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Drawing the line between grief and mourning changes everything about how we navigate loss. Grief—the natural, uncontrollable emotional response—floods us with sadness, anger, anxiety, and even manifests as physical pain migrating through the body. Mourning, however, encompasses the actions we take: attending funerals, sharing memories, and creating space to express our pain.

When we covenant to "mourn with those that mourn," we're not promising to feel another's grief—an impossible task that belongs solely to the Savior. Instead, we commit to witness their pain without judgment or comparison. The greatest gift we can offer is our presence and the simple question, "Tell me about the person you lost," acknowledging that the bereaved are always aware of their loss—"a big man-sized hole" in every moment of daily life.

The journey through grief requires meeting eight fundamental needs: acknowledging the death, telling your story repeatedly, facing rather than avoiding the pain, remembering the deceased, developing a new identity, searching for meaning, building ongoing support systems, and being encouraged to mourn long after others have moved on. For those walking this path, seemingly strange comforts emerge—like my cemetery "stakeouts" with takeout food, creating a socially acceptable space to express grief that might seem inappropriate elsewhere. Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, understanding these distinctions creates space for authentic healing and connection on this difficult journey we never walk alone.

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If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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When tragedy strikes, our understanding of God's protection undergoes a profound metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, grief can change us into something entirely new—if we allow it. Today, Mama Bear Wendy explores what it means to live up to our spiritual privileges during times of profound loss.

The death of a spouse creates a defining moment that challenges our most fundamental beliefs. After losing her husband, Wendy's prayers transformed from what she calls a "shopping list" of requests to something deeper: prayers seeking alignment with God's will. This shift represents a spiritual awakening that often accompanies deep grief, where we stop bargaining with the universe and start seeking understanding.

Drawing inspiration from Emma Smith's remarkable self-written blessing, Wendy examines how this valiant woman—who experienced multiple child losses and persecution—didn't ask for protection from suffering when given the chance to write her own blessing. Instead, Emma sought wisdom, self-knowledge, and discernment. This historical example beautifully illustrates how living up to our spiritual privileges isn't about escaping hardship but developing the spiritual gifts to navigate it with grace.

For widows especially, unique spiritual opportunities exist. There's a special connection through the veil that allows continued relationship with departed spouses who "have not abandoned their sacred callings" to family. By recognizing and actively engaging with these privileges—through temple service, patriarchal blessing study, and consistent spiritual practices even in difficult circumstances—we can experience profound support and healing. Join Mama Bear Wendy as she offers hope and practical wisdom for those walking the challenging path of grief.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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We all want to say the perfect words to comfort someone who's grieving, but what if the most powerful gift isn't words at all? 

After my husband died unexpectedly, I discovered that true comfort often came from the most unexpected places. There were neighbors who showed up with "grief groceries" – practical items like paper plates and toilet paper when I couldn't think clearly enough to shop. There was the friend who texted daily for months without expecting responses. And there was the beautiful moment when someone shared Isaiah 54:5 with me: "For thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name."

Through these experiences and many others, I learned a profound truth about mourning with those that mourn: presence matters more than perfection. Like the rabbit in the children's book "The Rabbit Listened," sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone in grief is to simply be there – not to fix their pain or tell them how to feel, but to witness their journey without judgment or comparison.

In this episode, I share what helped me most as a widow, what didn't help (like being asked "Are you over it yet?"), and how we can all become better companions to those walking through loss. Whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, these practical insights will help you understand that healing doesn't come from perfect words but from genuine connection that helps the grieving not feel so alone.

Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, as we explore how to truly walk alongside each other in grief. Share this episode with someone who might need these insights, and visit mamabearwendy.com to learn about my upcoming grief support groups and companion sessions.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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Join Mama Bear Wendy as we journey through the poignant narratives of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, uncovering the profound lessons these characters have to teach us about navigating loss and grief. This episode invites you to explore the powerful themes of love, loyalty, and the importance of community support during our darkest times.

