The Joyful Mourning - A Podcast for Women Who Have Experienced Pregnancy or Infant Loss

In a special series of episodes throughout the month of November I will be talking with 4 different women about what it looked like for them to navigate grief amidst the holidays. In this first of four episodes I spend some time  talking with Lindsey Dennis who shares with us hope-filled wisdom about her journey through the holidays after she lost her daughters Sophie and Dasah. Lindsey’s experience with loss happened very close to the holiday season so her perspective is incredibly helpful and applicable to anyone who is grieving the loss of a baby, especially those who may be facing this for the first time. Lindsey talks about what it looked like to navigate thanksgiving when she did not feel thankful at all. She talks about the traditions that she incorporates every year to honor and celebrate her daughters. She also shares the triggers that added to the pain of the holiday season in the hopes that those listening might avoid some of those non-helpful painful triggers. Lindsey also gives invaluable insight to those listening who may love someone who is grieving this holiday season and what it looks like to walk alongside a hurting mom and dad, providing love and support. No matter if this is your first holiday season with your baby or your tenth. Know that you are not forgotten. Know that you are loved and prayed for and not alone. There are women just like you walking into this season with heavy, anxious hearts. I pray this episode provides a bit of tangible help and wisdom along with a bit of comfort reminding you that you are not walking into this season alone. THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY And lastly, if you feel alone in this journey, I want to remind you about The Joyful Mourning Community - a free online community where you can find other women walking a similar path. Women who offer a safe place to talk and feel known and understand; women who will pray for you and offer gentle wisdom when you need it. If that sounds like something you need, come join our community. Head to thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com for all the details on how to join. We would love to have you join us and I can’t wait to see you there. --- SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/listen THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

You’re listening to The Joyful Mourning Podcast Episode #55. In this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Sarah Garvey, a woman who has experienced an incredible amount of loss and yet she communicates in a way that is full of hope and joy and wisdom. Sarah experienced infertility, three miscarriages, and the premature birth and death of her triplets. Her experience with loss and trauma has led her to a career serving as a bereavement expert. And her expertise is incredibly evident in this episode. She gives cautions and advice and wisdom that will be practically helpful to those in the middle of grief and for those who love someone grieving. Sarah spends some time talking about the uniqueness of grief and how we all grieve differently, even those grieving the same loss, such as a husband and a wife -- and why it’s dangerous to think that we grieve the same. We talk about the physical aspects of grief and we talk about grief and faith. Sarah says: “grieving with faith is difficult, but grieving without faith feels impossible.” And like I said she gives SUCH great and helpful wisdom to those who love a grieving a mom, she says this to you: “You are valuable and your support is important and necessary and it’s ok for you to not know what to do or say. Just do your best.” This episode is full of wisdom from a bereavement expert, but more than even that -- from a mom who has been there. A mom who has walk a similar journey to the one you are walking today and I am sure that her story and her heart and her encouragement will remind you that you are not alone in this and all the things you are feeling and thinking and experiencing are normal. As Sarah says in this episode, “You aren’t crazy. You’re grieving.” THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY And lastly, if you feel alone in this journey, I want to remind you about The Joyful Mourning Community - a free online community where you can find other women walking a similar path. Women who offer a safe place to talk and feel known and understand; women who will pray for you and offer gentle wisdom when you need it. If that sounds like something you need, come join our community. Head to thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com for all the details on how to join. We would love to have you join us and I can’t wait to see you there. --- SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/listen THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

EPISODE 54 Listen in as I spend some time with Carmen Smith as she shares about her journey to motherhood and in motherhood. She shares openly and honestly about her experience with infertility and pregnancy loss. While Carmen has children of her own, her story, like many of ours, is not wrapped up with a pretty bow. She talks honestly about how she still feels barren and still feels broken all the while fighting for the truth she knows in her head that infertility is not her identity and that God is good even when your heart is breaking. In this episode Carmen gives helpful insight about what it’s like to walk through infertility and then a miscarriage. Her insight is honest and helpful. She shares why she quit social media and her biggest advice for women who are in a similar season. Carmen is raw and transparent about what this journey has truly been like and I pray that her honesty and vulnerability bring freedom to your heart today as it reminds you that you are not alone in this journey. That you aren’t the only one who is angry with God. The only one who fights jealousy over other pregnant women. The only one who wants to isolate and hide from the world because it just feels like it’s too much. No matter what brought you here today, I pray that above all, you hear two broken women fighting for truth in the darkest places. I pray you are reminded that you are not alone and that you are loved today. THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY And lastly, if you feel alone in this journey, I want to remind you about The Joyful Mourning Community - a free online community where you can find other women walking a similar path. Women who offer a safe place to talk and feel known and understand; women who will pray for you and offer gentle wisdom when you need it. If that sounds like something you need, come join our community. Head to thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com for all the details on how to join. We would love to have you join us and I can’t wait to see you there. --- SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/listen THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

