Warrior Moms: Surviving Child Loss

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

A remarkable transformation unfolds when heartbreak meets creativity. Michele Davis, co-host of Warrior Moms podcast and grieving mother, shares the extraordinary journey of how her poem about her son Carter became "Traces of You" - a song her student Slater performed on American Idol that's now touching millions of lives across America.

Michele reveals how she broke through her emotional writing block during a writing retreat, finding inspiration in the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus -  another parent who lost a son. This breakthrough led to a poem exploring how we search for remnants of our loved ones in everyday moments - the fingerprints, both literal and figurative, that remain when someone is gone. When her student Slater transformed these words into music, neither anticipated how far their collaboration would reach.

The conversation delves into the complicated emotions of navigating both joy and profound grief simultaneously. Michele describes performing the song with Slater at their school, the physical exhaustion of grief, and how the American Idol platform has connected Warrior Moms with grieving parents nationwide who are reaching out for support. The hosts challenge the misconception that "time heals all wounds," emphasizing instead that healing requires intentional work, community, and the courage to find meaning amid loss. As Michele poignantly shares clips of the original poem alongside the song's impact, listeners witness how art can transform personal tragedy into collective healing.

Have you experienced loss? Listen as Michele and Amy demonstrate how sharing our grief stories creates connection and how, despite the pain, our loved ones were "worth every single breath." This episode offers not just comfort to those grieving, but insight for anyone seeking to support someone navigating loss.

Bonus: Listen to Michele Davis and Slater Nalley's duet of "Traces of You"

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

Christy Howard joins Amy Durham and Michele Davis to share their unique experience on organ donation few have experienced - being both a recipient family and a donor family. Her journey began when her father-in-law received a life-saving liver transplant in his seventies. The miracle wasn't lost on Christy's daughter Ashley, who eagerly registered as an organ donor when getting her learner's permit at 15.

Tragically, just seven months later, Ashley suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a boating accident. After four days of intensive care, she was declared brain dead. Without hesitation, Christy and her husband honored Ashley's wishes, beginning a complex process that would ultimately save four lives - including an 8-year-old girl who received Ashley's heart after being confined to a hospital, dependent on an artificial heart device.

The symmetry is profound: Ashley shared a birthday with her grandfather who received a transplant, spent four days in the hospital and saved four lives. "She literally lives on," Christy explains, finding purpose in this continuation of Ashley's presence in the world.

Christy dispels common misconceptions about organ donation, explaining that medical teams exhaust every life-saving option before donation is considered. She highlights the urgent need - over 100,000 Americans currently await transplants, with 17 dying daily while waiting, and a new name added every eight minutes.

For fifteen years, Christy has channeled her grief into advocacy, educating hospital staff, high school students, and community groups. Through her storytelling, Ashley's impact extends far beyond the four lives she directly saved - countless others have registered as donors after learning about this remarkable young woman's legacy.

Have you registered as an organ donor? More importantly, have you shared your wishes with your family? These conversations matter - you truly have the power to donate life.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

What happens when grief and love collide? Robyn and Bart's powerful story answers this question with extraordinary grace and honesty.

When Robyn lost her children Shaun and Morgan in a devastating house fire, she never imagined finding love again. Yet a year after the fire, she found herself on a dating app, boldly telling a stranger named Bart about the worst night of her life. "I come with no things, but I come with a lot of baggage," she admits with characteristic candor. Rather than running, Bart listened with compassion that would become the hallmark of their relationship.

Their journey defies conventional wisdom about grief and relationships. Bart fell deeply in love not just with Robyn, but with Shaun and Morgan too—children he would never physically meet but whose presence became integral to their family life. Meanwhile, Bart's young daughter Isabelle embraced them as her "bonus brother and sister," asking questions about them and carrying their stories forward in the most beautiful way.

The most remarkable aspect of Robyn and Bart's relationship is their authentic approach to balancing joy and sorrow. They've created space for both celebration and remembrance, exemplified in their Disney wedding where Shaun and Morgan's photos adorned Robyn's bouquet. As Robyn puts it, "We're a family of five and we'll always be a family of five, but only getting to celebrate earthly things as a family of three is sad."

Their story offers profound lessons about resilience, honest communication, and finding purpose through pain. They've established a foundation in Shaun and Morgan's names, with even young Isabelle participating in their mission to educate others about fire safety. Through it all, they've maintained a steadfast faith that guides them, with Robyn's mantra becoming Bart's strength: "They wouldn't want me to quit."

Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how two people found extraordinary love after unimaginable loss, proving that hearts can expand to hold both grief and joy—sometimes in the very same moment.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

How do we find moments of light after unthinkable loss? Alison Chick joins us to share how her life transformed when her son Alex died in a motorcycle accident just days after his high school graduation. Her raw honesty about that devastating day—from the moment she saw a traffic advisory near their home to the unbearable hospital visit—captures the shattering reality of losing a child.

Yet within this heartbreak, Alison reveals the unexpected ways she's found connection and meaning. She tells us about the "Alex winks"—those inexplicable moments when coincidences feel like something more. Like discovering that one of the women who stopped to comfort Alex after his accident had a meaningful encounter with Alison's husband years earlier. Or finding a heart-shaped petal in her memorial garden on a difficult Mother's Day.

