Podcasts about bereaved parents

Today we pick up right where we left off last week in my conversation with Heather Oden.  In the previous episode, she introduced us to her son Jacob and shared the heartbreaking story of the car accident that took his life at just 15 years old. She also gave us a glimpse into those early days of grief and the ways God met her in the middle of unimaginable pain.  (You may want to click HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation before continuing with today's episode!)  In this second half of our conversation, Heather opens up about the difficult journey of forgiveness for the driver who took her son's life, the ways God has reminded her that He is near, and how her grief has evolved over the nearly ten years since Jacob went to heaven. She also shares the story behind her ministry, Light Up the Dark, and the beautiful truth that even after the death of Jacob, she still finds purpose in being his mom.This is a conversation filled with hope ... a hope rooted not in circumstances, but in a God who is deeply personal, endlessly faithful, and always near. I believe you'll be blessed by listening in.Click HERE to connect with Heather and learn more about Light Up the Dark!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

My guest today is Heather Oden of Sterling, Kansas. Heather is a woman who wears many hats ... She's the executive director of a nonprofit called Light Up the Dark, a worship leader at her church, the wife of a fifth-generation farmer, and the mom of five children.  Today, she joins me to share the story of her son, Jacob.Jacob was an athlete, an encourager, and a young man with a remarkable gift for noticing people who were hurting and speaking life into them. But on August 3, 2016, Jacob and his older brother, JJ, were driving home for lunch when their pickup was struck by a driver under the influence. JJ survived. Jacob did not. In this first half of our conversation, Heather introduces us to Jacob and shares what those early days of grief were like after losing him so suddenly. She talks honestly about the shock, the questions she brought to God, and the unexpected ways God brought comfort in the midst of unimaginable pain.This is a conversation filled with sorrow, certainly, but also with deep faith and the quiet reassurance that God is near to bring light to the darkness.  I believe you'll be blessed by listening in. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Is it possible to forgive someone who has taken everything from you?That's the question at the heart of the second half of my conversation with Davey Blackburn.After losing his wife, Amanda, and unborn daughter, Evie, in a tragic act of violence in 2015, Davey made national headlines when he publicly extended forgiveness to the men responsible. But as he explains in this episode, forgiveness was not a feeling that came naturally. It was a decision that was rooted in faith and continually renewed over time.In this conversation, Davey shares how his understanding of forgiveness has evolved over the years and why he believes forgiveness is ultimately about trusting God with justice. He offers a perspective that is both challenging and freeing for those who have been deeply wounded by the actions of others.We also explore the growth of Nothing Is Wasted Ministries, the organization that emerged from Davey's journey through grief. He reflects on what it means to steward pain well, how God can redeem suffering without minimizing it, and why our greatest impact often comes through simple obedience rather than grand plans.Perhaps most encouraging is Davey's message to those who are still in the early stages of grief and simply cannot see any purpose in their pain. Rather than offering easy answers, he reminds us that healing is a process, faith is often borrowed from community, and God is patient with our questions.This episode is filled with wisdom for anyone navigating loss, disappointment, trauma, or unanswered questions.Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE!  Resources and Links:Nothing is Wasted WebsiteNothing Is Wasted PodcastDavey Blackburn's book: Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in PainPain to Purpose CourseIf this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps grieving parents discover hope and community through the While We're Waiting podcast.Until next time, remember that while we're waiting, God is always at work.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

On November 10, 2015, Davey Blackburn's life changed forever. What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning ended in unimaginable tragedy when intruders entered his home, leaving his wife Amanda critically wounded. 24 hours later, Davey faced the devastating reality of losing not only Amanda, but also their unborn daughter, Evie. Suddenly, the young pastor found himself walking a road he never expected to travel.In this first half of our conversation, Davey shares the story of those heartbreaking days and the questions that followed. He reflects on the shock of loss, the challenge of caring for his young son Weston while grieving, and the unique pain of losing a child he never had the opportunity to meet ... a grief that's often overlooked.We also talk about the spiritual wrestling that often accompanies tragedy. Davey speaks candidly about the questions he brought to God and the doubts he faced, and how he began working through them.  In This EpisodeDavey shares the events surrounding the loss of Amanda and their unborn daughter, EvieThe emotional and spiritual shock that followedSingle-parenting a young child while grieving profound lossThe often-overlooked grief of losing an unborn childWrestling with God when life doesn't make senseFinding reasons to keep moving forward in the midst of overwhelming sorrowResources & LinksNothing Is Wasted MinistriesNothing Is Wasted PodcastDavey Blackburn's book: Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in PainComing Next Week ...In Part Two of our conversation, Davey shares his journey toward forgiveness, explains what it means to trust God with justice, and discusses how God transformed his deepest pain into a ministry that now helps thousands of people navigate loss, trauma, and suffering.If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps other grieving parents discover hope and community through the While We're Waiting podcast.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

