcast theme song. This amazing artistry is available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Buy it for yourself, or to offer comfort for someone you love, and mention you heard about it on Holding the Light and receive a special signed copy!   

What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.

Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US ([email protected]) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.

Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!

We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Love what you heard?

• leave us...