Finding Faith in the Valley: Gladys Potter Reflects on Loss of Son Kenyah

Still coming to terms with the death of her son Kenyah, Gladys Potter has shared an emotional message of faith and encouragement with people struggling through grief, illness, anxiety and other difficult periods in their lives.

Potter said her family’s life changed on August 8, 2026, when Kenyah, whom she described as a beloved and healthy son, died.

Since then, she said, grief has become a daily battle, testing her emotionally and spiritually as she tries to navigate life without him.

“The ache of losing him is so dominant that there have been moments where I found myself misunderstanding God, losing sight of the lessons, and missing the blessings,” Potter wrote.

Her experience, she said, has given her a deeper understanding of what it means to struggle mentally and emotionally while trying to hold on to faith.

Potter extended her message beyond her own loss, reaching out to people dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, broken relationships, unemployment, the death of loved ones and shattered dreams.

She acknowledged how difficult it can be to accept help or remain hopeful when overwhelmed by pain, saying her own journey has helped her better understand why people sometimes withdraw from those trying to support them.

At the centre of her message was a reflection on time, both the time that has been lost and the time that remains.

While acknowledging that she can no longer have physical moments with Kenyah, Potter said she continues to feel a strong spiritual connection with her son, remembering his voice, laughter and smile.

Rather than allowing grief to consume what remains, she said she is trying to use the experience as motivation to appreciate loved ones, pursue new goals and embrace new beginnings.

“We cannot allow the time we lost to steal the time we still have,” she said.

Potter said she continues to work through her grief one day at a time, turning to worship and prayer as she seeks healing and peace.

She ended her message by urging others facing their own battles not to surrender to despair, reminding them that difficult circumstances do not mean their lives have lost their purpose.

“Please don’t give up,” Potter wrote. “God is still good, your purpose is still alive, and there is still beautiful time left for you to live.”