Holding the Light: Sharing Hope After Child Loss

What does it mean to live forward after losing a child?

In our November episode of Holding the Light, we sit down with Dr. DoniBeth Davis, whose son Xander died at 9 years old from drowning. We talk about the early days of child loss, the questions that don't always have answers, guilt, sibling grief, the way grief affects the nervous system, and the slow realization that it is possible to carry profound grief and still experience joy.

DoniBeth calls it living forward. Not moving on. Not leaving Xander behind. But learning how to...

12 years. 12 reasons. One conversation we need to have.

October 11, 2026 marks 12 years since Cassidy died. This year, I am stepping behind the microphone solo to talk about something our world still struggles to talk about:

grief.

What it is. What it needs. Why it doesn't follow a timeline. Why we need to keep saying our children's names. Why grief and joy can live side by side.
And why, sometimes, grief simply needs a witness.

This is more than an episode about my grief. It’s a...

Two years ago, Kelli Swank's world changed forever when her 24-year-old son, Jack, died unexpectedly from unknown causes.

In this deeply honest conversation, Kelli shares what it's like to live with unanswered questions, how grief transformed her family, her journey to sobriety after trying to numb the pain, and how Jack's final gift of organ donation saved four lives. And so much more we can learn about child loss grief.

Building Jack's Legacy is bringing comfort and joy to children in hospitals, one Lego set at a time.

Building Jack's Legacy Facebook Page...

We’re back this month for the second half of our conversation with Pattie Gallant, a bereaved mother who shares her story of losing her son Evan to cancer, and the journey she is now on 9 years later—leaning into his legacy—to find peace. 

We encourage you to revisit Episode #46: Anticipatory Grief, where Pattie shares her experience preparing for Evan’s passing, and the lessons she learned from him about dying, and living. 

Referenced in this episode:

Gosnell Memorial Hospice House is an inpatient facility for end of life care in Scarborough, Maine. 

There is no handbook for grieving the loss of a child. We learn to grieve exactly where we are. Words of wisdom from Pattie, a bereaved Mom whose son Evan died from cancer at age 21. Pattie shares her anticipatory grief as she prepared for her child’s passing; the complicated guilt of wanting the suffering to end; and the nine year journey of caring for her son, while still parenting a young child. There was so much to share that we produced a two-part episode. 

Part 2 of our conversation with Pattie airs June 11. 

What did you...

This month on Holding the Light, we welcome Joyce Vigue-Morrissette — a retired nurse who shares what grief looks like from the caregiver’s side of child loss. Joyce called into our Listener Line after hearing Holly Caron's episode "Grief Has No Timeline" and the story of her daughter Heather, who died from a brain tumor. Joyce was Heather's nurse. This episode reminds us that it's not just families who carry grief.

Joyce references the podcast episode with Holly Caron. We invite you to listen to that episode here:  Grief Has No Timeline https://www.buzzsprout.com/1914805/episodes/18567861

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We are joined this month by a fellow bereaved mother who shares how losing her son five years ago reshaped her life, and led her to advocate for change. She is also the current United States of America Mrs. Maine—someone who chose to carry her grief into the public eye, not for attention, but for impact. Learn how she is advocating for better workplace bereavement leave policies and hear why Jessica believes "there is always hope on the darkest days." This is what happens when a bereaved Mom decides to turn grief into purpose. 

If you’d lik...

For any parent listening to this podcast who worries that time hasn’t ‘fixed’ their grief—this conversation is proof that there is no timeline we need to meet.  Eighteen years after losing her daughter Heather to brain cancer, Holly Caron shows us what enduring love looks like—quiet, honest, and deeply present. This conversation affirms what so many families live but rarely hear acknowledged: Grief has no expiration date. Love does not fade with time—and neither does the bond between a mother and her child.

Resources cited in this podcast:

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Ar...

This episode honors the enduring bond that even murder cannot break. We sit down with Zorimar Betancourt, whose world shattered when her son Stefano was carjacked and murdered while she drove behind him, trying desperately to help him on the phone. This conversation is raw and real, but it's filled with grace, a reminder that ever when violence steals life, it can't silence a mother's love. Learn how Zorimar tirelessly advocates for organ donation in Puerto Rico, and has made it her mission to help other parents navigate grief during trauma -- all in honor of her son, Stefano. 

This episode is dedicated to the fathers who grieve quietly but love loudly. We’re asking what it means to lose a child from a father’s perspective. Chris Wilson is here to bravely share with us the heartbreak of losing his oldest son Andrew in a tragic workplace accident. He shares how he didn't know what to do with his grief, and four years later, his biggest fear is that his son will be forgotten. This father's love is evident, as is his resiliency to keep going in a world without his son in it.  We’re exploring the jou...

Oct. 11, 2025 marks the 11th Year since Cassidy died. In this special episode of Holding the Light, I’m here to share 11 things I wish someone had told me about child loss—the truth no one prepares you for, but every grieving parent deserves to hear.

Grief doesn’t end, but it changes. The things I want to share with you might not make your grief any lighter, but my hope is that sharing helps you feel less alone, in your journey.

If you’re carrying the weight of child loss, or love someone who is, this con...

We’re honored to sit down with Aiden Deans, who at just 12 years old, lost his older brother Austin to an accidental drug overdose. Ten years later, he wants to talk about his experience, both then and now — the grief, sometimes anger, the stigma surrounding his passing, but always the deep love that remains. He reflects on family, addiction, finding his way forward after loss, and bravely honoring both his brother, and his grief journey. This is also conversation between Colby and Aiden, who share their personal perspective and support on sibling loss with each other, and our listeners.