"God just kept putting joy in front of me and encouraging me to open my heart to it."In this second half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, we move into some of the deeper questions grieving parents often wrestle with after child loss: Why? What if? Could I have done something differently? Will I ever feel joy again?After losing her son, Mikael, to a fentanyl overdose, Leanne has walked through those questions herself. With honesty and faith, she shares what she's learning about trusting God in the midst of unanswered questions, laying down guilt, and allowing joy back into a heart that has been forever changed.Leanne also offers practical and compassionate wisdom for families and friends who want to support grieving parents well.Together we discuss:• Reconciling faith with unanswered questions • Why choosing trust matters when we don't understand • Guilt after child loss — especially after addiction-related loss • The difference between conviction and guilt • Navigating grief within families when everyone grieves differently • Giving one another grace and changing expectations after loss • What to do when you don't have the strength to pray or open your Bible • The difference between happiness and lasting joy • Leanne's idea of "joy bombs" and recognizing God's gifts in everyday moments • Practical ways to support grieving parents • How grief changes us and why there is no returning to "normal" • The hope of heaven and seeing our children againThroughout our conversation, Leanne continually points us back to God's faithfulness and His tender care for grieving parents. Her reminders are simple but powerful: God sees us, carries us, and remains near even when our hearts feel permanently changed.Resources & Links:Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE.  Visit Leanne Davidson's website HERE.  A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of GriefTattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving HeartsI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

“Our hearts may be tattered, but they are still useful in God's hands.” In this first half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, she shares the story of her son, Mikael — a compassionate, funny, energetic young man who loved people deeply and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. She also opens up about the difficult journey of walking alongside a child struggling with addiction and the devastating day her family lost Mikael to a fentanyl overdose in 2022.Leanne speaks honestly about the complicated realities of addiction, the challenges families face along the way, and the ways God met her in the immediate aftermath of unimaginable loss. She also shares the heart behind her books A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of Grief and Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts.Together we discuss:• Mikael's vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him • Walking alongside a child battling addiction • How addiction affected family relationships • Establishing healthy boundaries while preserving connection • The trauma and heartbreak of sudden loss • The ways God carried Leanne through the earliest days of grief • Why she chose the phrase “tattered hearts” for her devotional title • Psalm 56:8 and the comfort of knowing God counts every tear • The importance of lament and bringing our pain honestly before GodLeanne's story is filled with sorrow, honesty, perseverance, and hope. If you are a grieving parent, especially one walking the unique path of addiction-related loss, I believe you will find comfort in her words and encouragement in her faith.Resources & Links:• Leanne Davidson's website:  A Mother's Grief Journey • A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother's Journey of Grief • Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts In next week's episode, Leanne and I continue our conversation as we talk about guilt, unanswered questions, joy, supporting grieving families, and learning to live with a heart that has been forever changed.  Be sure to come back for that!I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Today's episode features the second half of my conversation with Matthew Efird, as we move beyond Noah's earthly 57½ hours and into the difficult road of learning how to live after he went to Heaven.  Matthew shares candidly about grief from a father's perspective, which is something that often goes unseen, particularly after the death of a baby. He talks about the tension of wanting to protect and fix what can't be fixed, the importance of having other men show up and simply be present, and the practical ways friends and community carried their family through the hardest days. We also discuss the emotional fog of grief, learning to take life one moment at a time, and the delicate balance of worshiping and weeping simultaneously. Throughout the conversation, Matthew continually points back to the faith that sustained his family and the phrase that became their foundation: Even though… we will.This episode is filled with wisdom for grieving parents, especially dads, as well as practical insight for anyone who wants to walk alongside hurting families in meaningful ways.In this episode, we discuss: Grief from a father's perspective  Why dads often feel unseen after infant loss  The importance of safe friendships and honest conversations  Helpful ways men supported Matthew during grief  Learning that “it's okay to have a good day”  Practical advice for grieving dads  Why presence matters more than perfect words  The meaning behind “worshiping and weeping” at the same time  Taking grief one moment—and one step—at a time  The role of community in surviving loss  Common phrases to avoid when comforting grieving parents  The heart behind Matthew's book and the Even Though We Will Foundation Resources & Links:Even Though We Will written by Matthew Efird  Website & Foundation: https://eventhoughwewill.com/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

