GRIEF, GRACE AND GRATITUDE

Overcoming Stigma | The Reality of Addiction with Tammy Posey

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

Finding Faith in the Midst of Grief | with Cindy Bowling

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
 

Living Beyond Loss | Hope and Resilience with Tara

In this heartfelt episode of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, Rhonda Kemp sits down with Tara to explore her emotional journey following the loss of her son, Tyler, to addiction. Tyler struggled with addiction for 12 years before passing away in August 2022, leaving Tara in profound grief. She opens up about the deep pain of loss and how she found hope and healing through community support and her faith.
Tara shares how attending a Hope After Loss retreat connected her with other parents who had experienced similar losses, providing a lifeline of understanding and empathy. Through counseling, grief share groups, time in nature, and her relationship with the Lord, Tara began to navigate the complexities of grief.
The conversation delves into Tyler’s struggles with addiction, the impact on their family, and how Tara has turned her grief into a mission to create awareness and provide hope to others. By speaking to school children about the dangers of addiction, she aims to honor Tyler’s memory and inspire change.
Tara reflects on coping with holidays after loss, the importance of recognizing and accepting anger in grief, and the challenges of maintaining relationships during this difficult journey. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about addiction and the transformative power of sharing personal stories. Her resilience and faith serve as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, healing and hope are possible.
Resources:
Learn more about Hope After Loss retreats and how they support grieving parents.
For more episodes and additional resources, visit our podcast homepage.
 
You can find this episode HERE on YouTube
 
Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon)
#faith #healing #community #hopeafterloss #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #mentalillness #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod

Creating Joy for Children Affected by Overdose | with Cheryl Juaire

This week Rhonda sits down with Cheryl Juaire, who shares her journey of grief after losing her sons, Cory in 2011 and Sean in 2021, to overdose. Cheryl opens up about the challenges of navigating grief, the importance of community support, and her unwavering faith, which has been a cornerstone of her healing.
Through her activism, Cheryl has transformed her pain into purpose. She founded Hope After Loss, a faith-based support group for grieving parents, and continues to advocate for overdose awareness. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of connection among those who have experienced similar losses, creating spaces where memories can be honored and healing can begin.
Cheryl also highlights her work to bring joy and support to children who have lost parents to overdose. Her annual Christmas party for these children is a powerful reminder that love, community, and small moments of happiness can make a profound difference in their lives.
This conversation sheds light on the stigma surrounding addiction, the critical need for grief support, and the power of faith and advocacy in the healing process. Cheryl’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and hope—a testament to the strength found in helping others while honoring the memory of loved ones.
Resources:
Well it’s that time of year again at Team Sharing, Inc when we reach into our hearts to sponsor a child/children who, through no fault of their own, will wake up on Christmas morning without their Mom or Dad, and in some cases both. 
Although we can’t fix their broken hearts, we at Team Sharing can do our part!
If you would like to sponsor a child and haven’t in the past please reach out and I will find you that child. If you would prefer to make a donation for us to purchase a gift there are multiple ways you can help. 
You can Venmo to @team-sharing. 
You can go to our website www.teamsharinginc.org 
Or mail a check to Team Sharing, Inc. 289 Elm St Suite 105 Marlborough, MA 01752
 
You can find this episode HERE on YouTube
 
Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon) https://remarkableyoubook.com/
#teamsharing #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #mentalillness #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod

Cherishing Memories and Honoring Those We've Lost | with Darcy Patterson

In this heartfelt episode, host Rhonda Kemp sits down with Darcy Patterson, who shares her deeply personal journey through grief following the loss of her 21-year-old daughter to a heroin overdose. Darcy reflects on the strength she found in her own sobriety and how family and community support became lifelines as she navigated this challenging path. Her loss led her to turn her grief into purpose, founding Wake Up Nevada to promote harm reduction and raise awareness about addiction.
Darcy opens up about the healing power of cherishing memories and the importance of advocacy and education in breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. She emphasizes how each person’s grief journey is unique, including her son’s experience, and how open conversations can foster understanding and compassion for those affected by addiction and recovery.
This episode is a reminder of the value of community support and the need for continued education on addiction’s impact. Darcy’s story is both a tribute to her daughter’s memory and a call for empathy and action to support others facing similar struggles.
Resources:
Add your loved one’s name “in memory of” on the Narcan Box: wakeupnv.org
Contact Darcy Patterson: nrdarcy@yahoo.com
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 #WakeUpNevada #narcan #griefandhope

