Surviving Grief & Rebuilding your Life After Child Loss

Angie Hanson, guest on The Angel Moms Podcast

Grief is a journey no one wants to take, yet so many of us are forced onto this path. Losing a child is an unbearable heartbreak, but what happens when loss keeps coming? How do we find the strength to keep going when the weight of grief feels impossible to carry?

In a recent podcast episode, I sat down with Angie Hanson, a mother who has faced unimaginable loss—her son Garrett, her husband Jack, and her brother. Through her grief, she has found a way to honour her loved ones, embrace resilience, and support others in their own journeys. Her story is one of pain, love, healing, and purpose, and in this blog, I want to share some of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation.

The Call No Parent Ever Wants to Receive

The morning Garrett passed away started out like any other. Angie dropped him off at daycare, noticing that he clung to her leg a little longer than usual. Hours later, she received a life-changing phone call—her son had been found unresponsive in his crib and was being airlifted to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of doctors, Garrett did not survive.

At first, there were no answers. Eventually, Angie learned that Garrett had an undiagnosed heart defect, a condition with no symptoms that can cause sudden death during rest or extreme activity. Though knowing why he died provided some clarity, it did not ease the pain of his absence.

Grief’s Impact on Every Part of Life

Losing a child doesn’t just affect parents—it changes marriages, relationships, and even how we view the world. Angie spoke candidly about how grief put a strain on her marriage and how navigating loss together is an entirely separate challenge. Some couples grow stronger in their shared sorrow, while others struggle under its weight.

One of the biggest lessons Angie shared on The Angel Moms Podcast is that grief is deeply personal. Each person processes loss differently, and expectations can make it even harder. “We grieve at our own pace, in our own way,” she shared. There is no right way—only your way.

Journaling: A Safe Space for Grief

For Angie, journaling became a lifeline. She described it as a place where she could be honest with her emotions—a way to express her pain, anger, and sorrow without fear of judgment.

She also found that journaling helped her navigate relationships. Instead of saying something in the heat of grief that she might regret, she could write it down first. This allowed her to process emotions privately before sharing them with others.

If you are struggling with grief, consider keeping a grief journal. Even if you never share the words with anyone, the act of writing can provide relief.

Finding Strength Through Faith and Perspective

Mindset plays a huge role in how we navigate grief. While Angie never lost hope after Garrett’s passing, her faith was shaken after losing her husband and brother. She openly shared that she went through a period of anger toward God, questioning why she had to endure so much pain.

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Eventually, she realized that hope doesn’t always mean expecting a miracle—it means believing that, somehow, you will survive the unimaginable. When her husband was dying, her hope shifted from praying for a cure to wishing for his peace.

For those grieving, Angie encourages leaning into whatever faith or belief system brings comfort.

Surviving Grief by Honouring Loved Ones

One of the hardest parts of grief is figuring out how to move forward without letting go. Angie has dedicated her life to honouring her son, husband, and brother by helping others navigate loss. She believes that keeping their memory alive doesn’t mean staying stuck in grief—it means finding meaningful ways to carry their love forward.

She encourages grieving parents to find small, personal ways to honour their child—whether that’s through creative projects, charity work, or simply speaking their child’s name.

“Loss is hard. Grief is hard. But you can survive this. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Listen to the Full Conversation

This blog only scratches the surface of the incredible conversation I had with Angie. If you are grieving, feeling lost, or searching for ways to honour your child while moving forward, I invite you to listen to the full episode. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation HERE.

XO Lisa Boehm

PS: I created a FREE 5-part video series for bereaved mothers who are trying to survive grief and child loss. The videos are short and easy to follow. You can request the series here.