Debbie Waffle built a life filled with joy, purpose, and hope—but nothing could prepare her for what came next. Her daughter Kelsey’s medical challenges grew more complex over time, leaving Debbie desperate for answers and overwhelmed with fear. And when Kelsey died, the grief nearly consumed her.

On what would have been Kelsey’s birthday, Debbie speaks with Heather about the deep unraveling that comes with losing a child—the guilt, the heartbreak, and the silence that follows. Through raw reflection and hard-earned wisdom, she shares how grief reshaped every part of her life… and how she’s slowly learning to hold space for both sorrow and strength.

READ DEBORAH’S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/My-Grief-Jar-Growing-Daughter-ebook/dp/B0DHV6JTRR

Find Heather and Jake’s Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

FIND HEATHER & JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN ⬇️

❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

Connect with us on social media:
• Heather’s Instagram
Jake’s Help from Heaven
Jake’s Help from Heaven IG
Facebook
• Our YouTube Channel

Keep scrolling for the episode transcript.

Checkout our other episodes

 

How a 3,288-Mile Run Sparked a NATIONWIDE Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis

How a 3,288-Mile Run Sparked a NATIONWIDE Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis

Ashley Schneider grew up watching her mother, Jill, battle multiple sclerosis with quiet strength. Determined to take action, she founded MS Run the US from her childhood bedroom in Wisconsin, turning her love of running into a mission to raise awareness and funds for those affected by MS.

In 2010, she took it to the next level—running 3,288 miles across America to bring national attention to the cause.

But her journey didn’t end there. She built a nonprofit that now unites runners nationwide to continue the fight.

Schizophrenia & Suicide Loss: The Grief No One Talks About

Schizophrenia & Suicide Loss: The Grief No One Talks About

What happens when you lose someone you love to suicide?

How do you begin to process a loss that feels impossible to carry? In this episode, Heather sits down with Madison Reuter, who opens up about losing her ex-partner, Regis, to suicide after his battle with schizophrenia. Madison shares the raw reality of navigating this grief—losing someone so young, the struggles of suicide loss, and the complex emotions that follow. She also offers insight on supporting young people through grief, sharing what helped (and didn’t) in her experience.

This is a conversation about love, loss, and the grief we don’t talk about enough.

Watching My Mom Fight Lymphoma: Losing My Mom to Cancer

Watching My Mom Fight Lymphoma: Losing My Mom to Cancer

MacKenzie Zarzycki’s mother checked herself into the hospital for what she thought was COVID-19 shortly after she was on life support.

In this episode of A Place of Yes, MacKenzie, host of the tourism podcast Destination Saratoga All Access, shares her personal journey of losing her mother to Lymphoma, the challenges of navigating grief while welcoming a new child, and the importance of honoring memories. The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics during times of loss and the significance of open discussions about grief.