An underage teenager was able to buy alcohol from three different places without being asked for ID, before he drove drunk to his death. His parents are asking for a simple change. A grieving New Zealand couple are fighting for justice and for laws to be enforced after their underage teenage son was served alcohol in three different places, then drove drunk, killing himselfFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Matthew Efird and his wife, Hannah, were joyfully expecting their second son when the word "abnormalities" during a routine ultrasound changed everything. What followed was a journey into anticipatory grief after their son Noah was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a condition often described as “incompatible with life.” In today's episode, Matthew shares what it was like to walk through the remainder of the pregnancy with that knowledge—holding both hope and heartbreak at the same time. He talks about how he and Hannah navigated those months together, how they learned to communicate in the middle of grief, and the intentional ways they chose to spend their time with Noah before he was born.Matthew also shares about Noah's birth and the unexpected gift of 57½ hours together — time to hold him, to introduce him to family, and to fully experience what it meant to parent their son on this side of heaven.In this episode, we discuss: The joy of expecting a second child after a season of waiting  The moment everything changed at a routine ultrasound  Processing the word “abnormalities” and a Trisomy 13 diagnosis  Walking through anticipatory grief during pregnancy  How Matthew and Hannah supported each other in their marriage  Two simple but powerful questions that helped them communicate in grief  Choosing to be intentional with the time they had with Noah  Noah's birth and the gift of 57½ hours together  What it meant to parent Noah during his brief life Be sure to join us next week for the second half of this conversation, when Matthew shares what life looked like after Noah's passing and offers insight into grief from a father's perspective.Resources & Links: Matthew's book: Even Though We Will Website: https://eventhoughwewill.com/If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to share it with someone who may need encouragement today.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

In this second half of my conversation with Keallie Wozny, we shift from Trevor's story to what it looks like to live in the aftermath of his death.Keallie shares with honesty and clarity about the questions that so many suicide loss parents carry — questions like why and could I have done something to prevent this?  She reminds us that while those questions are natural, we are not always given the answers we long for — and learning to trust God with the unknown becomes an important part of the journey. We also talk about the realities that aren't always openly discussed: the stigma surrounding suicide loss, the fear that suicide might be an unforgivable sin, and the uncertainty some parents carry about their child's eternity. Keallie gently points listeners back to the truth of Scripture and the character of God — merciful, compassionate, and trustworthy. Throughout this conversation, Keallie offers deeply practical insight drawn from her own experience: The physical toll of grief and how it affects the body  The importance of community and being cared for by others  How to approach milestones, anniversaries, and unexpected triggers  Why seeking “signs” from loved ones can be misleading—and how to instead recognize God's presence  What it looks like to worship, even when you don't have the strength to sing She also shares simple but powerful encouragement for those early in their grief journey — that joy does return, even if it looks different than before. As she beautifully puts it, grief and joy can coexist. Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Keallie.Click HERE to find Keallie's book "Circle of Sorrow" on Amazon.  Click HERE to follow Keallie on Instagram.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

