“You’re not broken… you’re becoming.” ~Tom Snyir

In this second half of our conversation, Tom and Heather Snyir share what life has looked like in the days, months, and years since their daughter Katie Rae went to Heaven.

We talk about the realities of everyday grief - navigating the things people say, learning to live with “grief brain,” and facing simple questions that suddenly feel anything but simple.

Tom and Heather also reflect on how grief has changed them - how it’s reshaped their perspective, their relationships, and the way they move through the world.

Tom opens up about his personal journey with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and the people and faith that helped carry him through. He also shares about his devotional book, Branches of Grace, and the message of hope it offers to those walking through trauma and loss.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight for anyone navigating life after the loss of a child.

Key Takeaways

• Presence matters more than words when supporting someone in grief
• You are allowed to set boundaries and protect your heart
• Grief changes you ... and that doesn’t mean something is wrong
• You don’t have to walk through dark seasons alone
• Healing and pain can exist side by side

Resources & Mentions

• Tom's book: Branches of Grace: Devotions from the Front Lines of Faith is available on Amazon. Click HERE to find it.
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"God doesn’t always remove the suffering—He enters into it with us.”

In this first half of our conversation, Tom and Heather Snyir share the story of their daughter, Katie Rae—a creative, joyful teenager who made everyone around her feel like they were her best friend.

Katie was diagnosed with leukemia at just four years old. Tom and Heather share what it was like to navigate months of treatment, a bone marrow transplant, and the gift of more than a decade of remission.

Then, as a teenager, Katie was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. In this episode, Tom and Heather begin sharing what that journey looked like for their family and how they walked through those difficult days together until Katie went to Heaven.

Throughout this conversation, you’ll hear how their faith was stretched and sustained—not through easy answers, but through God’s presence in the middle of uncertainty.

Resources & Mentions

• Tom Snyir’s book: Branches of Grace: Devotions from the Front Lines of Faith - Available HERE.

Coming Next

In next week's episode, Tom and Heather share what life has looked like since Katie went to Heaven. We talk about grief in everyday life, how people respond to loss, and Tom shares more of his personal journey through PTSD, depression, and finding hope.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today I resume my conversation with Leah Sweetman, as she shares what the last two years have looked like since the loss of her son, Nathan.

She talks honestly about the first year of grief—the intensity of it, the impact it had on her thoughts and physical health, and the difficulty of approaching significant dates and milestones. Leah also reflects on how her experience has changed over time. Not becoming easier ... but different.

We also discuss the tension many parents feel when they begin to notice even small shifts in their grief. Leah offers a helpful perspective: Moving forward does not mean leaving your child behind—it means getting closer to the day you'll see them again.

This episode includes practical encouragement for newly bereaved parents, especially those who have walked through addiction or complicated relationships with their child. Leah emphasizes the importance of being patient with yourself, giving grief space, and continuing to trust God one day at a time.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The first year of grief and anticipatory grief around milestones
• How the second year can feel different
• The physical and neurological impact of grief
• Learning to function while grieving
• The tension around “moving forward”
• Giving grief intentional space
• Encouragement for parents of prodigal children
• Trusting God with your child’s life and future
• How loss can reshape perspective and faith

Leah’s Support Group (Bereaved Moms):

• Zoom meeting: Third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM Eastern
• Text “grief” to 502-206-2255 for reminders

Listen to the first half of Leah's story HERE.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org