When our child dies, we are thrown into a suffocating darkness that we can believe will be with us for the rest of our time here on earth.

Join Laura today as she shares how we can rebuild our lives by comparing it to rebuilding a house, room by room. It won't look the same, but we can come out of the darkness and learn how to live a life of meaning and purpose again.

Listen to the podcast episode Health and Self-Care After Child Loss.

Listen to the podcast episode about our identity after child loss here.

Click here to catch the special to get When Tragedy Strikes for half-price.  Find out more about the book here.

Steven Kowalewski was born on March 11 and left us at age 28.

Quintin T. Flowers was born on March 12 and left us at age 54.

Kirsten Brown was born on March 12 and left us at age 25.

Matthew Branca was born on March 15 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.

The post 287: Digging Ourselves Out of the Darkness After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

Many of us thought we were building our lives on the Rock, until our child died, and we found ourselves in the sinking sand. Last week Laura shared from the hymn The Solid Rock as a springboard to talk about that.

This week, Laura continues the conversation, using a second hymn to share how she believes we can get out of the sinking sand and back onto the Rock.

Go to gpshope.org to check out the website for resources, and to get to know Becca, Laura and Dave better.

Check out Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents here. (There is also a link on the page to find the monthly Reflections of Hope books.)

Patrick Palazzo was born on March 2 and left us at age 24.

Aaron Wright was born on March 3 and left us at age 32.

Courtney Harris was born on March 4 and left us at age 34.

Jonathan Van Verdegem was born on March 6 and left us at age 19.

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.

The post 286: How Can I Trust God Again? appeared first on GPS Hope.

Many of us believed we were building our lives on the solid Rock, but after our child died, we found ourselves floundering on sinking sand. Hear what Laura shares about this topic in today's episode. You may even hear her break out in song a couple of times.

Go to gpshope.org to check out the website for resources, and to get to know Becca, Laura and Dave better.

Click here to see the list of FeedSpot’s Top 30 Hope Podcasts on the web.

Dharahan Walker was born on February 23 and left us at age 31.

Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and left us at age 28.

Paul Huprich  was born on February 24 and left us at age 19.

Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and left us at age 33.

Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and left us at age 17.

Miesha Grimes was born on March 1and left us at age 24

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.

The post 285: Do You Feel Like You’re on Sinking Sand? appeared first on GPS Hope.

Heaven. That is often on the mind of those of us who have lost a child. So, let's talk about it.

In today's episode, you will hear something written by a grieving dad that leads into a discussion about heaven with three points Laura makes. She ends the episode with some imagination from a few of you about heaven and what our children might be doing there while waiting for us to join them.

Today’s episode is sponsored by parents who wish to remain anonymous, in honor of their daughter, Cassandra.

To share how you imagine your child in heaven, click here and put in the comment section.

Click here to start receiving Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Find out more about the My Grief Journey book here. For the My Grief Journey for Kids click here.

Sign up for the Weekly Word of Hope.

Click here to sponsor a podcast episode in honor of your child.

Sean Kraus was born on February 19 and left us at age 24.

Jason Zimdars was born on February 20 and left us at age 35.

Mark Patrick King II was born on February 22 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.

The post 284: Thinking About Heaven After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

Many people use the beginning of each year to set new goals or see it as a time for a fresh start. As parents who have lost a child (especially in those first few years) those are not things we are interested in at all. In fact, we don't want to go into a new year without our child and it can weigh us down.

But, what if God could speak something into your place of darkness that could bring you the hope, comfort and strength you need? Listen in, as Laura shares some of those personal words she has received over the years, and encourages other shattered parents that they can do the same.

Click here to start receiving Laura’s Weekly Word of Hope. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents

Gavin Reynolds was born on January 19 and is forever 17.

Richie Rudkin was born on January 27 and is forever 27.

Celeste France was born on January 29 and is forever 17.

Ava Shaw was born on February 4 and is forever 20.

Brenton Smith was born on February 10 and is forever 24.

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.

The post 283: Does God Have a Word for You? appeared first on GPS Hope.

Today you will be hearing Laura interview Glen Lord, who has been on this grief journey of child loss since 1999, when his five-year-old son, Noah, died. Glen's heart of compassion comes through, along with nuggets that can be tucked away and pulled out when needed while on this unwanted journey.

