She Would Want Us to LAFF

Ep. 034 with Shanna Miller 

In today’s podcast, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Shanna Miller, a dear friend, mentor, and a true beacon of light for those navigating the tumultuous waters of grief. As a mother of five and a grandmother to nine, Shanna embodies resilience and grace, having faced profound loss while finding ways to cherish life and love.

A Journey Through Heartache

Shanna began her story by sharing her roots in Arizona, where she lived until her husband graduated from college. Over the course of her 50-year marriage, she experienced the beauty and challenges of motherhood, including the heart-wrenching loss of two of her children.

As she recounted her experiences, her strength shone through. Shanna’s journey with grief began when she lost her daughter, Lindsay, shortly after birth. “I had a beautiful pregnancy, and everything seemed perfect until it wasn’t,” she shared, her voice steady, yet filled with emotion. Despite the heartache, Shanna’s faith and the support from her community became her lifeline.

She spoke candidly about the deep sorrow that accompanies such a loss. “Each pregnancy loss was a grieving process, and the pain was real. But it also shaped my faith and my family’s bond.”

Embracing Hobbies and Family

Shanna’s ability to find peace in grief is remarkable. She emphasized the importance of nurturing hobbies and interests, noting, “I love to sew, quilt, and engage in water fitness. These activities give me joy and keep me grounded.”

As a grandmother, she cherishes every moment spent with her “divinely fine nine.” “Being a Nana has truly enriched my life. I love getting on the floor and playing with them. It’s a reminder of the joy that life can bring, even amid sorrow,” she said.

The Power of Community Support

Throughout our conversation, Shanna highlighted the role her faith community played during her times of grief. “When Lindsay passed, we were devastated, but our church family lifted us up. They provided support that I can only describe as divine,” she said, her eyes shining with gratitude.

She also spoke about the importance of organizations like Lion's Heart, where she volunteers to support families experiencing loss. “It’s vital to acknowledge that children grieve too. They need a safe space to express their feelings,” Shanna explained.

Navigating the Loss of Lynette

Shanna’s journey through grief didn’t end with Lindsay. She faced another devastating loss with her daughter Lynette, who struggled with addiction. “It was a different kind of heartbreak. I loved her from the moment she was conceived, and losing her felt like losing a part of my soul,” she shared.

Shanna spoke about the complexity of grief, especially when it involves adult children. “You can’t compare losses, but each one leaves an indelible mark on your heart. The love I had for Lynette was profound, and her absence is felt deeply.”

Finding Peace Amidst Pain

Despite the weight of her losses, Shanna radiates a sense of peace that many strive to achieve. “Grief is a journey, not a destination. There are days when it feels overwhelming, but I find solace in my faith and the love of my family,” she shared.

Shanna emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to grieve. “It’s okay to have grief bursts—those unexpected moments of sadness. They remind us of our love and connection to those we’ve lost,” she said.

The Seasons of Grief

One of the most beautiful concepts Shanna introduced is the “seasons of grief.” “Initially, you experience the winter of grief, which feels cold and dark. But as time passes, you move into spring and summer, where you can find warmth and comfort again,” she explained.

This metaphor resonated deeply with me. It’s a gentle reminder that grief can coexist with joy and that healing is a journey filled with seasons.

Encouragement for Others

As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Shanna what advice she would give to someone struggling with grief. “Don’t rush your healing. Allow yourself to feel every emotion and reach out for support. You don’t have to walk this path alone,” she encouraged.

Her words lingered in my heart long after our discussion. In a world that often pushes us to move on quickly, Shanna’s perspective encourages a more compassionate approach to grief.

Conclusion

My conversation with Shanna Miller was a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Through her journey of loss, she has cultivated a life filled with love, community, and purpose. Her ability to find peace in grief serves as an inspiration to all who are navigating their own paths of sorrow.

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with loss, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to your community, lean on your faith, and allow yourself to grieve. Like Shanna, you can find hope and healing amidst the heartache.

As we part ways today, I invite you to reflect on the love you hold in your heart for those you’ve lost. Embrace the memories, and may you find comfort in knowing that they live on within you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and may you be blessed with peace and love as you navigate your own seasons of grief.