While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss
This is a podcast FOR bereaved parents BY bereaved parents. Join your host, Jill Sullivan, as she talks with parents who have lost children of all ages to all types of circumstances. This is a podcast of stories ... stories of devastating loss and grief and heartbreak and struggle ... and stories of hope and healing and faith, and yes, even joy. Underlying every conversation will be the hope we have in Jesus Christ, which makes it possible to not just survive the loss of a child, but to live well while we're waiting to see them again in Heaven one day. Visit our website at www.WhileWereWaiting.org for more information about our nonprofit ministry to bereaved parents.
While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss
261 | The Empty Chair Endeavor (Part One) with Greg and Cathy Buffkin
Greg and Cathy Buffkin join me on the podcast today to share the story of their son Ryan—a funny and tenderhearted young man who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. As we get to know Ryan through their memories, we also learn about the hidden struggles he carried and the heartbreaking loss they experienced when he died by suicide in the fall of 2015.
With honesty and grace, Greg and Cathy open up about the complicated grief that comes with suicide loss, including the misconceptions that often surround it. They speak directly to the false belief that suicide is the unforgivable sin, offering reassurance that Ryan knew the Lord and is with Him now. Our conversation is both tender and powerful, offering hope, truth, and the comforting reminder that God’s love never lets go—even in our deepest sorrow.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- Stories of Ryan’s life and personality
- The events leading up to his death
- The discovery of deeply painful truths after his passing
- How Greg and Kathy have processed their grief over the past ten years
- The impact of sibling loss on their surviving daughter
- Gentle, faith-filled advice for parents grieving a suicide
- A reminder that God’s love reaches even into our darkest places
This episode is tender, honest, and full of hope. If you’ve lost a child—or know someone who has—Greg and Cathy’s story will remind you that you are not alone and that God is present, even in the pain.
Resources & Links:
- While We’re Waiting – Support for bereaved parents
- Scripture References:
- Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 8:38-39 – “Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”
Connect with Us:
- Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
- Leave a review to help others find hope
- Visit whilewerewaiting.org to learn more about our ministry for bereaved parents
- Come back next week to hear the rest of the Buffkins' story
** 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.
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Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
