#183 // Losing a Child to Suicide: A Family’s Journey Through Grief, Faith and Hope

📍 “You don’t move on. You learn how to move in it.”

Today’s episode is unlike any other on The Grief Mentor Podcast.
It’s longer, heavier, and deeply needed.

Todd and Melissa Schaefer join me to share the story of their precious son, Tristan, who died by suicide just days before his 19th birthday. They open their hearts to us—offering a raw, grace-filled testimony of unimaginable pain, unwavering faith, and the hope that has emerged in the ashes.

DISCLAIMER: Sensitive details surrounding the cause of death are discussed up to minute 39-Part 1-The Story of Tristan. Please take care while listening and pause if needed.

This conversation unfolds in three parts:

1. The Story of Tristan – Who he was, what changed, and the heartbreaking final days leading up to his death.

2. After the Loss – How their faith, marriage, and identity were shaken—and reshaped—by grief.

3. A New Mission – The birth of Surviving Child Loss, a docuseries (and upcoming full-length documentary) designed to bring comfort, truth, and hope to grieving parents, the Church, and beyond.

Whether you've lost your child to suicide or are walking alongside someone who has, this episode will show you you're not alone—and that Jesus is still the Champion, even when the outcome breaks your heart.

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💔 Inside This Episode:

• What grief after suicide really looks like in the first days, months, and years

• How Todd and Melissa survived the loss—and what helped most

• Why the Church must do better when it comes to understanding grief

• How the Surviving Child Loss docuseries is giving voice to parents everywhere

• What scripture says about suicide—and why you can rest in your child’s salvation

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🎧 Listen now and let this powerful testimony bring comfort, clarity, and courage to your grief.
🕊️ You're not alone. There’s hope—even here.

🔗 Visit survivingchildloss.org to support the documentary and watch new stories as they release.

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Grief Mentor Resources:

Seven Free Ways The Grief Mentor Can Support You:

1. Free Grief Survival Guide – The exact steps I used to keep me alive in that first year. Down