Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast. Hosts David Mickelson and Kori Andrews interview Scot Irwin, a former seminary and institute teacher who shares the powerful story of losing his younger brother, Chad, when Chad was 18 and Scot was 25 and married with two children. Chad, described as a quiet, conservative, and good-looking blonde athlete, developed a side ache that quickly led to the discovery of a malignant, grapefruit-sized tumor. The cancer progressed rapidly, and Chad passed away that night after Scot prayed that he would no longer suffer.

Scot recounts the immense guilt he felt because he was uncomfortable giving Chad a priesthood blessing, despite being the only Melchizedek Priesthood holder in the family, and because he prayed for Chad's death to end the suffering. Scot struggled with the guilt of prioritizing his full-time teaching job, school, and young family over being there for his brother. His guilt began to ease following a vivid dream in which Chad appeared to him, conveying the message: "I'm in a great place. I'm at peace. This is God's will and it's my will too. I'm happy and you shouldn't feel guilty. You're a great brother and I love you".

Through this experience, Scot gained a profound personal appreciation for the role of the Holy Ghost as a bringer of peace, healing, and sanctification. Scot testifies that Jesus Christ is the Savior who connects with him in his grief, emphasizing that Christ suffered so that He could "sucker us" (Alma 7). Scot concludes that healing from grief comes when he quits focusing on himself and turns his heart and mind outward to serve others.

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