Jennifer Oldham lived through a moment no parent ever imagines—when an ordinary day turned tragic, in the blink of an eye. A sudden storm. A fallen tree. And the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Hallie.

In the quiet, in the pain, and in the love that endures, she has found the strength to speak—about what happened, how she’s still standing, and holding on to memories while learning to live again. How she is Keeping Kindness for Hallie. And sharing her powerful story of survival after child loss.

Links to our conversation with Jennif...

Austin Ashmore's spirit continues to impact the world, long after his life was tragically cut short by an accidental drug overdose. This podcast is the story of a mother’s plea to have others remember her son for how he lived, not how he died. He deserves that, and so does she. We uncover the legacy Austin left behind, in conversations, and the quiet strength of a mother’s love. 

To join the Facebook Group "Austin's Legacy" email: [email protected]

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

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“It was the worst day of my life, but I’ve always been grateful for having him for 33 years.” Reaching the 10-year milestone since the passing of her 33-year-old son Wayne, Lena  is finding solace in helping others embrace their grief journeys through a national network called The Compassionate Friends. But along the way, she’s also discovered she is helping herself live more fully, and more intentionally every day, for herself, and for her son.

Links to resources from our interview with Lena Hann: 

The Compassionate Friends grief support groups: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/

Lena...

Losing a child, on it’s own, is more than enough to bear in one lifetime. But imagine losing three brothers before that and witnessing your mother’s unimaginable grief while navigating sibling loss. Then, in a 17-month span, watching both of your parents die. And two years later, hearing the news that your only child, at just 22 years of age, was killed in a car accident. Darlene Sforza calls this layered grief. As she searches for her purpose in life, along the way, she is finding hope in sharing her story of survival, and grace, in honoring her son...

Sibling relationships often have a unique dynamic, shaped by shared experiences and a deep, sometimes, unspoken bond. Margaret was just 13 when her older sister and best friend Maiah, died in a tragic accident. Adolescent grief can have a profound impact on your life. Five years later, and now just 18 years old, you’ll be inspired by her mature, charming, real, and insightful perspective on sibling loss.

We have opened a listener line! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, leave us a voicemail message. Some of yo...

The holidays are here, and for those grieving the loss of someone they love, it can be so challenging. Our guest not only understands this as a grief support facilitator, but also as a widow, who lost her husband in her 20s, while raising their 3-year-old daughter. Lots to share in this special episode, including suggestions and resources to help your grieving hearts, and ways you can support bereaved friends and family this holiday season. 

If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help by dialing the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. 

Sa...

In 2013 Samantha Banerjee was pregnant with her first child, she lovingly named, Alana. Nearing the end of a textbook pregnancy and just days away from meeting her baby girl, the unthinkable happened. Alana died from stillbirth. And thus began Samantha’s empowering grief journey that has captured national attention through tireless advocacy for stillbirth awareness and prevention. 

Samantha, who lives in New York with her husband and two healthy children, is nationally-renowned within the loss community for her candid writing on grief and has been featured in The Washington Post, TODAY, ProPublica, and ABC News. 

To l...

October 11, 2024 marks 10 long years since Cassidy died. She would be 27 this year. I never thought I’d still be here, but here I am. Not only have I survived, but I have learned to live again, just differently. I’m living WITH my grief. This episode is a personal reflection on my journey. I’m here to share 10 things I have learned about grief in 10 years, including the wealth of knowledge I have gained from bearing witness to other parents’ grief in this podcast. Thank you for listening.

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

**This conversation includes references to violence, including experiences of a mass shooting, traumatic grief, and other details unsuitable for young children. This recording is prohibited from being copied or reproduced without permission.***

Losing a loved one to murder creates unique and complicated grief like no other. Vicki Roy is here to talk about her traumatic bereavement following Maine’s worst Mass Shooting that claimed the life of her brother Michael Deslauriers. She bravely shares how her grief unfolded amidst the public chaos, re-traumatization of the ongoing investigation, and the unexpected feelings of losing her only brother, to so...

There is something to be said about a mother’s intuition. Sandy Fisher knew something was wrong the day her 18-year-old son, Scott Junior, died by suicide. He had just entered college. Now, after 18 years of grieving his loss, and even an attempted suicide herself, she is courageously sharing her experience and knowledge. Her mission? To help students, parents, friends, and educators recognize the warning signs, ask the right questions, and seek help. 

Dial 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Suicide prevention and educational resources shared in this podcast:

Navigating life after child loss is hard enough without the gender-based stereotype that men must somehow be strong and overcome their grief. After the devastating loss of his daughter Lila to stillbirth, Rob Reider has created a space to help nurture bereaved fathers, in a club just for men. It’s called the Sad Dads Club. A place to share  loss among others who can truly understand their journey. A voice for all grieving fathers.

SAD DADS CLUB helps fellow bereaved fathers navigate life after loss by nurturing a supportive community and providing access to men...

When your child dies, it’s so hard to accept that every part of their existence is no longer possible. Mary Alexandra felt this deeply after her daughter Celina died, as life, inevitably, moves forward. This kind of grief, never goes away. But Mary shares how it IS possible to balance grief with her greatest joys. Like the wedding of her younger daughter and becoming a grandmother, all while keeping Celina’s memory alive. A message for all who are grieving. It’s okay to be sad, and happy.

Celina Marie Alexandre Scholarship Fund https...