In this first half of my conversation with Keallie Wozny, we begin by getting to know her son, Trevor, as she shares stories from his childhood, his love of music, his strong work ethic, and his desire to serve others, including his dream of becoming a Marine. But as his story unfolds, things begin to shift.What follows is a difficult and complex journey as Trevor begins to struggle with mental health challenges that grow increasingly severe. Keallie walks us through those changes with remarkable clarity, offering an honest look at what their family experienced as confusion, fear, and uncertainty began to take hold.This episode includes a detailed account of the days leading up to Trevor's death by suicide. While this is a hard story to hear, it's one that reflects the reality many families face ... and one that deserves to be told with both honesty and care.You may recognize Keallie as the author of the book Circle of Sorrow. In our conversation, she explains that this title comes from the realization that, after losing a child, you are ushered into a kind of fellowship of suffering. It's a circle no one chooses to join, and yet within it, there is a shared understanding among those who walk this road. It is both a painful place to be and, at the same time, a place where you are not alone.And even in the midst of this heartbreaking story, you'll hear glimpses of God's presence ... moments of grace, truth, and redemption that would become anchors for Keallie and her family in the days ahead.Coming Next:In next week's episode, Keallie shares what it has looked like to live in the aftermath of Trevor's death. We'll talk about the questions many parents carry, the stigma surrounding suicide loss, and the practical ways she has learned to walk through grief with faith and honesty.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

“You're not broken… you're becoming.”  ~Tom SnyirIn this second half of our conversation, Tom and Heather Snyir share what life has looked like in the days, months, and years since their daughter Katie Rae went to Heaven.We talk about the realities of everyday grief - navigating the things people say, learning to live with “grief brain,” and facing simple questions that suddenly feel anything but simple.Tom and Heather also reflect on how grief has changed them - how it's reshaped their perspective, their relationships, and the way they move through the world.Tom opens up about his personal journey with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and the people and faith that helped carry him through. He also shares about his devotional book, Branches of Grace, and the message of hope it offers to those walking through trauma and loss.This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight for anyone navigating life after the loss of a child.Key Takeaways Presence matters more than words when supporting someone in grief  You are allowed to set boundaries and protect your heart  Grief changes you ... and that doesn't mean something is wrong  You don't have to walk through dark seasons alone  Healing and pain can exist side by side Resources & MentionsTom's book: Branches of Grace: Devotions from the Front Lines of Faith is available on Amazon.  Click HERE to find it.  Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

"God doesn't always remove the suffering—He enters into it with us.” In this first half of our conversation, Tom and Heather Snyir share the story of their daughter, Katie Rae—a creative, joyful teenager who made everyone around her feel like they were her best friend.Katie was diagnosed with leukemia at just four years old.  Tom and Heather share what it was like to navigate months of treatment, a bone marrow transplant, and the gift of more than a decade of remission.Then, as a teenager, Katie was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. In this episode, Tom and Heather begin sharing what that journey looked like for their family and how they walked through those difficult days together until Katie went to Heaven.Throughout this conversation, you'll hear how their faith was stretched and sustained—not through easy answers, but through God's presence in the middle of uncertainty.Resources & Mentions Tom Snyir's book: Branches of Grace: Devotions from the Front Lines of Faith - Available HERE.  Coming NextIn next week's episode, Tom and Heather share what life has looked like since Katie went to Heaven. We talk about grief in everyday life, how people respond to loss, and Tom shares more of his personal journey through PTSD, depression, and finding hope.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Today I resume my conversation with Leah Sweetman, as she shares what the last two years have looked like since the loss of her son, Nathan.She talks honestly about the first year of grief—the intensity of it, the impact it had on her thoughts and physical health, and the difficulty of approaching significant dates and milestones. Leah also reflects on how her experience has changed over time. Not becoming easier ... but different.We also discuss the tension many parents feel when they begin to notice even small shifts in their grief. Leah offers a helpful perspective: Moving forward does not mean leaving your child behind—it means getting closer to the day you'll see them again.This episode includes practical encouragement for newly bereaved parents, especially those who have walked through addiction or complicated relationships with their child. Leah emphasizes the importance of being patient with yourself, giving grief space, and continuing to trust God one day at a time.In This Episode, We Discuss: The first year of grief and anticipatory grief around milestones  How the second year can feel different  The physical and neurological impact of grief  Learning to function while grieving  The tension around “moving forward”  Giving grief intentional space  Encouragement for parents of prodigal children  Trusting God with your child's life and future  How loss can reshape perspective and faith Leah's Support Group (Bereaved Moms): Zoom meeting: Third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM Eastern  Text “grief” to 502-206-2255 for remindersListen to the first half of Leah's story HERE.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