We start by recognizing the fundamental human experience of grief, emphasizing the power of companionship and understanding in healing. Moving through the intricacies of Ruth and Naomi's relationship, we delve deeply into how their bond reflects resilience and faith amidst bitter circumstances. Wendy shares personal anecdotes that resonate with their stories, encouraging listeners to connect with their experiences and recognize the divine glimpses of healing within everyday life.

A central theme is the transformative power of choice, as embodied by Ruth’s unwavering loyalty toward Naomi, illustrating how our decisions can empower us, even in sorrow. We witness the unfolding of hope and renewal as we discuss Boaz's role as a redeemer, emphasizing the essential nature of community in helping us through loss.

Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that it’s possible to embrace both love and pain as we navigate our grief. Ultimately, the stories of Ruth and Naomi inspire us to seek out the Savior in our suffering, holding onto hope even when life’s challenges become overwhelming. 

Don't forget to visit mamabearwendy.com for additional grief support and resources that can guide you on your healing journey. Subscribe for more insightful discussions that help you find strength and community in your grief.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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What if the very foundation of your beliefs is shaken by grief, leaving you feeling vulnerable and broken? Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, as we explore this question and embark on a heartfelt journey through loss, inspired by the teachings of Doctrine and Covenants 6:34-36. Through personal stories, including the profound experience of losing my husband, I share the struggle between fear and trust, and the challenge of finding peace amidst pain. Together, we'll reflect on the enduring truth that our worth remains constant, even when our ability to "do good" is diminished by the weight of grief.

In this episode, we transition from despair to hope, embracing faith and trust in the Savior's ever-present love. I'll share insights into the transformative power of repentance and the importance of viewing divine promises as realities in our current lives, not just distant hopes. By acknowledging the unwavering support of the Savior, we uncover a path toward healing and resilience. Through heartfelt prayers and personal reflections, find solace and strength in knowing that every promise holds true now. This episode is an invitation to seek additional support and guidance, reminding you that you are never alone on your grief journey.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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Grief often speaks a language that our hearts understand but our bodies may also echo. Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, on the Parables of Grief podcast as I unfold my personal story of battling idiopathic episcleritis amidst overwhelming grief. Discover how emotional turmoil can manifest physically and why it's crucial to listen to these signals. Through my journey, I explore the profound teachings of the Gospel and the heartwarming melodies I share with the children in my congregation, highlighting how the Savior's light guides us even when faith feels distant. Inspired by the resilience of Job and the wisdom of Elder Kent F. Richards, I invite you to embrace patience, humility, and faith in your own healing journey.

As we navigate this terrain of sorrow together, we touch on the unique paths each individual takes toward resilience and support. I introduce my resources at mamabearwendy.com, offering the Five Pillars of Resilience group and personalized support to remind you that you're not alone on this journey. With a virtual bear hug, we pause to breathe deeply, acknowledge our shared experiences, and hold onto the promise of hope and healing. Let's find strength in community and courage in our shared stories, knowing that brighter days are ahead.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please consult a licensed therapist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

Send us a text

Have you ever thought of grief as a companion rather than an enemy? Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, on a heartfelt journey through the Parables of Grief podcast, where we transform sorrow into strength. This episode brings you personal stories of loss and healing, beginning with a young girl's touching portrayal of grief as a character she learns to engage with rather than fear. Drawing from scriptures like Isaiah 53:3-5, and the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ, we explore how being "acquainted with grief" can be a surprising gift. By recognizing grief as a part of our journey, we discover avenues for healing and resilience.

