In this episode of the Grief and Belief podcast, hosts David Mickelson and Corey Andrews welcome Stu Davis to share the powerful story of losing his son, Grant, 19 years ago. Stu, an orthopedic surgeon, active outdoorsman, and a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides a glimpse into his family's life and his journey through medical school and his career. He describes his son Grant as a precocious, fun-loving, and "all-American great kid" who was outgoing, humorous, and deeply dedicated to his faith and family.
Stu recounts Grant's extraordinary passion and talent for road cycling, which began as a Boy Scout merit badge activity and quickly blossomed into a potential professional career. Grant was a nationally ranked cyclist who had been invited to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center just a month before his accident. This incredible self-driven dedication was tragically cut short when, at 16 years old, Grant collided with a parked truck during a routine training ride, resulting in a broken neck and a severe lack of oxygen to his brain. Stu, drawing on his medical background, quickly understood the severity of the situation and shares the family's decision to donate Grant's organs, which helped save three other lives.
Throughout the conversation, Stu reflects on the spiritual experiences that provided comfort and perspective in the aftermath of Grant's passing. He discusses the eternal promises found in Grant's patriarchal blessing, which Grant never had the chance to read himself, and how it reassured his family that this life is just a transition. Stu also explores how his medical training prepared him for the clinical reality of death but not for the profound sense of separation from his son. He shares his testimony that while he has questioned many things over the past 19 years, his knowledge that he will see Grant again because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ has been the "iron rod" he has held onto.
Resources: The Alchemist
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