“Meet me at the gate, Nate.”In this first half of our conversation, Leah Sweetman shares the story of her son Nathan—a bright, imaginative, strong-willed young man who brought both great joy and deep challenges to their family.  As Leah introduces us to Nathan, we begin to understand not only who he was, but the complexity of the road he walked.From an early age, Nathan struggled with behavioral and mental health challenges that eventually led to addiction. Leah speaks candidly about the impact this had on their family—the fear, the chaos, the exhaustion, and the deep love that never wavered.This episode also explores what it means to surrender when your child is struggling and you cannot fix it. Leah shares how God met her in those moments of desperation and began teaching her what true surrender looks like—not giving up, but placing her son into God's hands.You'll also hear the story behind the phrase Leah now carries with her: “Meet me at the gate, Nate.” A simple expression that holds both grief and the steady hope of reunion.This is an honest and powerful beginning to a story that many will recognize in pieces of their own.If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with another grieving parent. And if you haven't already, leaving a rating or review helps others find hope in the midst of loss.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

In this episode of the While We're Waiting – Hope After Child Loss podcast, I continue my conversation with Kirsten Black, author of the Faithful Paradox blog.In Part One, Kirsten shared about her son Ezra, his battle with leukemia, and the early realities of grief that reshaped her life and faith. Today, we pick up where we left off, continuing our discussion of her blog post, “10 Things That Are Different From What I Expected.”   Listen HERE to Part One of our conversation.Today Kirsten offers honest insight into some of the more complex and often unexpected aspects of grief—especially within the context of family, faith, and daily life.In this episode, we discuss:• How family members often grieve differently—and how to extend grace in those differences • Why healing can bring its own kind of sorrow • The difference between joy and happiness in the midst of grief • The quiet, ongoing reminders of loss in everyday life • Why faith does not necessarily make grief feel easier • The desire to be “unknown”—and why that doesn't remove the pain • Learning to live without clear answers or understanding • The reality that hard days still come, even years laterKirsten also shares reflections from her third year of grief, including a deepened longing for heaven, a shift in how she views grief—not as something to overcome, but something to gently carry—and the reminder that truth does not always bring immediate comfort, but it is still worth holding onto.Toward the end of the episode, Kirsten offers thoughtful encouragement for parents who are in the early days of grief, reminding them that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and that they do not have to walk it alone.This conversation is both honest and hopeful—a reminder that while grief changes us, God remains faithful, even in the tension we don't fully understand.Links & ResourcesVisit Kirsten's blog here:  Faithful Paradox Blog I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

In this episode of the While We're Waiting – Hope After Child Loss podcast, Jill Sullivan begins a two-part conversation with Kirsten Black, author of the Faithful Paradox blog.Kirsten shares about her son Ezra, a gifted musician and passionate soccer player who had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen and loved. In 2021, Ezra became sick and was eventually diagnosed with leukemia. After a difficult fourteen-month battle that included intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Ezra went to heaven in September of 2022.About a year and a half later, Kirsten began writing about her grief journey through her blog, Faithful Paradox. In it, she explores the tension many grieving believers experience—the reality that we know God's promises are true, yet in the middle of suffering those truths can feel confusing, distant, or difficult to reconcile with our pain.In this first half of our conversation, Kirsten shares about Ezra's life, his cancer journey, and the honest prayers she wrestled through during those months. We also begin discussing a blog post she wrote titled “10 Things That Are Different From What I Expected,” reflecting on the surprising ways grief reshapes our lives.Together we explore some of those unexpected realities, including:• The mistaken belief that grief has a timeline • How the loss of a child fundamentally changes who we are • The realization that grief is not just an event—it becomes part of usKirsten's reflections are thoughtful, honest, and deeply relatable for grieving parents who are trying to hold on to faith in the middle of profound loss.This conversation reminds us that grief and faith often exist together in tension—a faithful paradox.In the next episode, we'll continue walking through the rest of Kirsten's “ten things” and talk about what she has learned in the years since Ezra went to heaven.Links & ResourcesFaithful Paradox Blog:   faithfulparadox.comI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

