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Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor

Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor

Written by: The Empty Chair Endeavor
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About this listen

Shining the light of Hope into the darkness of grief to support and equip grieving parents and siblings in rediscovering meaning, purpose, and joy after unspeakable tragedy. Additionally, our mission involves educating the public about the life altering impact the death of a child has upon survivors, both parents and siblings, and equipping them to better support and minister to them. Join us as guests share their stories of heartbreaking loss and how God has shown up in their journeys to heal and restore broken lives. The host, Greg Buffkin, lives with his wife Cathy in South Carolina. Because Cathy and Greg lost their beautiful son Ryan to suicide in 2015, they understand the trauma and pain of losing a child. On a journey that began 10 years ago out of unspeakable trauma and brokenness, GOD has brought them through to a place of restoration, hope and joy with a passion to help other grieving families on their journeys.

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by our guests are not necessarily shared by this podcast or its host. We believe there is only one GOD: the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit (the Trinity). We also believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, eternal word of GOD which is our source of all truth.





© 2026 Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor
Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Ministry & Evangelism Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Grieving Between The Two Rails With Ron Deal, Conner’s Dad
    Feb 3 2026

    In this heartfelt episode, Greg Buffkin welcomes Ron Deal from FamilyLife to discuss the profound journey of grief following the loss of his precious son Conner. Ron shares his personal story of losing Connor to a sudden, tragic medical complication, emphasizing the importance of not wasting pain and using it to help others. The conversation delves into the duality of grief, represented by the metaphor of two rails: one of pain and sorrow, and the other of hope and trust in God. Ron explains how navigating between these two rails is essential for healing, and how sharing their story has been a significant part of their journey towards recovery. Throughout the discussion, Ron highlights the importance of community and support for grieving parents, sharing insights on how to create a safe space for grief, and the necessity of being selective about who enters one’s grief garden. He also touches on the value of lament in the grieving process, encouraging listeners to express their pain authentically while holding onto hope. The episode concludes with Ron talking about he and his wife’s involvement with the While We’re Waiting ministry, which provides support for parents who have lost children, and the importance of finding trusted voices in the journey of grief.

    Share any comments here


    *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability for others, and we value your feedback!

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/id1654053256
    You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website:
    https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/
    Our Facebook link:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor
    If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.
    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • A Story of Faith, Hope and Love in Loss with Angie Ford-Green, Kevin’s Mom
    Jan 20 2026

    In this hope filled conversation, author and speaker Angie Ford-Green shares her journey of grief after the loss of her son, Kevin in a surfing tragedy. She reflects on the profound impact of his life and death on her identity, her marriage, and her family. Angie emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and the need to embrace grief while also finding hope and purpose in life after loss. Through her personal experiences and insights, she offers encouragement to other grieving parents, reminding them that they are not alone and that healing is possible through the power and grace of Jesus Christ. We invite you to listen!

    Most Recent Books:

    • A Mother Like Me (A Story of Faith, Hope, and Love in Loss)
    • Mothers Like Me ( Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love in Loss)



    Share any comments here


    *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability for others, and we value your feedback!

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/id1654053256
    You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website:
    https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/
    Our Facebook link:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor
    If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.
    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Incomprehensible Loss, Courageous Faith with Janet Boxx
    Jan 6 2026

    In this heartfelt conversation, Janet Boxx shares her profound journey through grief after experiencing the loss of her son through stillbirth and later, the tragic loss of two daughters in a car accident. You’ll hear us talk about how she’s continuing to navigate the messiness and complexity of grief, as well as cultural misunderstandings surrounding it, and the importance of community support. Janet emphasizes that healing is a long, often unpredictable process that doesn’t always follow standard models or stages. We also discuss the significance of lamenting and expressing true feelings to God. Ultimately, she shares her hope and contentment found in relationship with Jesus Christ, illustrating that joy can coexist with sorrow. We believe you’ll find this conversation encouraging, and Janet’s faith inspiring.

    Share any comments here


    *** Please take a minute to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy this podcast by clicking the link below. By doing so you help increase our visibility and discoverability for others, and we value your feedback!

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-after-child-sibling-loss-the-empty-chair-endeavor/id1654053256
    You can contact us by email at: hope@emptychairendeavor.com through our parent organization website:
    https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/
    Our Facebook link:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemptychairendeavor
    If you would like to share your story on an upcoming episode, please send us an email so that we can talk with you about it.
    Thank you for listening!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
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