I’m getting really honest in today’s episode about what pregnancy after loss has been like for me and sharing a few practical ideas for how to fight through the difficulties and challenges a loss mama might face in this season. If you love someone who has experienced the loss of a baby and is either trying to conceive or is pregnant again, I think this episode will help shed some light on what she is feeling and experiencing and in turn help you to understand a little better what she is going through. At the time of this recording I am nearly 34 weeks pregnant. The past 30+ weeks have held high highs that have been incredibly sweet and joy-filled, moments I will treasure forever, but I would by lying if I didn’t tell you that the majority of these past 30+ weeks have held incredibly low lows. In this episode I share a few practical physical, mental and spiritual tips for fighting those low lows. This episode likely did not answer all your questions about pregnancy after loss but I pray that it gave you an honest picture of a girl trying to fight for faith amidst a war of uncertainty and fear. I pray it encourages you that you are not alone in this and that you are reminded of a God who will one day restore and redeem all that has been broken. You are so loved friend and I am praying for you today. --- WRITE THE WORD JOURNALS If you resonate with the things that Diana shares in this episode -- about how hard it was for her to open her bible or to pray in this season of loss when she was experiencing so much anger and doubt and confusion about who God is, The Write the Word Journals might be a perfect solution for you. This tool provides a simple way to interact with God, to write down all those thoughts and to spend time thinking about just a small portion of scripture. I do believe that even when our faith feels weak or even non-existent or when the doubts loom large, spending time, even a few minutes in God’s Word and journaling out your thoughts can be the exact place where healing can be found. To check out all the details about these Write the Word Journals (as well as a generous coupon code) head to www.themorning.com/cwm. --- EPISODE 053 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode053 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

You’re listening to The Joyful Mourning Podcast Episode 52. This week we celebrated my son’s birthday. He would have been turning 11 years old. Celebrating the birthday of a baby who has died is incredibly hard. And over the years it has often felt impossible. Like I might just be crushed under the weight of that reality. In today’s episode I’m sharing with you all the things I’ve learned about navigating birthdays over the past 11 years. I’m telling you why I think they are so hard, what you can do about it and a few very practical ideas to get you started on creating meaningful and joy-filled birthday traditions even in the midst of sorrow. WRITE THE WORD JOURNALS If you resonate with the things that Diana shares in this episode -- about how hard it was for her to open her bible or to pray in this season of loss when she was experiencing so much anger and doubt and confusion about who God is, The Write the Word Journals might be a perfect solution for you. This tool provides a simple way to interact with God, to write down all those thoughts and to spend time thinking about just a small portion of scripture. I do believe that even when our faith feels weak or even non-existent or when the doubts loom large, spending time, even a few minutes in God’s Word and journaling out your thoughts can be the exact place where healing can be found. To check out all the details about these Write the Word Journals (as well as a generous coupon code) head to www.themorning.com/cwm. -- EPISODE 052 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode052 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

