If you’ve ever wondered how children can learn to face grief with courage and creativity, episode 370 is for you. Author and educator Jerry Woodbridge joins Emily to share how her experiences of loss and widowhood inspired her to write Joy Overcame Sorry, a middle-grade novel that helps kids process the death of a parent through story and journaling. With wisdom drawn from her own grief journey, Jerry shows how writing, empathy, and faith can guide children—and their families—toward resilience, healing, and hope.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(01:01) Jerry’s lifelong calling as a teacher and writer

(02:30) The devastating losses that shaped her perspective on grief

(06:45) How journaling provided clarity and emotional release

(10:40) From grief to creativity: writing her first book Trading My Sorries for the Joy of the Lord

(13:40) Why empathy—not casseroles—helps grievers feel seen

(16:30) Turning pain into purpose and helping others heal

(20:36) The differences between sudden and anticipatory grief

(23:06) How children process grief—and why resources like camps and books matter

(25:21) Choosing joy while holding sorrow at the same time

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jerry Woodbridge, an educator, author, and grief advocate who helps children and families process loss through storytelling and journaling. After the deaths of her husband and four babies, Jerry turned to writing as a way to find clarity and healing. Author of Joy Overcame Sorry and its companion Joy’s Journal, she draws on her decades of teaching experience and personal journey to guide middle-grade children in expressing emotions. Through her books and commitment to grief literacy, Jerry shows how writing and empathy can transform sorrow into resilience and hope.

Throughout this episode, Jerry shares how journaling became her lifeline after losing her husband and four babies. What began as private writing grew into books that help children put words to their grief. She introduces Joy Overcame Sorry, a story of a ten-year-old coping with her father’s death, and Joy’s Journal, a companion that guides kids through their own emotions. Jerry highlights the value of early grief literacy, the difference between sympathy and empathy, and the healing power of presence. Her message shows how sorrow and joy can coexist, with love as the bridge between them.

Connect with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge:

Website

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Get Jerry’s books!

Let's Connect:

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The Grief and Happiness Alliance

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Writing a list of happy experiences you have had can bring you joy and give you lots of things to write about in your journal!

Let's Connect:

• You can join the Grief and Happiness Alliance which meets weekly on Sundays by clicking here
• You can order the International Best Selling The Grief and Happiness Guide by clicking here.
• You can order Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief by clicking here at Amazon:
• You can listen to my podcast, Grief and Happiness, by clicking here
• Request your Awaken Your Happiness Journaling Guide here

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If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to survive the loss of a child, episode 368 is for you. Author and healer Vickie Menendez joins Emily to share how losing four children became the catalyst for her healing, spiritual connection, and mission to help others. Through stories of synchronicities, raising vibration, and reframing grief into love, Vickie shows how even the deepest sorrow can transform into purpose.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

(01:03) The book that came from the heart

(01:49) Reframing tragedy through love

(04:40) Messages through rainbows

(06:11) First loss at 20 years old

(07:40) Overdose and a cascade of losses

(10:40) The double blow of 2017–2018

(12:40) Discovering tools for healing

(15:02) Transforming grief into purpose

(25:38) The gift of mandalas

(31:35) The chrysalis journey

In today's episode, I'm joined by Vickie Menendez, a grief guide, author, and spiritual healer who helps others turn loss into healing and empowerment. After the unimaginable deaths of her four children, she discovered practices that reframed grief through love and spiritual growth. Author of Mother of All Memoirs: The Crystal’s Butterfly Effect and The Compass to the Soul, Vickie blends personal experience with modalities like breathwork, mandala art, and MAP (Make Anything Possible) therapy. Through her books, workshops, and private sessions, she shows others how to raise their vibration, process emotions, and reconnect with their true essence, offering hope and practical tools for navigating profound loss.

Throughout this episode, Vickie shares her journey from the stillbirth of her daughter in 1980 to the later losses of three more children. Though devastating, these experiences became the foundation of her healing work. She explains how spiritual coaching, breathwork, and MAP therapy helped her process grief and shift perspective. Instead of remaining in sorrow, she now sees her children as pure love, often felt through signs like rainbows and synchronicities. She highlights the power of raising one’s vibration to connect with loved ones, honoring their legacies by helping others heal, and transforming pain into purpose.

Connect with Vickie Menendez:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Vickie Menendez: Mother of All Memoirs book series

Let's Connect:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• The Grief and Happiness Alliance
• Book: Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.