Glen Lord was on the fast track to accomplishing his goal of being a CEO of a fortune 500 company. The death of his son, Noah, in 1999 put brakes on the life he had so carefully planned. As Glen sought a new path, he realized that there was a need for genuine, accurate grief information. This realization, plus his extensive business experience, fueled the founding of The Grief Toolbox and creation of the Walking Through Grief® program, both offer a community of grief resources around the world and a marketplace of grief and memorial products. Glen is past president of the national board of directors of The Compassionate Friends. He is a sought after keynote, inspirational presenter and workshop leader. 

Connect with Glen Lord: thegrieftoolbox.com  or  www.facebook.com/grieftoolbox/

Click the following links to hear the previous podcast episodes with Glen:

Episode 19: Finding Hope

Episode 20: Finding Your Direction Again

Noah J Barela budded on earth to bloom in heaven on January 14.

Ezra Djamen was born on January 15 and is forever 4 months old.

Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28.

Adrian Augustine was born on January  17 and is forever 18.

Jeanette Marie was born on January 19 and is forever 36.

Tommy Wills was born on January 19 and is forever 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.

The post 282: Grief Is a Journey appeared first on GPS Hope.

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.

Greg Buffkin’s website: www.emptychairendeavor.com

Click the following links to hear the podcast episode:

Tips for Bereaved Parents Heading into the New Year

A New Year Does Not Mean You are Leaving Your Child Behind!

Hope and Help for the New Year after Child Loss

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents

Want to know more about the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss self-study guidance courses? Click here.

Aria Arrona was born on December 31 and is forever 15.

Madison Clark was born on January 2 and is forever 20.

Luke Hebenstreit was born on January 4 and is forever 23.

Ryan Hines was born on January 7 and is forever 27.

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.

The post 281: A Glimpse of Hope After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

During the Christmas season, we are surrounded by the sights and sounds of being joyful. For many of us who have lost a child, we just want this time of year to be over. We don't see joy being part of our lives ever again.

In this episode, Laura shares from week three in her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents which tackles the topic of joy during the Christmas season.

Click here for more info on joining me live, or about the advent book Hope for the Future.

To hear a podcast episode about the fear if our child is in heaven, click here.

Go to the free GPS Hope member library.

Give an end-of-year financial gift to GPS Hope here.

Find out more about the book Come Grieve Through Our Eyes.

David Paul French was born on December 16 and is forever 52.

Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.

Adelaide Rowell was born on December 20 and is forever 19.

Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29.

John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32.

Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13.

Diane Holt was born on December 25 and is forever 62.

Nicole Daniel was born on December 26 and is forever 27.

Martin Jesus Alva Jr. was born on December 26 and is forever 34.

Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19.

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.

The post 280: I Lost My Joy When My Child Died appeared first on GPS Hope.

God will often use things in nature, or things going on around us, to speak to our hearts, showing us something we need to see, or helping us understand a truth we need to grasp.

In today's episode, Laura shares some of the things God showed her while walking mountain trails, that have to do with grieving the earthly loss of our children.

Click here for more info on joining me live, or about the advent book Hope for the Future.

Find out more about Reflections of Hope – December Edition here.

You can sponsor an episode for your child here.

Gabriel Burgos was born on December 9, who budded on earth to bloom in heaven.

Maria Elena Navarrete was born on December 12 and is forever 55.

Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32.

Tanner Allen-Harris was born on December 13 and is forever 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.

The post 279: Climbing the Mountain of Grief appeared first on GPS Hope.

This was an unplanned episode, but Laura wanted to share some things before the week was over.

With this being the week of Thanksgiving (here in the US) Laura started wondering if there is a difference between being thankful and being grateful. After listening to what she has to share, Laura would love to hear your thoughts. You can write them in the comment section under the podcast audio bar here, which is directly on the GPS Hope website.

“Black Friday” special: Click here to sponsor an episode in memory of your child for a $25 donation (instead of $50) through Sunday night, Dec. 1.

Click here for more info on Hope for the Future: An Advent Book for Bereaved Parents.

Find out more about Laura’s songs, and listen to samples of them here.

Brendan Weidner was born on November 28 and is forever 14.

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.

The post 278: Is There a Difference Between Thankful and Grateful? appeared first on GPS Hope.