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Holding the Light

Holding the Light

By: Monica and Colby Charette
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Child loss, universally, has been called the single, most devastating experience a family can face. It is a very personal journey, with no handbook for survival. Sharing our stories of love and loss offers validation, hope, and healing. Join Monica and Colby Charette in a very unique, mother-and-son podcast, as they share their personal grief journey, and those of others, with intimate interviews each episode that offer powerful experiences, candid advice for friends, retrospective lessons learned, insight and encouragement, and everything in-between. If you have experienced child loss, or care about someone who has, we invite you to hold the light with us, and keep coming back for inspiration and hope.© 2025 Holding the Light Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Jennifer Oldham: Holding On, Letting Go (Keeping Kindness for Hallie)
    Jun 11 2025

    Jennifer Oldham lived through a moment no parent ever imagines—when an ordinary day turned tragic, in the blink of an eye. A sudden storm. A fallen tree. And the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Hallie.

    In the quiet, in the pain, and in the love that endures, she has found the strength to speak—about what happened, how she’s still standing, and holding on to memories while learning to live again. How she is Keeping Kindness for Hallie. And sharing her powerful story of survival after child loss.

    Links to our conversation with Jennifer:

    Kindness Keepers for Hallie: https://kindnesskeepersforhallie.org/

    Keeping Kindness for Hallie FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/383574890577429

    Emily Graham (Grief Recovery Method Specialist): https://kindnesskeepersforhallie.org/

    Faith's Lodge: https://www.childlossfoundation.org/

    What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.

    Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.

    Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at
    www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!

    We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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    37 mins
  • Janice Deans: Life Beyond Loss From Overdose
    May 11 2025

    Austin Ashmore's spirit continues to impact the world, long after his life was tragically cut short by an accidental drug overdose. This podcast is the story of a mother’s plea to have others remember her son for how he lived, not how he died. He deserves that, and so does she. We uncover the legacy Austin left behind, in conversations, and the quiet strength of a mother’s love.

    To join the Facebook Group "Austin's Legacy" email: austinslegacy2016@gmail.com


    What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.

    Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.

    Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at
    www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!

    We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    Love what you heard?

    • leave us...
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Lena Hann: Living Life More Fully After Child Loss
    Apr 11 2025

    “It was the worst day of my life, but I’ve always been grateful for having him for 33 years.” Reaching the 10-year milestone since the passing of her 33-year-old son Wayne, Lena is finding solace in helping others embrace their grief journeys through a national network called The Compassionate Friends. But along the way, she’s also discovered she is helping herself live more fully, and more intentionally every day, for herself, and for her son.

    Links to resources from our interview with Lena Hann:

    The Compassionate Friends grief support groups: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/

    Lena Hann, The Compassionate Friends Facilitator in Lewiston, Maine. Email Lena: lenahann33@gmail.com

    Grief Educator David Kessler: https://grief.com

    What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.

    Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.

    Our podcast’s theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at
    www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!

    We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can’t wait to hear from you!

    Love what you heard?

    • leave us...
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
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