You’re listening to The Joyful Mourning Podcast Episode #51. In this week’s episode I spend time talking with Diana Stone -- the mother of two girls here on earth and three boys in heaven. She is the editor-in-chief at Still Standing Magazine: a site for all those grieving infertility and child loss. My time with Diana is real and honest as we talk about her experience of losing not one but 3 baby boys. She shares honestly about her wrestle with God after those devastating losses and if you are listening as someone who is unsure where God is in all this brokenness and pain and have felt guilt or shame over not having perfect answers or feeling doubt or tremendous anger towards God -- I am sure that this portion of Diana’s story is going to bring you freedom and comfort. As mothers who have been on this grief journey for many years now and both work in the loss community we share honestly about what grief feels like now, 6 and 11 years later. And one of the most encouraging parts of our interview for me personally is towards the end when I ask Diana how the loss of her 3 boys has shaped how she lives now. You’ll have to listen to hear why her answer is so impactful to me -- but I imagine that her response will likely have you nodding along or saying “me too” out loud. And if you are listening because you love someone who is grieving and you want to better know how to love them amidst their grief -- Diana shares some very helpful thoughts on that as well. My time with Diana was truly a gift and I am sure it will be for you too. No matter what brought you here today, I pray it reminds you that you are not alone in your grief. And that it’s ok to wrestle with the hard reality of loss and where God was and is in it all. WRITE THE WORD JOURNALS If you resonate with the things that Diana shares in this episode -- about how hard it was for her to open her bible or to pray in this season of loss when she was experiencing so much anger and doubt and confusion about who God is, The Write the Word Journals might be a perfect solution for you. This tool provides a simple way to interact with God, to write down all those thoughts and to spend time thinking about just a small portion of scripture. I do believe that even when our faith feels weak or even non-existent or when the doubts loom large, spending time, even a few minutes in God’s Word and journaling out your thoughts can be the exact place where healing can be found. To check out all the details about these Write the Word Journals (as well as a generous coupon code) head to www.themorning.com/cwm.

Listen in as I spend some time with Brooke Stone whose son Sawyer, was diagnosed with Trisomy 13. Brooke shares helpful and practical thoughts about Trisomy 13 and her experience of carrying a baby to term that had a life-limiting diagnosis. She shares invaluable wisdom about the decisions that need to be made, how to ensure the best possible medical care, what she did to prepare for her son’s birth, what she packed in her hospital bag and even the sweet and memorable ways she celebrated him after he was born. We talk about hard and valuable things like the value of communicating expectations to those who are walking along side you and listen to the end to hear her priceless and incredibly helpful advice for marriage in the midst of loss and grief. Brooke is tender and kind and communicates seemingly impossible hope in our time together; to hear a mom who has walked through such loss say “God showed me His goodness and His mercy through my son’s life. I was able to enjoy things I never thought I would be able to enjoy.” is just a massive grace to those of us listening and I am so grateful. No matter what brought you here today, I pray that you hear the hope and the grace in Brooke’s story. That you are reminded that even amidst brokenness there is joy to be had. > FREE DEVOTIONAL If you are in a place where hope feels impossible and joy feels unthinkable, if you are full of uncertainty and doubt and confusion about who God is in the face of your loss, my biggest piece of advice would be to spend time in God’s Word. It doesn’t have to complicated or overly spiritual, just getting to know the God of the Bible who can bring about true healing to a broken heart. I know how difficult opening the Bible can be amidst grief so I created a simple resource for you -- a free 7 day devotional called Hope for the Hurting. I wrote this mini devotional specifically for women who have experienced the loss of a baby, 7 days of bible passages with a short devotion and prayer -- to download that free resource, simply head over to themorning.com/devotional. And if you aren’t quite sure what to think about this christian faith, if reading the Bible isn’t something you have ever done before, or if opening the Bible just feels impossible right now, maybe give this a try. It’s super simple way to be introduced or re-introduced to this faith and God we talk about so much here. Either way, I pray that resource blesses you. Again, you can find that free 7 day devotional at themorning.com/devotional And one final reminder before we get started, all the resources Brooke mentions in today’s episode will be listed in the show notes, to find those simply head to: themorning.com/episode050. -- EPISODE 050 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode050 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I spend some time with Elizabeth Bloomquist who’s daughter, Isabelle was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 after early prenatal testing around 11 weeks. Elizabeth shares very helpful and practical wisdom in this episode about Trisomy 18, what it is and how you can advocate for your baby if you have been given a similar diagnosis. She talks very practically about who you will need on your care team, the decisions you will need to make, why creating a birth plan was helpful and resources she used to make sure all of those things were in place. And while those things are incredibly necessary and I am so grateful for the tangible help this episode will provide for women facing a trisomy diagnosis, the most beautiful part of this episode was hearing Elizabeth talk about her daughter -- how much she loves her and how because of her, everything has changed -- in the best kind of way. Elizabeth speaks with a deep-rooted joy and a confident hope that is sure to encourage anyone listening who has received a life-limiting diagnosis for their baby. If that’s you today, I pray this episode is a gentle reminder that you are not alone. There are women who have walked this road and who want to help you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE If you are feeling alone today and are looking for a safe place to share what you are going through, a place where you will be understood in this season of loss -- come join our free online community, The Joyful Mourning Community. A place where you will find women who have been through loss and understand. A place where you can share honestly about how you are doing and ask questions to women who can give practical wisdom because they have been there too. To join this free community, simply head to thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com -- all the details for how to join are right there. We would love to have you join us, we would love to remind you that you are not alone. -- EPISODE 049 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode049 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I spend some time with Kathryn Ann Casey -- a mom to 4 children here and 3 in heaven, a woman who’s journey to motherhood and in motherhood has been full of heartache and loss and grief. And yet, after experiencing so much suffering she speaks with such tenderness and peace and reminds listeners of the joy that can be had even in the midst of suffering. Kathryn experienced 2 miscarriages, her son, Peter, has a rare and life-threatening genetic condition called SPINT2 and her daughter Celeste died during birth at 37 weeks from anencephaly. In our time together Kathryn shares wisdom specifically for women who have received a life-limiting diagnosis for their baby (she even explains why she prefers that term over terminal or fatal), she shares with her why she made the decision to carry her daughter to term but she also helps us understand the struggle she had with making that decision. She gives helpful wisdom to those who may love someone who is grieving and very tangible advice on how to walk older siblings through the death of a baby. And her answer to “is there anything you would do differently” may surprise you -- but it is honest and helpful and full of much wisdom. Listen for that around the 38-39 minute mark. This episode is full of practical wisdom, but more than that it is a reminder that joy can be had even amidst the worst of circumstances. That we can find the good, even in the pain. And most of all, I pray this episode reminds you that you are not alone in your grief and that you are more loved than you can ever imagine. YOU ARE NOT ALONE If you are feeling alone today and are looking for a safe place to share what you are going through, a place where you will be understood in this season of loss -- come join our free online community, The Joyful Mourning Community. A place where you will find women who have been through loss and understand. A place where you can share honestly about how you are doing and ask questions to women who can give practical wisdom because they have been there too. To join this free community, simply head to thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com -- all the details for how to join are right there. We would love to have you join us, we would love to remind you that you are not alone. -- EPISODE 048 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode048 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I chat with Laura Moore -- a mama who endured the heartbreaking journey of knowing the baby she carried would most likely not live more than a few hours, days at the most, after birth. Laura’s son Hudson was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and in this episode she shares honestly about her pregnancy, what it was like to prepare for his birth and the tangible ways she did so, how she celebrated his life while he was alive and why maternity photos were incredibly meaningful to her. Laura also talks very specifically about the resources that were most helpful to her as she planned for Hudson’s birth as well as how she went about planning a funeral for her son and the role her friends and family played in that process. Laura spends some time recounting the day her son was born and marvels at what a beautiful day that was. If you or someone you love is walking the journey of carrying a baby that will not live beyond birth -- this episode is both practically helpful and honestly hopeful. I pray that no matter what brought you here today, this episode would serve as a reminder that you are never, ever alone in this journey and that you are more loved than you could ever imagine. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. The Cultivate team is offering Joyful Mourning listeners an exclusive discount. Head to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com/JoyfulMourning to order your Write the Word journal today and receive 10% off with the code JOYFULMOURNING. -- EPISODE 047 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode047 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I chat with Natalie Sanders, a mama who experienced pre-term labor, delivered her baby boy Axel at 24 weeks and said goodbye after he lived for just 24 days. Natalie and I talk about everything from marriage to friendship and the very beautiful but feasible and practical ways her family is honoring and remembering Axel in their every day life. Natalie also shares how she has grown as and is growing still as a result of Axel’s life and death. I think what she has to say about finding purpose in the loss will encourage anyone listening who is new to this grief journey. This episode is full of very practical wisdom and just genuine honest conversation from two moms who have had to bury their sons. I pray that even more than practical advice or honest conversation, this episode would serve as a reminder that you are never, ever alone in this grief journey and that you truly are more loved than you could ever imagine. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. The Cultivate team is offering Joyful Mourning listeners an exclusive discount. Head to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com/JoyfulMourning to order your Write the Word journal today and receive 10% off with the code JOYFULMOURNING. -- EPISODE 046 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode046 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I chat with Mary Margaret Powitz, a wise mama who has walked through the loss of her baby girl Helen. Mary Margaret shares incredible wisdom about her journey with grief, her wrestle with faith and God, and what she is learning right now about life after the loss of a baby. We talk about the enneagram and how our unique personalities grieved differently. We talk about all the ways she felt the most loved and cared for amidst her grief -- helpful for anyone listening who has a friend or family member walking through loss. We talk about the ways she is experiencing God redeem such tragedy -- and the ways she mentions might surprise you. And she is incredibly transparent about what her faith journey has looked like since the loss of her daughter. This episode is tender and honest and I am sure will be incredibly helpful to you. I pray that more than anything your time listening serves as a reminder that you are never, ever alone in this grief journey and that you truly are more loved than you could ever imagine. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. The Cultivate team is offering Joyful Mourning listeners an exclusive discount. Head to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com/JoyfulMourning to order your Write the Word journal today and receive 10% off with the code JOYFULMOURNING. -- EPISODE 045 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode045 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