What strikes deepest is Alison's grace-filled approach to grief. Six years later, she still keeps Alex's room largely as he left it, including his last load of laundry. Her philosophy—"Maybe someday, but not today"—offers permission to process loss without timelines or judgment. This same compassion extends to how she honors Alex's kind spirit through "pay it forward" cards, performing random acts of kindness in her son's memory.

For fellow grieving parents, Alison's wisdom is both simple and profound: "If you want to talk about your child, talk about your child." And for everyone: "Give grace. Just give everybody grace." Including yourself.

This conversation reminds us that grief evolves but doesn't disappear, and that finding peace comes not from "moving on" but from carrying our loved ones with us as we continue living. As Alison puts it, success in grief can be as simple as putting your feet on the floor each morning—a powerful reminder for anyone navigating life after loss.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

Dr. Desai joins Warrior Moms Amy Durham and Michele Davis to share a raw, powerful account of what happens when professional and personal crises collide. As a hospital director during COVID-19 and a father to a newborn born just two weeks before the nation shut down, Dr. Desai, author of Burning Out on the Covid Front Lines: A Doctor's Memoir of Fatherhood, Race, and Perseverance in the Pandemic, speaks honestly and will connect deeply with anyone who has felt pulled between competing responsibilities during times of trauma.

The conversation takes us through Dr. Desai's gradual recognition of his own burnout—the moment he realized something was wrong when he couldn't find joy in teaching his daughter to ride a bike without training wheels. "There was no joy," he shares candidly, describing how the adrenaline that carried healthcare workers through the first COVID surge eventually gave way to profound emotional and physical exhaustion.

What makes this episode particularly moving is Dr. Desai's willingness to discuss his mental health journey without filters. He describes the pivotal moment when his primary care physician confronted him: "You're struggling... when are we going to do something about it chemically?" This led to medication, therapy with someone he "couldn't outsmart," and a gradual path toward healing that continues today. His perspective on physician burnout gains additional impact through his discussion of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide during the pandemic—one of approximately 400 physicians who take their lives annually.

The conversation takes another profound turn as Dr. Desai discusses navigating the one-year anniversary of his father's death. With remarkable insight, he and the Warrior Moms hosts explore grief's physical manifestations, the challenges of intentionally creating space for mourning, and how to keep loved ones present through ongoing conversations and memories. His reflections on finding hope not as blind optimism but as meaningful connection within community offer wisdom for anyone navigating loss.

Whether you're a healthcare worker still processing pandemic trauma, a parent balancing professional demands with family needs, or someone walking through grief, this episode offers validation, wisdom, and a reminder that vulnerability—especially men's vulnerability—can be our greatest strength. Listen, share, and join the conversation about breaking silence around mental health struggles.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

When tragedy collides on one of America's biggest stages, something extraordinary happens. Michele Davis takes us behind the scenes of her unforgettable American Idol appearance where she introduced her student Slater Nally before he performed a song honoring her late son, Carter. What began as an expected 30-second interview transformed into a seven-hour journey culminating in Michele walking alone into the famous audition room to present Slater to three celebrity judges: Lionel Ritchie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan.

The emotional aftermath was intense – profound joy mixed with debilitating grief that left Michele physically ill. She describes this as "living in the and" – the challenging reality of holding space for both celebration and sorrow simultaneously. Their story reveals how tragedy created an unexpected bond between teacher and student when Slater approached Michele with a profound question about forgiveness, asking if she had forgiven her son's killer. This vulnerable conversation became the foundation for their friendship and ultimately led to the song that would reach millions.

Perhaps most touching is the moment Michele shares about lending Slater her necklace containing Carter's ashes before his audition. "You can put this necklace in your pocket if it would make you feel better," she told the nervous performer who wanted nothing more than to "do justice for Carter." This profound connection between loss and creativity, between remembrance and moving forward, exemplifies how grief can transform into something beautiful without diminishing the pain.

Beyond their American Idol journey, Michele and co-host Amy share exciting news about their Warrior Moms website and forthcoming book featuring fourteen women's strategies for navigating loss. Their work doesn't promise to help others "get over" grief but rather to work at "living with it" – a crucial distinction for anyone walking this difficult path. Visit warriormoms.me to follow Slater's American Idol journey, to learn more about their upcoming book, and to meet more of the Warrior Mom authors!

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals.

We'd love to hear from our followers!
Website: https://www.warriormoms.me/
Facebook: Warrior Moms-The Club No One Wants to Be In
Instagram: WarriorMoms.SurvivingChildLoss

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

The heartbreaking story of Max Gruver sheds light on the often unseen dangers of hazing in college settings. His mother, Rae Ann, joins Michele and Amy to share not only the tragedy that took her son's life but also the mission that has risen from her love of Max. Together with hosts, Rae Ann discusses Max's vibrant spirit and the circumstances that led to his untimely death due to hazing rituals that demanded he consume deadly amounts of alcohol. 

