One Bright Star - Life After Loss OneBrightStar

Tiffany Ward joins our podcast to talk about the extraordinary life of her mother, Cheryl. Although her mom's passing was just a short time ago, Tiffany beams as she talks about their relationship and how Cheryl touched so many lives. Because Cheryl had so many life experiences, she connected very easily with others and helped them navigate through their own trials and tribulations. At one point, Tiffany found herself grieving her mom's loss even before she had passed. She learned to cherish every moment which allowed her and Cheryl to enjoy their open and deep relationship while her mom was in hospice. Tiffany speaks about the signs that her mom leaves for her since her passing, to just let her know that everything is alright. Join us for a heartwarming discussion about a family's love and the lasting legacy that Cheryl leaves behind.
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One Bright Star board of directors members Tracy Davies and Nicole Van Sickle join our podcast to talk about their own grief journey. Both have suffered the death of a child and share their stories about a grief journey that is emotional and ongoing. Part of that journey brought them to a retreat in Wisconsin called Faith's Lodge. It's a safe place where parents and families come to explore their inner-most feelings with others who have the shared experience of losing a child. One Bright Star is proud to be able to help families attend the retreat through a grant program that will offset the cost of the three-night, four day stay at the lodge. Nicole and Tracy talk about their personal experience at the lodge and help answer questions about what to expect at the venue. Both agree, that it was the single best decision they've made to help them through their loss and to navigate through their grief. If you or someone you know is suffering through the loss of a child, please share this podcast with them to know there is help available through One Bright Star. More information at: FaithsLodge.org and OneBrightStar.org

Executive Director, Erica Fischer and board member, Alicia More, take a look back at 2023 and discuss everything One Bright Star was able to accomplish for its grieving families. From setting up grant programs to help parents attend retreats at Faith's Lodge in Danbury, Wisconsin to Mothers of Angels events to connecting with bereaved parents through Comfort Conversations, OBS, with the help of its many financial supporters was able to do so many great things to serve its mission. They also talked about updating the OBS website, adding Bereavement Bags and Cassie's Cuddles at the local hospital, updating the Star Grief Journal, annual OBS board retreat with guest speaker, pastor Jillene Gallatin, annual Celebration of Life Gala and the Life After Loss Podcast. Join us for a recap of 2023 and a look ahead at what's in store for 2024!

Join us for part two of our conversation with Jillene Gallatin, Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca, Minnesota. Jillene talks about the, "seasons of grief" rather than the stages of grief. People's misconception is that one moves through the stages rather than, often times, returning to a previous iteration of the process. At the age of 14, Jillene lost her mother, Mina Jean, to suicide. She speaks about the people in her life who helped her cope and understand her feelings and emotions. She discusses her grief journey which returned to anger when she reached the age that her mother passed away at and her sense of being paralyzed by fear. Jillene reinforces the notion that anger is not the final stop, it's not the end and she speaks about the importance of knowing the resources available in the community and the people to reach out to. She also helps us understand that we don't have to have all the answers when we are with the bereaved, but to stay with them as they navigate through the process.
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Jillene Gallatin is the Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca, Minnesota. She joins our podcast to talk about grief and how important it is for people to share their story. Jillene shares her personal story of facing grief and loss when she was fourteen years old and the tragedy of losing her mother to suicide. She talks about questions that don't have answers, feeling isolated and "holding a sacred space" for people to be able to tell their stories and the importance for others to listen to those stories. This discussion was also impactful for One Bright Star's Executive Director, Erica Fischer, as she is on the front lines as she comforts and listens to families who have suffered death. Erica shares her emotional interactions and how she feels such a personal connection to each and every family she talks to. Please join us for part one of our two-part discussion with Pastor Jillene. OneBrightStar.org

Becca and Dan Sharpsteen were excited to welcome their first child into the world. A full-term pregnancy and the eager anticipation of a newborn, soon turned to tragedy when they learned their son, Cal, would be stillborn. That twisted turn of events started a grief journey that has been an emotional roller coaster for the young couple. Becca joins our Life After Loss podcast to share their story and to help others who have suffered such a loss. She talks about the time in the hospital they spent with their son, holding him, singing to him, reading and trying to capture what memories they could with a boy who wasn't going to be coming home. The couple has channeled their emotions and energy into something to honor and remember their son called, "Cal's Corner." It's a mobile bookshelf stationed at the hospital and includes titles to help families who have suffered stillbirth, miscarriage or infant loss which will enable them to process their own grief and to further discuss the loss with surviving or future children. It also includes some favorite children's books that parents can read to their lost child while still in the hospital which helps them to cope and create memories. Please join us for the emotional story of Cal and the lasting legacy his life created.
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