Losing a Child: Always Andy's Mom

As a pediatrician, married mom of three biological children and one foster son, my life was busy, rushing off to my office four days a week, seeing patients for three and working as a medical director of a local physician organization for one. I balanced this with rushing off to shuttle my kids to after sports and other after school activities. All of this changed one day in August of 2018 when my 14 year old son, Andy, was killed in a car accident. I felt like my life was over, and in some ways it was over, and a new life was forced to begin in its place.

Grief is seldom discussed openly in our culture, and the death of a child makes people feel even more uncomfortable. On this blog and podcast, ‘Losing a Child: Always Andy’s Mom’, the topic is approached openly and honestly, speaking to people who have lost loved ones and experts who help care for them. Whether you are a parent experiencing loss or someone who wants to support another going through this tragedy, this blog and podcast strives to offer hope and help.

Episode 333: What is the Color of Your Heart? Addy's Mom

Jan 29, 2026

What color is your heart today?

In this episode, I sit down with Rachael, Addy’s mom, to talk about grief, healing, and the unexpected ways art can help us survive unimaginable loss. After 12 year-old, Addy’s death, Rachael’s grief showed up not only emotionally, but physically—through panic, sleeplessness, and...

Episode 332: What Remains, What Grows - Hunter's Mama

Jan 22, 2026

In this episode of Always Andy’s Mom, Luna returns for a new conversation—one shaped by time, lived experience, and the quiet ways grief continues to unfold.

Years ago, Luna signed a letter to her son Hunter with words that have stayed with me since reading her book, Look Mom, I Can Fly. She signed it:

Love,
Your...

Episode 331: The Quiet Work of Grief - Cody's Mom

Jan 15, 2026

In this episode of Always Andy’s Mom, Marcy is joined by Melinda, a mother whose love for her son, Cody, continues to quietly shape the way she lives, grieves, and remembers. Melinda reflects on how Cody’s life changed her family for the better—how his presence deepened their compassion, softened their hearts, and...

Episode 330: A Father's Grief, Stitched with Love - Ray's Dad

Jan 8, 2026

In this episode of the Always Andy’s Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Taylor, a grieving father who shares the story of his son, Ray, who was stillborn late in pregnancy.

Taylor talks about the moment fatherhood became real for him — feeling Ray kick for the first time — and the joy and anticipation that followed a...

Episode 329: What Is a Miracle? - Patrick's Mom

Jan 1, 2026

What comes to mind when you hear the word miracle?

For so many of us who have lost a child, that word can feel complicated. We prayed. We begged. We hoped with everything in us—and the miracle we were asking for did not come. This week’s episode gently asks us to reconsider what a miracle might look like after...