GRIEF, GRACE AND GRATITUDE

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Rhonda Kemp speaks with Tuesday Desrochers, who shares her profound journey of grief and healing after losing two sons to addiction. The conversation delves into the struggles of addiction within families, the impact of loss, and the role of faith in coping with grief. Tuesday reflects on cherished memories of her sons, the lessons learned from their struggles, and how she has found purpose through art and community support. The episode emphasizes the importance of love, understanding, and open communication in navigating the challenges of addiction and loss. We would love to share your story if you are ready! Please click this link HERE to get in touch! 

In this deeply moving episode, Gary Schaefer opens up about life a decade after losing his son Eric to addiction. Marking the 10-year anniversary of Eric’s passing, Gary reflects on the emotional terrain of grief—how it evolves, how it’s shaped by addiction, and how community, faith, and memory can become lifelines in the healing process. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares the painful reality of parenting through addiction and the lasting impact it leaves, while also offering insight into how love, support, and purpose can carry us forward. He reminds us that grief is a long and deeply personal journey, but one where growth is possible. Honoring a loved one’s life in creative, meaningful ways can bring comfort, while education about addiction is key to preventing future loss. Gary stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who truly understand, leaning into faith for strength, and staying engaged in life after loss. Through it all, he shows that hope doesn’t erase grief—but it can coexist with it. If you’ve experienced loss, love someone battling addiction, or want to support others more compassionately—this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube📖 Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & CelebrationsNow available on Amazon → remarkableyoubook.com https://remarkableyoubook.com/ 🌱 Learn more about the Hope After Loss grief group at hopeafterloss.today #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod #hopeafterloss #griefgroup #griefgroupsharing #griefgroupresource #griefretreats #fentanylcrisis

Grief changes everything. This week on Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, Sandy Williams shares her deeply personal story of losing her son, Austin, to a fentanyl overdose. She opens up about the heartbreak of navigating life after loss, the struggle to redefine her identity as a mother, and the emotional weight of addiction’s impact on families. Sandy speaks with honesty and grace about the loneliness of grief, the stigma surrounding addiction, and the healing power of therapy, faith, and community. She shares how practices like EMDR therapy, daily prayer, and gratitude have helped her find strength in the midst of sorrow. Through her journey, she has discovered a renewed sense of purpose—one that includes breaking the silence around grief and addiction and supporting others who walk a similar path. If you’ve ever experienced loss, love someone battling addiction, or simply want to better understand how to support those in grief, this conversation is for you. Join us as we explore the realities of loss, the hope that can be found in healing, and the importance of fostering a compassionate community. 🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE on YouTube. 📖 Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon) https://remarkableyoubook.com/ For more about Hope After Loss grief group: hopeafterloss.today #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod #hopeafterloss #griefgroup #griefgroupsharing #griefgroupresource #griefretreats #fentanylcrisis

Grief is a journey—one that doesn’t have a roadmap or a set timeline. This week on Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, Tammy Posey shares her heartbreaking yet inspiring story of loss, love, and healing. After losing her son Ben to an overdose and her stepdaughter Jessica unexpectedly just a year before, Tammy’s world was shattered. But through faith, community, and finding purpose in their pain, she and her husband Bob are honoring Ben’s legacy in a powerful way. Tammy reflects on the deep bond she shared with Ben—her son, her heart. His struggle with addiction was a painful battle, one filled with hope, setbacks, and relentless love. Like so many parents walking this path, Tammy never stopped believing in him, but addiction is relentless. When Ben lost his life to an overdose, the grief was indescribable. The weight of loss, mixed with the stigma surrounding addiction, made the healing process even more isolating. She opens up about the reality of grieving a child lost to addiction—the questions, the what-ifs, the moments of guilt that so many parents carry. But in sharing her story, she also sheds light on an important truth: addiction does not define a person. Ben was kind, loving, and so much more than his struggle. Honoring Ben’s Legacy Through Service In the wake of losing Ben, Tammy and Bob found a way to channel their grief into something meaningful. They turned their focus to helping the homeless, a cause close to Ben’s heart. By offering support, kindness, and resources to those in need, they’re keeping his spirit alive in a way that truly honors who he was. Their story is a powerful reminder that while grief never truly fades, purpose can grow from pain. Through serving others, Tammy has found a way to stay connected to Ben, ensuring his legacy is one of love and compassion. Faith, Healing & Keeping Memories Alive Tammy shares how her faith has been a constant source of strength. In the darkest moments, scripture and community have helped her navigate the waves of grief. She has also learned to embrace Ben’s memory—speaking his name, sharing his story, and finding comfort in the moments they shared. This episode is for anyone who has faced loss, who has loved someone battling addiction, or who simply needs a reminder that even in grief, there is grace—and a way forward. 💙   🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE on YouTube. 📖 Rhonda Kemp’s book, Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations, is available now on Amazon!Check it out here https://remarkableyoubook.com/  #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #mentalillness #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod

Host Rhonda Kemp sits down with Cindy Bowling to explore her profound journey through grief after the tragic losses of both her husband, and later her son, Jordan. Cindy shares her experiences as a single parent raising children amidst overwhelming challenges, including Jordan's struggles with addiction and his passing due to a heroin overdose. Cindy opens up about her anger towards God, the isolation she endured, and the path she took to rediscover faith and healing. Through poignant memories, 'Godwinks,' and daily practices of gratitude, Cindy reflects on the importance of finding purpose in grief and the transformative role of community support. This conversation delves into the complexities of grief, the impact of addiction on families, and the resilience required to navigate unimaginable loss. Cindy’s story emphasizes the healing power of sharing experiences, the importance of memorializing loved ones, and the significance of helping others facing similar struggles. Themes Explored: The impact of losing a son to addiction and a husband to suicide. Navigating grief as a single parent and finding strength in faith. The power of community support and the importance of vulnerability. Cherished memories and 'Godwinks' as sources of comfort. Daily practices of gratitude to foster healing and resilience. Finding purpose in grief and helping others through shared experiences. Key Takeaways:Cindy’s story is a testament to the enduring power of faith, the significance of truth and connection in healing, and the resilience of the human spirit.   You can find this episode HERE on YouTube   Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon) #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #mentalillness #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod