My friend and fellow Tasmanian Shannon Hodgetts joins me for a really moving conversation about losing her little boy Rhys and navigating the grief of child loss. But it doesn't stop there. She shares about finding courage, purpose and hope through family, community and giving.

Shannon and her husband Dean lost Rhys in 2016, when he was just two and a half years old. We begin by remembering the vibrant, determined little boy who loved music, dressing up and spending time with his big sister Amalie.

Shannon then takes us through the morning Rhys died, the special kindness of the emergency responders and the tough months that followed. She reflects on how she and Dean grieved differently, how they supported Amalie, and the small routines that helped them face each new day.

We discuss what grieving families really need. Shannon explains why practical help, simply showing up and being present, can matter far more than awkwardly trying to find the right words.

We recorded our chat at Punchbowl Reserve in Launceston, beside Halo, the memorial swing created through Rally for Rhys. Shannon shares how a 2018 fundraising event raised $30,000 and brought the community together to create a special place for families, particularly children who have lost a sibling.

We also explore Shannon's book, One Breath at a Time: Navigating the Early Stages of Child Loss. She wrote to Rhys in a journal every day for three years, and those writings helped shape a book offering practical guidance to bereaved families and their supporters. Copies have now reached schools across northern Tasmania.

Can joy and grief exist together? Shannon shares a funny memory from the day Rhys died, explains why grief doesn't necessarily become smaller, and describes how her family has grown around it. Rhys remains part of their everyday lives, including through the memories and conversations of Amalie and younger brother Elijah.

This episode is a shared conversation between my Good Company podcast and Shannon's new podcast, Courage Over Silence. Shannon also turns a couple of questions around on me as we discuss courage, conviction, speaking up and the importance of taking action, even in small ways.

We finish with Shannon's message to parents facing the loss of a child. Her words are compassionate, practical and hopeful.

I'm grateful to Shannon for sharing Rhys's story so openly. It's a confronting conversation at times, but I really am honoured to be trusted with it, and to be able to bring it to you. There's also plenty of warmth, laughter and encouragement along the way.

Good Company with Michael Ferguson is a place for conversations with interesting people. Conversations too good not to share.

This episode is part of Tasmanian Stories, conversations with people who love our island and have a story worth sharing. My goal is to inspire hope and belief in Tasmania's future.

Pull up a chair and enjoy some Good Company.

In this conversation:

• Remembering Rhys and his childhood
• The morning Rhys died and the kindness of first responders
• How Shannon, Dean and Amalie navigated grief
• Practical ways to support grieving families
• Rally for Rhys and the $30,000 raised
• Creating Halo at Punchbowl Reserve
• Supporting bereaved siblings
• Writing One Breath at a Time
• Bringing the book into Tasmanian schools
• Learning to experience joy alongside grief
• Keeping Rhys's memory alive
• Finding purpose and hope after loss
• Courage, conviction and speaking up
• Shannon's podcast, Courage Over Silence
• Shannon's message to bereaved parents