Holding the Light: Sharing Hope After Child Loss

Monica and Colby Charette
  • 5.0 (38)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Child loss, universally, has been called the single, most devastating experience a family can face. It is a very personal journey, with no handbook for survival. Sharing our stories of love and loss offers validation, hope, and healing. Join Monica and Colby Charette in a very unique, mother-and-son podcast, as they share their personal grief journey, and those of others, with intimate interviews each episode that offer powerful experiences, candid advice for friends, retrospective lessons learned, insight and encouragement, and everything in-between. If you have experienced child loss, or care about someone who has, we invite you to hold the light with us, and keep coming back for inspiration and hope. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Joyce Vigue-Morrissette: Caregivers Grieve Too

    This month on Holding the Light, we welcome Joyce Vigue-Morrissette — a retired nurse who shares what grief looks like from the caregiver’s side of child loss. Joyce called into our Listener Line after hearing Holly Caron's episode "Grief Has No Timeline" and the story of her daughter Heather, who died from a brain tumor. Joyce was Heather's nurse. This episode reminds us that it's not just families who carry grief. Joyce references the podcast episode with Holly Caron. We invite you to listen to that episode here:  Grief Has No Timeline https://www.buzzsprout.com/1914805/episodes/18567861 What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    26 min

  2. MAR 11

    Jessica Ashe: When Grief Finds Its Voice

    We are joined this month by a fellow bereaved mother who shares how losing her son five years ago reshaped her life, and led her to advocate for change. She is also the current United States of America Mrs. Maine—someone who chose to carry her grief into the public eye, not for attention, but for impact. Learn how she is advocating for better workplace bereavement leave policies and hear why Jessica believes "there is always hope on the darkest days." This is what happens when a bereaved Mom decides to turn grief into purpose.  If you’d like to have Jessica speak to your organizational leadership about workplace bereavement support, you can contact her at jmashe83@gmail.com. To follow Jessica's USOA Mrs. Pageant Journey: unitedstatesofamericapageants.com What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    28 min

  3. FEB 11

    Holly Caron: Grief Has No Timeline

    For any parent listening to this podcast who worries that time hasn’t ‘fixed’ their grief—this conversation is proof that there is no timeline we need to meet.  Eighteen years after losing her daughter Heather to brain cancer, Holly Caron shows us what enduring love looks like—quiet, honest, and deeply present. This conversation affirms what so many families live but rarely hear acknowledged: Grief has no expiration date. Love does not fade with time—and neither does the bond between a mother and her child. Resources cited in this podcast: Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area: https://www.hvwa.org/ The Center for Grieving Children: https://www.cgcmaine.org/ What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    46 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Zorimar Bentancourt: Murder Can't Silence A Mother's Love

    This episode honors the enduring bond that even murder cannot break. We sit down with Zorimar Betancourt, whose world shattered when her son Stefano was carjacked and murdered while she drove behind him, trying desperately to help him on the phone. This conversation is raw and real, but it's filled with grace, a reminder that ever when violence steals life, it can't silence a mother's love. Learn how Zorimar tirelessly advocates for organ donation in Puerto Rico, and has made it her mission to help other parents navigate grief during trauma -- all in honor of her son, Stefano.  The Stefano Steenbakkers Bentancourt Foundation: https://www.fundacionstefano.org/ To reach our guest Zorimar Bentancourt:  100 Av. San Patricio, Guaynabo Puerto Rico, 00968 1-787-607-4990      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamstefanopr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamStefanoPR Referenced resources in this episode: "Finding Meaning" by David Kessler: https://grief.com/ Dougy Center, The National Grief Center for Children & Families, Portland, OR:  https://www.dougy.org/ A Second Chance Organ Donation: https://www.asecondchanceproject.org/ Life Net Health: https://www.lifenethealth.org/ What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    45 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Chris Wilson: A Father's Grief

    This episode is dedicated to the fathers who grieve quietly but love loudly. We’re asking what it means to lose a child from a father’s perspective. Chris Wilson is here to bravely share with us the heartbreak of losing his oldest son Andrew in a tragic workplace accident. He shares how he didn't know what to do with his grief, and four years later, his biggest fear is that his son will be forgotten. This father's love is evident, as is his resiliency to keep going in a world without his son in it.  We’re exploring the journey of a father’s heart.  Referenced in this episode is The Compassionate Friends Support Group of Lewiston/Auburn meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month, 6pm, currently at the East Auburn Baptist Church.  For information Email: tcflewistonauburn@gmail.com. Phone Contact: Lena (207) 713-777 What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    34 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    Monica Charette: 11 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Child Loss

    Oct. 11, 2025 marks the 11th Year since Cassidy died. In this special episode of Holding the Light, I’m here to share 11 things I wish someone had told me about child loss—the truth no one prepares you for, but every grieving parent deserves to hear. Grief doesn’t end, but it changes. The things I want to share with you might not make your grief any lighter, but my hope is that sharing helps you feel less alone, in your journey. If you’re carrying the weight of child loss, or love someone who is, this conversation may be the light you need today.  What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    17 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    Aiden Deans: Self-Reflection After Sibling Loss

    We’re honored to sit down with Aiden Deans, who at just 12 years old, lost his older brother Austin to an accidental drug overdose. Ten years later, he wants to talk about his experience, both then and now — the grief, sometimes anger, the stigma surrounding his passing, but always the deep love that remains. He reflects on family, addiction, finding his way forward after loss, and bravely honoring both his brother, and his grief journey. This is also conversation between Colby and Aiden, who share their personal perspective and support on sibling loss with each other, and our listeners. What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    43 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    Jennifer Oldham: Holding On, Letting Go (Keeping Kindness for Hallie)

    Jennifer Oldham lived through a moment no parent ever imagines—when an ordinary day turned tragic, in the blink of an eye. A sudden storm. A fallen tree. And the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Hallie. In the quiet, in the pain, and in the love that endures, she has found the strength to speak—about what happened, how she’s still standing, and holding on to memories while learning to live again. How she is Keeping Kindness for Hallie. And sharing her powerful story of survival after child loss. Links to our conversation with Jennifer: Kindness Keepers for Hallie: https://kindnesskeepersforhallie.org/ Keeping Kindness for Hallie FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/383574890577429 Emily Graham (Grief Recovery Method Specialist): https://kindnesskeepersforhallie.org/ Faith's Lodge: https://www.childlossfoundation.org/ What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message. Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast  created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert.  EMAIL US  (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass  (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy. Our podcast’s theme music is  As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999).  Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy! We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to  leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future  episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you! Love what you heard?  le...

    37 min
See All (46)

Trailer

5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Child loss, universally, has been called the single, most devastating experience a family can face. It is a very personal journey, with no handbook for survival. Sharing our stories of love and loss offers validation, hope, and healing. Join Monica and Colby Charette in a very unique, mother-and-son podcast, as they share their personal grief journey, and those of others, with intimate interviews each episode that offer powerful experiences, candid advice for friends, retrospective lessons learned, insight and encouragement, and everything in-between. If you have experienced child loss, or care about someone who has, we invite you to hold the light with us, and keep coming back for inspiration and hope. 

Information

You Might Also Like