Processing and Navigating Grief as a Dad with Richard Wons, Trinity’s Dad Artwork

Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor

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.

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Hope After Child & Sibling Loss/the empty chair endeavor

Processing and Navigating Grief as a Dad with Richard Wons, Trinity’s Dad

April 01, 2025 • The Empty Chair Endeavor • Season 6 • Episode 10

“After Trinity died, I was barely functional”, is how Richard described himself after he and his wife Stacey lost their precious daughter shortly after being born. Doctors described it as a “medical mystery”. In a previous episode (12/10/24) Stacey shared about her grief and healing journey as Trinity’s mom, and in this episode Richard and I talk about the impact of grief and trauma from a dad’s personal experience. It’s no secret that men and women both process and navigate grief differently, and in our conversation, Richard shares how Trinity’s death affected his identity as a protector and defender in his roles as a husband and dad, as well as the impact it had upon his relationship with GOD. After the death of a child, it’s not uncommon for a man to “dive into” his work as a distraction from the pain, a subject we also explore in our conversation. I hope you’ll join us for this thoughtful and insightful look into a dad’s grief journey.

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