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!

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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...

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...