We'll also share reflections on a concept known as the loss histogram, which highlights how past grief interacts with current experiences. Through the poignant narration of losing family members, we'll examine enduring emotional connections and the resilience built from those experiences. In this episode, symbolic ceremonies, like breaking glass objects, illustrate how acknowledging grief can release its hold on us. We end with the 5 Pillars of Resilience, offering support for those navigating their unique paths through grief, reminding you that hope and healing are always within reach.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please consult a licensed therapist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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Today's story is about a fiery furnace. In his talk, "The Triumph of Hope" from October 2024's general conference, Elder Neil L. Anderson  says, "As we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, we see beyond our struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity." 

In Daniel 3, there are three heroes: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men were rulers under King Nebuchadnezzar. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a big statue out of gold and tells all the people in his kingdom that they have to worship it every time that music plays. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to do so. They are brought before the king for their rebellion and their dissent. He tells them that the consequence for their disobedience is that they will be cast into a fiery furnace and killed. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do not waver in their refusal to worship any god but their own. In this spirit, they say to the king, "If it be so, our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thy hand, o king. But if not, be it known unto thee, o king, that we will not serve thy gods nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."

What if our miracle doesn't look like we thought it would? What if we are put into the fiery furnace of grief and loss? 

I did feel the Savior hold me together and help me to bear the burden and the fire that ensued when my husband died. The second time that I felt very strongly was about a week after my husband died. I went to the temple with a friend and did sealings. In that place of beauty and light, I felt angels come and I felt them sew me back together. When I saw my husband's body, it felt as though a train of reality had gone through the middle of me and I was split open and bleeding. I felt I had this big missing piece out of the middle of me, and I felt angels sew me back together. I testify that I was not forsaken, I was not abandoned in my fire.

Jesus Christ can succor us in a way that is unique to us, and I testify that God is still good, even if miracles do not happen the way we hope. Even if we are thrown into the fire, the Savior will not leave us alone. He will not forsake us. The word "succor" comes from a Latin word which means "to run to," and I testify that the Lord will run to you in your pain. 

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are experiencing men

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

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“Perhaps our Heavenly Father’s greatest hope is that through our fears we may choose to turn to him. The uncertainties of earth life can help to remind each of us that we are dependent on him. But that reminder is not automatic. It involves our agency. We must choose to take our fears to him, choose to trust him, and choose to allow him to direct us. We must make these choices when what we feel most inclined to do is to rely more and more on our own frantic and often distorted thinking.” 

From Fear By Virginia H. Pearce Oct 1992

My husband's mission scripture was Doctrine and Covenants 6:34, which reads:

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

At his funeral, the young women sang "Nothing to Fear From the Journey." 

The kids and I have walked around the temple listening to that song.

Through a review of all of these things, I've learned that God speaks to you in the way you need to feel seen and loved. There are no coincidences in grief. Sometimes God just wishes to remain anonymous.

The moral of today's podcast is that you have nothing to fear from the journey. 

“I contemplated the joy that will fill our hearts when we fully come to know the eternal significance of the greatest rescue—the rescue of the family of God by the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through Him that we have promise of eternal life. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of spiritual power that will give you and me the assurance that we have nothing to fear from the journey.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard April 1997

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please consult a licensed therapist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.

Send us a text

After losing my husband, I discovered the profound healing power of stories. Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, as I share how a simple game inspired by Winnie the Pooh became a cherished tradition and a symbol of enduring love. Together, we explore comforting parables, such as the touching story of dragonflies that beautifully illustrates life's transformation beyond grief. With inspiration from Jeffrey R. Holland's words about angels, this episode promises to be a heartfelt journey that seeks out solace and the quiet presence of the Savior in our everyday lives.

Navigating grief is a deeply personal journey, and I am here to assure you that you are not alone. This episode is an invitation to find support and hope in shared experiences and to find resources that can aid in your healing process. Visit my website, mamabearwendy.com, for information on upcoming grief groups and one-on-one support opportunities. Let us walk this challenging road together. With a virtual embrace, I offer companionship, solidarity, and a promising that, while the path may be difficult, it is shared. We never walk in solitude.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please consult a licensed therapist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Support the show

If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.

Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.

If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.

"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.