In this deeply moving episode of The Small Victories Podcast, host Pauline Victoria speaks with Barry Adkins, author of Kevin’s Last Walk: A Father’s Journey, about how the loss of his 18-year-old son Kevin to alcohol poisoning set him on an unexpected 1,400-mile pilgrimage toward healing, hope, and purpose.
Barry’s walk, inspired by Kevin’s favorite movie Lonesome Dove, became more than a tribute—it became a mission to spare others from similar heartache and to discover what “something very good” could emerge from unimaginable pain.
This conversation will touch anyone who has experienced grief, reminding us that even in our darkest hour, our next step forward can be the beginning of something redemptive.
Key Takeaways:
Purpose can be born from pain. Grief doesn’t have to paralyze you—it can mobilize you into a new mission, if you allow it.Faith can be a compass through the darkest terrain. When Barry felt alone, his faith whispered that something good could come from tragedy—and he chose to believe it.Forgiveness is a powerful step toward healing. That includes forgiving others, God, and perhaps hardest of all—yourself.
You will never be the same after loss—and that’s okay. The “old you” may be gone, but you have the opportunity to become someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
Legacy lives through stories. Talking about loved ones after they’re gone keeps their memory alive and allows healing to unfold.
Stillness makes space for insight. In a noisy world, quiet moments—whether on a walk or in the morning with a cup of coffee—are where wisdom and peace can emerge.
🌀 Reflection Questions:
What’s one area of your life where grief or adversity could be transformed into purpose?
What part of your story needs forgiveness—especially toward yourself?
📣 Connect with Barry Adkins: 🔗 Website: kevinslastwalk.com
Barry is available to speak at schools, churches, and events. He only asks for travel expenses outside Arizona—because for him, it’s not about profit; it’s about purpose.