It’s the worst fear of any parent- losing a child. For our guest, Denise, her worst fear became a reality 2 years ago when her son Ian took his own life. In the wake of this tragedy she is learning how to move forward, and live life, in-spite of deep loss.

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest season of the year. Filled with family gatherings, good food, friends, gifts, shiny decorations and hallmark memories to last a lifetime. No one expects the season to turn tragic. That’s exactly what happened to Jim and Denise Rose and their two daughter’s on December 24th, 2013.

In the blink of an eye, they lost their son…their brother…their baby.

But their story is a story of hope. Out of the ashes of this devastating moment, and in the midst of grief that still exists every day, they’ve found hope to keep going, and keep living.

Listen To The Podcast.

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Notes and Quotes from The Show.

We loved the opportunity to spend time with Denise and listen to her story. She and Jim are living proof that there is hope, in-spite of unbelievably tragedy. She also shared great wisdom for anyone who may be parenting a child dealing with depression or mental illness.

[shareable]Mental illness is an illness, it is not a choice.[/shareable]

Out of the entire episode, we realized the most important quote we could share is Psalm 13, which Denise referenced during the show, and shared that this has gotten her through the dark days…

[shareable cite=”Psalm 13″]O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever. How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.[/shareable]

Denise also shared these words, toward the end of the episode, that’s an encouragement for anyone who feels like their life is worthless or that they would be better off not living anymore…

[shareable]I may be happier in heaven, but God has a plan for me here. [/shareable]

Links and Resources.

After we finished the recording for this episode, Denise sent over several resources for suicide awareness, and prevention. Suicide is never the answer. In fact, the truth is that it’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Here are those links, along with our shout-out to The Monon Community Center in Carmel, Indiana:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Zero Suicide Initiative
• The Suicide Prevention Hotline- 1-800-273-8255.
• The Monon Community Center

We hope you’ve found encouragement and hope through Jim and Denise’s story. If you have questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment section of this post or send us an email by clicking here.

[reminder]Have you faced a tragedy like Jim and Denise Rose did? Do you know someone who has? Share your story with us.[/reminder]