In this powerful episode, we introduce Kyle Beagley, who shares the story of losing his daughter, Kirsten Beagley, during her senior year of high school in 2024. Kyle lovingly recalls Kirsten’s light and big blue eyes, noting that she was dedicated to dance and served as the drill team captain. A determined goal setter, Kirsten achieved her major goal of winning a drill-down competition about a month before her tragic passing.

Kyle recounts the sudden loss following a tragic tubing accident at a winter formal activity, where Kirsten hit her head on the road. In the immediate aftermath, marked by shock and numbness, the family was sustained by an overwhelming outpouring of love and service from the community, especially through comforting hugs. After news outlets covered the incident, President Jeffrey R. Holland reached out to the Beagley family by phone and later attended Kirsten’s funeral.

Kyle shares the profound ministering received from President Holland, who emphasized that "faith always points forward" and that the family should look forward to reunion rather than dwelling on the past. President Holland also taught that "tears are the price we pay for love" and that God accepts the sacrifice of a "broken heart". Despite the immense grief, Kyle testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who "is fixing it, has fixed it, will fix it". By looking unto Christ, hope and healing are found, making what is broken whole again for eternity.

Resource: Church News Article

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This episode of the Grief and Belief podcast features hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interviewing their friend, Ben Cummings, a university professor. Ben shares the profoundly difficult yet ultimately hopeful story of his daughter, Eleanor, who passed away from a rare form of leukemia (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, or APML) at the age of about three and a half. Eleanor is lovingly remembered as a "firecracker" and a bundle of energy who loved "all things pink and purple," possessing a magical belief that she could fly with her fairy wings.

The central theme Ben explores is the hopeful principle that God is in the trenches with us during times of profound grief and challenge. Ben recounts the devastating onset of her illness, beginning with stroke-like symptoms that quickly worsened, leading to catastrophic strokes and brain swelling. The most agonizing decision came when he and his wife wrestled with when to remove Eleanor's life-sustaining support. They sought divine guidance, learning to trust not only God's will but also that "thy timing be done," eventually receiving an "overwhelming sense of peace".

Ben explains that this trial taught him a deeper level of love and compassion. He highlights "tender mercies" they received, including a nurse named "Hope" and unexpected support from neighbors and co-workers of diverse faith traditions. Ben concludes by offering a powerful testimony of the resurrection. He notes that his two youngest sons, Peter and John, were both born on Easter, serving as personal "witnesses of the resurrection," reinforcing his conviction that hope in Christ "saves".

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, hosted by David Mickelson and Kori Andrews, where we share stories of hope. In this episode, we welcome April Engstrom, who shares her experience regarding the passing of her mother, Cheryl Anne McLane, who died in 2020 due to her seventh bout of cancer. April was connected to the show by a friend from an earlier interview, Mary Colton.

April introduces Cheryl as an optimistic, determined, six-generation Texan. Cheryl was an avid sportswoman and dedicated equestrian. She was so passionate about the sport of cowboy mounted shooting—a very "wild west" and "Texas" pursuit—that she started the first women’s division (CMSA). Over 23 years, Cheryl battled seven different cancers, miraculously beating six of them. April describes her mother’s faith, developed after converting to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as "extremely simple and beautiful," serving as her "anchor" and providing a perspective of eternity. Cheryl emphasized that her most important roles were being a mother and wife, and loving her Savior.

April discusses the "heavensent gift" of being able to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to spend the last five months of her mother’s life at her side. While grieving the loss of her "Wonder Woman" mother—the "glue" of the family—April shares how her mother’s simple faith ultimately strengthened her own belief in eternal families. April finds profound comfort and hope in a journal her mother kept, entitled "52 Lists for Happiness", which details Cheryl's reliance on her faith even during her terminal diagnosis, making it a "priceless gift" that continues to support April’s journey through grief.Resources: 52 Lists for Happiness

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