Ken Alford: Death Cannot Stop True Love

Ken Alford: Death Cannot Stop True Love

David Mickelson and guest host KC Cowles welcome Ken Alford, a retired Army Colonel and BYU professor, to honor the legacy of his wife, Sherilee. A woman of profound faith, Sherilee supported Ken through 15 military moves while raising four children. She was beloved for her kindness and a 12-year tradition of baking thousands of cookies for her husband’s students at West Point and BYU. The conversation explores Sherilee's 12.5-year battle with a rare "malignant benign" cancer, a journey she faced with a conscious choice to remain happy despite ten major surgeries. Ken shares how his children remember her for never once raising her voice, reflecting her commitment to a peaceful, Christ-centered home. He also introduces a poignant metaphor involving a "grandmother clock" used to navigate the rhythmic "waves of grief". Ultimately, Ken testifies that while widowhood is a "zero-star event," the Gospel provides a sure hope for a future reunion. He reflects on the many "tender mercies" received since her passing and witnesses that Jesus Christ knows our specific circumstances. His story serves as a powerful reminder that through the Atonement, "death cannot stop true love". Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Cole Olsen: Mountains to Climb

David Mickelson and KC Cowles welcome Cole Olsen, a recently returned missionary from Pocatello, Idaho. Cole shares the legacy of his father, Jasen, a charismatic rodeo athlete who competed in bareback riding for decades. Though their relationship was once strained, they spent Cole’s final high school years bonding through their shared passion for Saddle Bronc rodeo. While serving in Brazil, Cole received the devastating news that his father had died by suicide following a severe rodeo injury and subsequent head trauma. After a brief trip home for the funeral, Cole chose to return to his mission, finding healing by "forgetting himself and going to work". He reflects on a sincere prayer for "mountains to climb" that prepared him to rely on the Savior during this trial. Now home, Cole testifies of Jesus Christ as the "perfect judge" who understands the hidden pains of the heart. He describes the "tangible peace" he felt during a long flight home, emphasizing that the Atonement can heal even the deepest trauma. Cole’s story serves as a witness that through service and faith, we are never truly alone. Resource: Mountains to Climb [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng] by President Henry B. Eyring Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Grief Resources

David Mickelson and Jordan Robertson explore a wide range of grief resources tailored for the bereaved and their support networks. Jordan outlines how grief manifests across different ages, detailing the emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms that impact adults, teens, and children. The conversation also delves into the biological effects of trauma on the brain and the importance of moving from a "fight or flight" state back to a restful parasympathetic nervous system. The episode offers actionable tools, including mindfulness practices, support groups, and specific self-care lists to help manage daily life. For younger audiences, the hosts highlight specialized resources like Camp Kesem, therapeutic Instagram accounts, and a comprehensive list of over 200 picture books. Finally, Jordan shares her own children’s book, testifying that Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of comfort. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Although a therapist in training is featured, no therapy or counseling services are being provided, and no therapist-client relationship is formed. If you need support, please contact a qualified mental health professional or, in a crisis, reach out to local emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Resources: Podcast Presentation PDF [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nGta4icd_0bZRYCkYYgZs0JJu_ZJ36Vh/view?usp=sharing] Because of Jesus [https://a.co/d/0geMVwBt] by Jordan Robertson, Children's Book List of Grief Picture Books [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vS9Ol50PR7nBMhh7awyWTy3gm3X94PDwFUj9ipal0YqxvuawlSg51VnGSCnaQkjcCYRBDLCZJb8fpqQ/pubhtml] compiled by Jordan Robertson Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Bryan Wilson: Removing the Limitations

David Mickelson and Jordan Robertson welcome Bryan Wilson to discuss the legacy of his son, Brooks. A handsome boy who loved motorcycles and dinosaurs, Brooks passed away following a tragic accidental shooting. Bryan candidly describes the "layered process" of his grief, including the crushing guilt he felt as a father and the difficulty of navigating public scrutiny from the media. The conversation highlights Bryan’s reliance on temple worship to find a "recharge" and an eternal perspective. He shares how ordinances like sealings reaffirmed his hope for a future reunion and helped him "hold on" through the pain. Bryan also testifies of the ministering of angels, noting how both heavenly messengers and his supportive ward community acted as a "rescue" for his family. Finally, Bryan explores how he learned to stop placing "limitations" on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He discovered that the Savior’s power heals not just sin, but also the deepest trauma and suffering. By surrendering his burden, Bryan has found a personal friendship with Christ and a steadfast hope in the resurrection. Resource: tansee.com [tansee.com] (to download texts and other files from your loved one's phone) Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]

Ellie DuPaix: A Plan for the Pain

David Mickelson and guest host KC Cowles welcome Ellie DuPaix, who honors the legacy of her father, Sean Oliverson. A simple man who loved the outdoors, Shawn was a loyal father and orthodontist known for making his family feel safe. Ellie emphasizes that although he passed away by suicide in early 2024, he was defined by his deep love and vibrant personality rather than the tragedy of his death. The discussion explores Sean’s battle with perfectionism, OCD, and debilitating insomnia, which led to a mental health breakdown. Ellie candidly shares her deep darkness and initial anger toward God when her prayers for physical healing went unanswered. Through the overwhelming service of her community, she eventually witnessed a tangible feeling of Christ’s love, realizing that God can use our suffering for a greater purpose. Today, Ellie finds healing through service, hosting the Her Horizon podcast to integrate faith and psychology. Additionally, her mother founded the Stay Mentally Strong Foundation to provide resources for men struggling with mental illness. Ellie testifies that Jesus Christ knows us personally, providing an eternal perspective that transforms pain into a message of hope. Resources: Her Horizon Podcast [https://herhorizon.libsyn.com/] Stay MENtally Strong Foundation [https://www.staymentallystrong.com/] Follow along on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/griefandbeliefpodcast?igsh=MWk5eXE2dDJoaTNmbw==] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/15yrCoVqjq/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4028994783990803/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT ]