In part two of their interview, Troy and Deedra Russell discuss the far-reaching impact of their story. Troy shares how his home teacher’s persistent invitation to play basketball helped him navigate the "unrelenting" grief of losing their son, Austen. This experience of dedicated ministering was later shared by Elder Holland in General Conference, leading to a video viewed by millions.
Deedra recounts her journey through physical suffering following a catastrophic head-on collision. She details her 137-day hospital stay—matching Joseph Smith’s time in Liberty Jail—and complications from a kidney transplant that left her in "darkest despair". Dedra views her previous trials, including clinical depression and the loss of her mother, as "stepping stones" that prepared her to endure these later challenges.
Despite ongoing medical struggles, the Russells testify that Jesus Christ understands their specific mental and physical agony because of His suffering in Gethsemane. They describe their most difficult trials as "sacred holy ground" where they felt God’s presence most profoundly. Their message emphasizes that by keeping covenants, individuals can view their refining experiences with an eternal perspective.

Resources:

One-on-One - YouTube Video

A Saint Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord - Elder Holland talking about Deedra's car accident

Remember Lot's Wife - Elder Holland BYU Speech

Lessons from Liberty Jail - Elder Holland BYU Speech

Heavenly Answers for Earthly Questions - Book about a Near-Death Experience

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, where hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Troy and Deedra Russell. The Russells share the tragic story of losing their son, Austen, when he was just nine years old after he was accidentally run over by Troy's truck in May 2015. Austen, the third of five children, was a beloved, fun-loving "phenom" athlete, especially talented in basketball, who had a special bond with his father over sports and with his mother when he was younger due to a severe speech impediment.
The Russell's recount the immediate, unrelenting grief that felt like a "house was just absolutely crushing me". Troy received a powerful revelation from Heavenly Father, affirming that he could keep the nine years he had with Austen, even if it meant enduring the pain. Deedra and Troy received numerous tender mercies, including Austen writing the scripture "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God" just days before he passed away, and their youngest daughter seeing "big Austen" (an adult-sized spirit) who performed a calming sign above their bed.
Their sorrow led to meaningful community outreach. Since Austen was known for his dedication to sports and the number three (which he adopted after BYU stars), the community created the logo AR3. They honored Austen by hosting a successful annual community event—an "Austen Russell birthday party"—for ten years, which features a court named Austen Russell Court. The Russells continue to focus on using this experience to strengthen their covenants and ensure they will be an eternal family with Austen again.Resources: One-on-One - YouTube Video

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. David and Kori interview Sandy Smith, a friend and experienced therapist. Sandy shares the story of her daughter, Stephanie, who passed away 35 years ago in 1990 at only 14 months old. Stephanie, the youngest of nine, was adored by her older siblings. Sandy recounts the traumatic moment Stephanie drowned in the family pool in Argentina, followed by the challenges of arranging her burial in Arizona.

Sandy focuses on the concept of the refiner's fire (Malachi 3:3). She explains that the Savior holds us in the "hottest part of the fire" but will not let us be destroyed. The refining process is complete when He sees His own countenance reflected in us. This refining experience led Sandy to become a mental health therapist, working in diverse settings, including running emotional groups for gang members in the prison system.

Sandy found that loss allows for personal growth, finding joy in creation through activities like music and pottery. She affirms there is life after loss and encourages others to choose happiness and growth. She testifies that Jesus Christ is her brother who loves her, offering peace and healing through the Atonement.

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Jenni Theobald, who shares the traumatic story of losing her son, Adam, when she was approximately 25 weeks along in the year 2000. Jenni recounts being on a trip to Las Vegas when she woke up in labor. In the hospital, an ultrasound tech brutally informed her: "Your baby's dead" because there were "no fetal heart tones". Following the loss, Jenni and her husband struggled to process the guilt and grief in a community where pregnancy loss is often "forbidden to talk about".
Jenni explains her difficulty with the term "miscarriage," which felt like an accusation that she had made a "mistake" or done something wrong. She recalls a family member dismissing her pain, saying, "It's just a miscarriage. Why are you upset? It wasn't a real baby". The pregnancy-loss experience caused a huge paradigm shift, leading her to leave her teaching career and focus intently on motherhood, recognizing the power and importance of family.
Ultimately, Jenni found the courage to move forward by leaning into the Savior. She found comfort in the song "I walked today where Jesus walked," realizing she needed to pick up her heavy burdens and keep moving forward, allowing her sorrow to deepen her capacity for joy. She testifies that the Atonement makes broken things whole and that the Lord "backfills where we lack with the spirit and buoy us up".

