124 Breaking the Silence on Suicide: A Father’s Witness to Love and Loss

In this episode, I talk to Deacon Ed Shoener about suicide. He explains: -What makes grief after suicide different from other forms of loss, and what do you most want survivors to know early on? -Many families and friends wrestle with “what if” questions and self-blame. How can people gently loosen the grip of guilt while still honoring their love for the person who die -Silence and stigma often surround suicide, even within faith communities. What does healthy, faithful accompaniment look like when someone is grieving a death by suicide—and what responses, even well-intended ones, can be harmful? -You emphasize that healing does not mean forgetting or “moving on.” How can survivors integrate this loss into their lives in a way that allows meaning, connection, and even moments of peace over time? -For listeners who may be walking alongside someone grieving a suicide—or who are grieving themselves—what practices of presence, prayer, or professional support do you most strongly encourage, especially in the months after the initial shock fades?