Episode 98: Fighting for Joy 12 Years into Grief - Some Personal Reflections

A couple of weeks ago we hit the 12 year mark in our grief. 12 years without Jackson. Without Tyler and Trey. 12 years since we got “the phone call” and so many lives were forever changed. 12 years on this painful journey. And, it still hurts. It’s still hard. Sometimes I think, “of course our hearts still hurt”, and other times I’m completely surprised by it.

As I’ve said before, these set apart dates on the calendar that bring our heartache and grief right back up to the surface, and mark the passing of time without our son, are daunting - the lead up to the day, fumbling through the actual day, and then the weariness of soul in the days and weeks to follow…it’s all just plain exhausting, even now in the second decade of our loss. In light of this, and as a way to bring Season 7 of the podcast to an official close, I wanted to come on and share a little bit from my heart - a grief update, of sorts. Proof of life. Testimony of God’s continued care and healing. Things we continue to learn. And more insight into what is helpful during these tougher times of the year.

I’m so glad you found this episode. Thank you for taking the time to listen. In many ways, it’s like we are sitting down for coffee today. Or out on a walk…and you ask, “What’s your grief been like lately?” An unscripted hour of hearing me share about what my personal fight for joy feels like now in hopes of encouraging you to keep pressing forward in your own journey, or to continue walking with your grieving friends.

Also, don't forget that as a Fighting for Joy listener you can receive 10% off of your first month of counseling services from BetterHelp, my podcast sponsor. Check out my link at betterhelp.com/fightingforjoy. Counseling can be such a huge help in this broken world and a major tool in the fight for joy.