In this episode, we explore what hazing really looks like and what we can do to prevent another tragedy from occurring. Rae Ann highlights the pivotal moment on that tragic night when a simple call to 911 could have made all the difference. She passionately advocates for young adults to have the courage to intervene when they see someone in danger, and she shares the necessary steps individuals can take to safeguard others' lives. 

The discussion also touches on the powerful work Rae Ann and her family have undertaken to create awareness about hazing, addressing young people directly to share Max's story, and encourage them to speak out against dangerous practices. Her insights into the grieving process reveal how advocacy can serve as a therapeutic journey, finding purpose through pain.

Join us for this emotional conversation and become a part of the movement to raise awareness and prevent hazing. Together, we can honor Max's legacy and ensure that no other family has to experience such profound loss. 

Please visit: www.maxgruverfoundation.com for more information about the Gruver's advocacy and fundraising events. 

Visit the Warrior Moms' website to read more about our book we are writing and to reach out to us with feedback and potential podcast topics: www.warriormoms.me 

With love always,

Michele & Amy

Warrior Moms

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

Experiencing multiple losses in quick succession, Jeff opens up about the emotional complexity and heart-rending journey of losing both his stepson Alec and his father. We explore with Jeff and Amy the nuances of compounded grief, especially when it's tied to figures of guidance and friendship. 

Amy and Jeff discuss the tough balance of supporting those struggling with addiction while setting personal boundaries for self-care. Jeff's experiences with the loss of Alec, their friend and employee Josh, and Alec's roommate Mike to addiction highlight the silent battles many families face. Through these stories, we emphasize the power of resilience and the importance of finding joy amidst sorrow, driven by the belief that our departed loved ones would want us to embrace life fully. 

A recurring theme throughout our conversation is the idea of "grace and space"—the practice of allowing open grief expression and the challenge of accepting that not all problems have solutions. The heartfelt remembrance of Jeff's friend, Brett Oglesby, offers a lesson in understanding and supporting those facing similar challenges, enhancing our gratitude for the connections and insights gained through these deeply personal discussions, while trying to navigate compounded grief.

Thank you, Amy and Jeff, for sharing your vulnerable and honest experiences. 

As Jeff mentioned, finding patience is key to truly listening. He mentions a hilarious video that really helped him understand the importance of just listening and not sweating small details. Here is the YouTube video Jeff mentions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOgwi

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

Melanie Hall shares her profound journey of grief after losing her son, Bennett, and how she navigated motherhood amidst the trauma, deep heartache, and being a mother to two children under two. She discusses the challenges of grief, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of writing as a healing tool.

• Introduction to Melanie Hall and her family
• Moving to Nashville and the challenges of pregnancy
• Details of the pregnancy and delivery of Bennett
• The experience of losing a child and the rush to the hospital
• Postpartum struggles and the impact on motherhood
• The role of writing in the healing process
• Birth of Josie and navigating fears and triumphs
• Faith and resilience amidst grief
• Supporting grieving parents and the importance of remembering
• Legacy of Bennett through music and family connections

Please visit Melanie's blog: http://www.ourmomentsofpeace.com/ and listen to their talented kids...all honoring their brother Bennett: https://www.thebennetthallband.com/. 

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele

Thank you so much for listening! We'd love to hear from you---what you would love to hear, what you like, what helped, etc. With love, Warrior Moms Michele & Amy

Facing the holiday season after losing a child is an unimaginable challenge. Imagine the struggle of embracing Christmas traditions when the absence of a loved one is overwhelmingly palpable. In this episode, we're joined by Rae Ann Gruver and Brandy Couey, two courageous mothers who bravely share their journey through grief during the holidays. Together, we explore how each mother finds ways to honor their sons' memories and navigate the festive season with both sorrow and love.

As hosts, we, Michele Davis and Amy Durham, lead a discussion on the healing power of traditions, both old and new. Rae Ann shares the story of her friends who organized a touching tribute using ornaments to honor her son, Max, and Brandi shares about Cole's Christmas tree at the cemetery, both illustrating the significance of community support. Both Warrior Moms speak of how to give space for grief moments away from the holiday bustle. They delve into the creative ways they adapted their traditions, whether by baking cookies, decorating a thematic tree, or revisiting cherished rituals, all while allowing themselves the grace to process their emotions.

As we journey through the bittersweet landscape of holiday memories, we emphasize the importance of connection, presence, and creating meaningful experiences with loved ones. Together, we uncover how love, memory, and the support of others can transform holiday grief into a journey of hope and remembrance.

"Dream Bird" by Jonny Easton

Support the show

Thank you for listening to Warrior Moms podcast. It is an honor to share about our beloved children gone too soon, and we hope by telling of our loss, it may help someone in their grief journey. Please note that we are not medical professionals and encourage those listening to seek help from mental health professionals. 

We'd love to hear from our followers! 

Please help support us, so we can help support other grieving moms. 
Websites: 

https://www.warriormoms.me/

https://www.warriormomssupportfoundation.org/

DONATE * Listen to Other Podcast Episodes * Sign up for Newsletter * Get on our Retreat Waitlist * Invite Us to Speak * Contact us!

With love,
Warrior Moms Amy & Michele