Resources: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Jordan Robertson, who shares the powerful story of losing her husband, Jake Robertson, to Glioblastoma Multiforme almost ten years ago. Jake was an attorney, a devoted BYU Cougar fan, and described as the perfect girl dad to their four young children. Jordan recounts the shocking and sudden terminal diagnosis, which occurred in January 2014, shortly after the birth of their son.

Despite the initial life expectancy of 14 months, Jake’s life was mercifully extended for over two years after they found a neurosurgeon willing to operate and participate in a clinical trial. Jordan shares that Jake chose to live a normal life with his family while making special memories. Following Jake’s death and a subsequent move, Jordan experienced a period of profound bereavement, describing the emotional state as sitting in the destruction after a "nuclear bomb" had gone off.

Jordan explains how she found healing through intellectual study of grief, through movement (like taking up skiing), and by serving others through hospice work, which led her to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology. Ultimately, she testifies that Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer who companioned her through the pain, emphasizing the message of Isaiah 53. She finds hope in His suffering, concluding with the powerful lyrics: "Hope did not die here but here was given. Here is hope".

Resources: Because of Jesus by Jordan Robertson

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, featuring the talented artist and social media personality, Jenedy Paige, who is also known for her appearance on American Ninja Warrior. Jenedy joins David Mickelson and Kori Andrews to share the profound story of losing her three-year-old son, Victory Morgan. She beautifully describes her early life as a "Disney princess" living in a metaphorical "Garden of Eden," before tragedy moved her to a place of immense pain and disappointment.

Jenedy recounts the tragic seven-week struggle after Victory Morgan fell into their family pool in Tucson. Despite having a deep, evidence-based relationship with God, built upon years of daily journaling and prayer, she was left "severely disappointed" when her desperate prayers for a miracle were not answered as she wished. She learned that God never intends for us to rewind the clock, but rather for us to go forward.

Through this devastating loss, Jenedy discovered that sorrow had "carved her out," creating a cavity—which she called her "Grand Canyon"—that now had a capacity for joy. She shares how painting became a survival tool, pouring out her grief onto the canvas. Jenedy testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who can bring the Grand Canyon together, healing the soul and transforming the grieving into a "2.0 version" of themselves.

Resources:

Coming Full Circle Book by Jenedy Paige (highly recommend!)

The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

How Can I Find God's Love in My Grief? YouTube Video

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Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews welcome Jessica Westover, a practicing marriage and family therapist, who shares how her education combines with her personal loss experiences to help bring hope to others. Jessica recounts her first traumatic grief experience: a missed miscarriage during her initial pregnancy. This profound loss was compounded when her grandpa passed away the very next day, creating a difficult "surrounding of grief" during her master's program.
Jessica dives deep into the concept of ambiguous loss, defined as a loss that lacks clarity or finality. She explains how a miscarriage fits this definition (physical absence with psychological presence) and the unique challenges, such as facing a "roller coaster of hope," lacking normative community support, and struggling with guilt or embarrassment. Jessica emphasizes that there is not a "right way to live life to not feel pain," and that shame often adds "optional pain" to difficult situations.
After struggling with depression and anger, Jessica found a path to healing by writing a heartfelt letter to her little one. She shares the symbolic act of placing the letter in a bottle and releasing it into the river, representing a choice to trust the Savior. This spiritual experience helped her develop a three-step healing process: Writing (for catharsis and validation), Feeling/Doing (a unique action guided by the spirit), and Remembering. She testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who is intimately aware of our healing and that we never walk alone.

Resources: Books by Pauline Boss, PhD

How to add a miscarried child or stillborn in FamilySearch

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In this powerful episode, we introduce Kyle Beagley, who shares the story of losing his daughter, Kirsten Beagley, during her senior year of high school in 2024. Kyle lovingly recalls Kirsten’s light and big blue eyes, noting that she was dedicated to dance and served as the drill team captain. A determined goal setter, Kirsten achieved her major goal of winning a drill-down competition about a month before her tragic passing.

Kyle recounts the sudden loss following a tragic tubing accident at a winter formal activity, where Kirsten hit her head on the road. In the immediate aftermath, marked by shock and numbness, the family was sustained by an overwhelming outpouring of love and service from the community, especially through comforting hugs. After news outlets covered the incident, President Jeffrey R. Holland reached out to the Beagley family by phone and later attended Kirsten’s funeral.

Kyle shares the profound ministering received from President Holland, who emphasized that "faith always points forward" and that the family should look forward to reunion rather than dwelling on the past. President Holland also taught that "tears are the price we pay for love" and that God accepts the sacrifice of a "broken heart". Despite the immense grief, Kyle testifies that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer who "is fixing it, has fixed it, will fix it". By looking unto Christ, hope and healing are found, making what is broken whole again for eternity.

Resource: Church News Article

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