If you are anything like me, you have wrestled with fear this week. Fear is a monster that wreaks havoc on a grieving heart. Keeping you up at night. Keeping you from finding rest. Keeping you from enjoying the gifts right in front of you. It can paralyze and debilitate and cause you to question everything that is good. In today’s episode I wanted to share 5 things I learned from Psalm 23 that remind me that this monster of fear actually has no control or power over me or you. I pray this episode reminds you that you are never, ever alone and that you truly are more loved than you could ever imagine. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. The Cultivate team is offering Joyful Mourning listeners an exclusive discount. Head to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com/JoyfulMourning to order your Write the Word journal today and receive 10% off with the code JOYFULMOURNING. -- EPISODE 044 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode044 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

This is a very special episode as it marks the 1 year birthday of this podcast. Exactly 1 year ago I launched this podcast out into the world. And while this endeavor has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so -- to bring you a tangible reminder that you are not alone in your grief and that you are loved deeply by a God who has not forgotten you or left you, a God who is working to bring about healing to your broken heart. Today I want to spend a few minutes sharing why I started this podcast, the same why that kept me going when producing and publishing yet another episode felt nearly impossible, and 3 very specific hopes and prayers I have for you, my joyful mourner listeners, as we move forward into year 2 of this podcast. I pray this episode does what each episode before it did, reminds you that you are not alone in your grief and you are more loved than you could ever imagine. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. The Cultivate team is offering Joyful Mourning listeners an exclusive discount. Head to www.cultivatewhatmatters.com/JoyfulMourning to order your Write the Word journal today and receive 10% off with the code JOYFULMOURNING. -- EPISODE 043 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode043 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning

Listen in as I spend time with Megan Hillukka. She shares the story of her daughter Aria and the subsequent trauma she faced as a mother whose 15 month old daughter had died in her sleep. Megan shares her journey with PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, and gives invaluable wisdom about getting help and the specific therapy that has brought her healing. We also spend some time talking about how you can love and support someone who is walking through trauma as well as what it practically looked like for Megan to help her older children work through the grief of losing their baby sister. Anyone who has suffered loss has experienced trauma and yet we rarely associate post traumatic stress disorder with the loss of a baby so I am incredibly grateful for Megan sharing her experience and wisdom with us in this episode. I pray this episode provides freedom in your grief journey as you are reminded that it is both helpful and important to get the help you need when you are grieving. -- Thank you to Cultivate What Matters for supporting The Joyful Mourning Podcast. Cultivate What Matters are the creators of the PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner as well as the Write the Word Journals -- two of my most favorite tools for intentional, purposeful living. For the grieving mama who may find opening the Bible to be too difficult in this season, The Write the Word Journals are a perfect solution. This tool takes the overwhelm out of opening the Bible and provides a simple way to consistently spend time reading God’s Word -- where I believe true healing can be found. To check out all the details about the Write the Word Journals, as well as a generous 10% coupon code, head to www.themorning.com/cwm -- EPISODE 042 SHOW NOTES: www.themorning.com/episode042 THE JOYFUL MOURNING COMMUNITY: www.thejoyfulmourningcommunity.com GIFT SHOP FOR GRIEVING MOTHERS: www.themorning.com/giftshop THE JOYFUL MORNING INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/thejoyfulmorning