Finding Healing in Community and Volunteering | with Bri Schrader

In this powerful episode, Rhonda Kemp speaks with Bree Schrader about her journey through grief after the devastating loss of her brother, Jeff, to an accidental overdose. Bree opens up about the unique challenges of sibling grief, sharing her experience of feeling overlooked while navigating the complex emotions surrounding his passing. From anger towards God and the church to a deep identity shift, Bree describes how she struggled to process her grief initially, often feeling the need to suppress her emotions.
Through volunteering and community engagement, Bree eventually found a sense of purpose, channeling her pain into actions that honor her brother’s memory. She reflects on the evolution of recovery services, emphasizing the importance of safe, supportive spaces for families impacted by addiction. Rhonda and Bree discuss the power of music and therapy in the healing process, as well as the significance of openly sharing stories about lost loved ones to keep their memories alive.
This episode highlights the healing potential in community, the personal growth that can emerge from grief, and the importance of being present and compassionate when supporting those struggling with addiction.
At The Phoenix, we’re fueling a movement that builds on the power of community and belonging to change how society approaches addiction and recovery. Through hundreds of weekly sober events and activities, we’re creating safe spaces for all individuals to connect, build friendships, find support, and have fun. https://thephoenix.org/ 
 
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 #siblingloss #recovery #overdose #hope #healing #addiction #parentingaddiction #mentalillness #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod

The Power of Faith and Patience | with Kris Darrah

In this touching conversation, Rhonda Kemp and Kris Darrah open up about the heartbreaking experience of losing their daughters to overdose. Together, they explore their personal journeys through grief, addiction, and mental illness, and how they've found hope and healing along the way.
Rhonda and Kris share the powerful role that faith, patience, and gratitude have played in their healing process. They talk about the importance of connecting with others who’ve been through similar losses, and how sharing their stories has brought comfort not only to themselves but to those around them.
If you or someone you love is facing a similar journey, this conversation is filled with encouragement and hope. Join us as we explore how patience and trust in God’s timing can transform grief into grace.
Key Takeaways:
There’s no timeline for grief—be patient with yourself and trust in the healing process.
Community and shared experiences can offer deep support during times of loss.
Gratitude and faith are essential tools for finding peace amidst pain.
Sharing your story can be a powerful way to help others and heal yourself.
Honoring your loved one can bring a sense of purpose and meaning in the midst of grief.
Be sure to listen and share with anyone who might find comfort in this uplifting conversation.
 
Treasures In Trials BLOG 
 
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

Grief Work and Hopeful Hearts | with Bob Willis

In this enlightening episode, Rhonda Kemp speaks with Bob Willis, a pastor and bereavement counselor, about his journey into grief work and the importance of providing support to those grieving. Bob emphasizes that grief is a unique and timeless experience, stressing the need for active listening and creating safe spaces for emotional expression. He discusses therapeutic techniques like writing letters to the deceased and sculpting, and addresses common feelings of guilt and regret. They explore the particular challenges faced by siblings in grief, the value of counseling and support groups, and the role of self-care in the healing process. Bob's book, What Now?, offers tools for navigating grief and encourages finding joy in activities that help express emotions. This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the complex landscape of loss.
A Guide For Grievers by Bob Willis
Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon)
 
You can find this episode on YouTube HERE
 
#bereavementcounselor #bobwillis #aguideforgrievers #loss #hope #podcast #hopeafterloss #griefandhealing #hopeisaliveministries #soberliving #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod
 

Turning Grief into Action | John Lally’s Journey of Hope and Healing

In this impactful episode, Rhonda Kemp speaks with John Lally, a retired psychiatric nurse who shares his journey through grief after losing his son to an overdose. John discusses his nonprofit organization, Today I Matter, which aims to support those struggling with addiction and mental health issues while promoting compassion and dignity. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and using personal experiences to help others, addressing the vulnerabilities that can lead to addiction and the need for more community resources. The conversation touches on building support systems after loss, changing priorities, practicing gratitude, and the significance of self-care. John and Rhonda highlight the power of sharing personal stories to break the stigma surrounding addiction and discuss community involvement, as well as the success of Hope is Alive Ministries and their sober living houses. This episode serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for compassion and understanding in the face of addiction.
 
 Check out John's Blog and Donate at TODAYIMATTER.ORG
Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon)
You can find this episode HERE on YouTube
 
#loss #hope #podcast #hopeafterloss #todayImatter #griefandhealing #hopeisaliveministries #soberliving #grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod
 

Finding Hope and Healing | Gina’s Journey After Loss

 
In this heartfelt episode, Rhonda Kemp interviews Gina, who bravely shares her experience of losing her son Jeremy to addiction-related death. Together, they explore the challenges of grief, the need for justice and awareness surrounding addiction, and how relationships evolve after such a loss. Gina discusses her and her husband’s proactive efforts to seek justice for Jeremy and advocate for change in their community. They delve into the importance of faith, support networks, and the healing power of gratitude while navigating guilt and emotional complexities. Gina also highlights the significance of remembering the positive aspects of loved ones, incorporating family in the healing process, and finding relief through physical activities. This inspiring conversation concludes with a powerful reminder of hope and the strength of community in the journey through grief.
 
Rhonda Kemp is the author of Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations (available now on Amazon)
 
You can find this episode on YouTube HERE
#grief #loss #overdose #hope #healing #parenting #addiction #faith #support #griefgraceandgratitude #griefgraceandgratitudepod