
Losing a child is an indescribable pain that changes everything. Amidst the heartache, many grieving mothers search for ways to honour their child’s memory while finding the strength to keep going. In a recent episode of The Angel Moms Podcast, Tiffany Agnew shared her deeply personal story of navigating grief through purpose. Her journey—from discovering her late son Braden’s bucket list to embracing a holistic approach to healing—offers hope, inspiration, and practical tools for bereaved moms seeking light in their darkest moments.
Discovering Braden’s Bucket List
Shortly after her son Braden’s passing, Tiffany stumbled upon a guided journal he had completed in school. Inside, she found a bucket list titled “Things I Want to Do Before I Die.” This discovery was both heartbreaking and pivotal. Braden’s list included big dreams and small joys—aspirations that spoke to his adventurous spirit and zest for life. Determined to honour his memory, Tiffany made it her mission to complete the list.
From visiting Italy to exploring Scotland’s Glamis Castle, each experience has brought Tiffany closer to her son. She carried Braden’s photo with her on every trip, ensuring his presence was felt in each moment. This journey became more than fulfilling his dreams; it became a way to celebrate his life and reconnect with her own purpose. Tiffany’s story reminds us that honouring our children’s legacies can help us find healing through action.
Living for Our Loved Ones
Tiffany’s commitment to Braden’s bucket list reflects a broader truth: living fully in their memory is one of the most powerful ways to honour our children. She encourages grieving moms to consider how they can carry their child’s spirit forward—whether through small rituals, fulfilling shared dreams, or embracing a mindset of living boldly.
Tiffany shared, “become the things you loved most about the person who’s gone.” For her, that meant adopting Braden’s “dream big” mindset and reaching for the stars. By embracing purpose, Tiffany found a way to blend grief with love, creating a meaningful path forward.
Movement as a Healing Tool after Child Loss
Another transformative part of Tiffany’s journey has been her dedication to physical movement. She shared how exercise became a crucial element of her grief toolbox. By committing movement each day, Tiffany began reconnecting with herself and reclaiming pieces of her identity lost in the wake of Braden’s passing.
Movement doesn’t just benefit the body—it nourishes the mind and soul. Tiffany emphasized how physical activity, whether biking, hiking, or simple stretching, helped her release pent-up emotions and gain a sense of clarity. “Grief is exhausting,” she explained, “and while it feels like movement takes energy, it actually gives you energy.” For grieving moms, even small steps can spark profound shifts in how we process our pain and find strength to move forward.
A Holistic Approach to Grief
Tiffany’s perspective on grief extends beyond traditional talk therapy. While counseling can be valuable, she believes true healing comes from addressing the whole person—mind, body, and soul. This holistic approach includes nourishing your body with healthy foods, finding spiritual practices that resonate, and rebuilding connections to yourself and others.
“You have to get to know yourself all over again,” Tiffany shared. Grief changes everything, from our priorities to our sense of identity. By embracing this change and working on all aspects of well-being, grieving moms can begin to find peace and purpose amidst the pain.
Mindset and Perspective in Grief
Tiffany’s story also highlights the importance of mindset. She reflected on how the stories we tell ourselves shape our ability to heal. “If I wake up every day and tell myself my life is over because my son is gone, I’ll never live,” she said. Instead, Tiffany focuses on being a mother to Braden by living in a way that honours his memory. This shift in perspective—from focusing on pain to finding ways to live with purpose—has been a cornerstone of her healing journey.
Your Path & Grief Journey
Every grieving mom’s journey is unique, but Tiffany’s story offers universal truths. By embracing purpose, prioritizing self-care, and adopting a holistic approach to healing, you can begin to navigate life after child loss. Whether it’s through fulfilling a dream your child had, creating rituals to honour their memory, there is hope, there is strength, and there is support.
Listen to Tiffany’s Full Story on The Angel Moms Podcast
For more insights from Tiffany Agnew, tune in to the full episode of The Angel Moms Podcast. You’ll hear her candid reflections, practical tips for grieving moms, and how she transformed her grief into purpose. Her journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love. 🎧 Click here to listen.
PS: I've created a 5-part video series for Angel Moms that discusses the 5 biggest struggles that grieving moms face. You can learn more here.
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