If you're a regular listener, you know that we typically feature conversations with parents who have experienced the loss of a child on this podcast.  However, when a good friend posted a link to this sermon on Romans 8:28 in our private “While We're Waiting – Support for Bereaved Parents” Facebook group a couple weeks ago, I knew it was something I wanted to share with you.  Kirk Miller is the speaker, and he is a member of Redeemer Church in Huntsville, Alabama.  He's a former pastor and church planter and now is editor of digital content at Logos where he edits and writes for Word by Word.  I wanted to share this because I know what a complicated relationship many bereaved parents have with Romans 8:28!  This often is the first verse that those who are trying to help a grieving parent will quote.  Kirk acknowledges how this verse, offered too quickly, can feel less like a lifeline and more like a slap in the face—rushing sufferers toward a silver lining, dismissing real pain, or subtly implying that ongoing grief is a failure of faith.  In this episode, Kirk will offer six clarifications on what this this scripture means – and does not mean – for those who are suffering.  I pray that this sermon both enlightens and encourages you, just like it did for me.  While we're waiting to see our children again, may the Lord hold you close and strengthen your heart.Click HERE to watch this sermon on YouTube.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"God doesn't ask us to live the whole story at once. He walks us through it chapter by chapter.” In this second half of my conversation with Tricia Patrick, we move beyond the events of February 2014 and into the long journey that followed the loss of her son Jeremy to suicide.Tricia describes those early days as a fog — returning to work just ten days after Jeremy went to heaven, sitting with her Bible open and unable to process the words, and simply trying to survive one hour at a time. And yet, even in the fog, she kept showing up.What she discovered over time is something many grieving parents need to hear: God did not require her to process everything at once. He walked her through grief in chapters.A chapter might last weeks or months. One season focused on survival. Another on Scripture. Later, she was able to face the complicated layers unique to suicide loss — the stigma, the anger, the cultural triggers, and the difficult questions. She didn't have to solve it all in the beginning. God was gracious to let her heal one layer at a time.This is an honest conversation about suicide loss, but it is also a conversation about endurance, Scripture, worship, and a Shepherd who carries His lambs close to His heart.If you are in the early chapters of grief, please hear this: you do not have to resolve every question today. You do not have to face every layer at once. God is patient. He is gentle. And He will walk with you through each chapter — one at a time.Click HERE to find Tricia's "Sharing Jeremy's Joy" Facebook page and get involved!I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

“You don't have to resolve every layer of grief at once. God works in chapters.” Today's episode begins a two-part conversation with my new friend Tricia Patrick. In this first episode, you'll get to know her son Jeremy — a miracle baby, a football-loving, bow-tie wearing, big-hearted young man who adored children and dreamed of opening an orphanage one day. You'll hear about the complicated years following her divorce, the restoration that came after Jeremy placed his faith in Christ, and the devastating night in February 2014 when everything changed.This is an honest conversation about suicide loss, about surrendering a child into God's hands, and about trusting Him even when the outcome isn't what we prayed for.  Be sure to come back for Part Two next week, when we move into the years after Jeremy went to heaven. Tricia will speak candidly about the early fog of grief — returning to work just days later, sitting with her Bible open and unable to process the words, and wrestling with the stigma and complicated emotions that often accompany suicide loss. She'll also explain how God gently allowed her to process her grief in “chapters,” addressing one layer at a time rather than forcing her to face everything at once. This is an honest and hope-filled conversation about suicide loss, surrender, healing over time, and the faithfulness of a Good Shepherd who carries us — and our children — close to His heart.If you are in the early days of grief, please know you are not alone. You don't have to figure it all out right now. God is patient. He is gentle. And He will walk with you through every chapter.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today, we resume our conversation with Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they recount the events surrounding their son Jacob's unexpected passing in 2019, the way their family was gathered together, and the profound sense of God's presence in those hours. They speak honestly about shock, sorrow, and the weight of saying goodbye, while also sharing moments of comfort, reassurance, and hope that met them in the midst of deep grief.We also explore what the long road of loving and losing Jacob has taught them—about surrender, about living with unanswered questions, and about allowing grief to unfold without rushing it. Ken and Mary Sue offer gentle wisdom for grieving parents, encouraging listeners to feel what they feel, to take grief one day at a time, and to trust that God meets us even when the pain doesn't quickly resolve.As the conversation continues, they reflect on Jacob's ongoing legacy and the calling they felt to share his story through their book and beyond. Jacob's life, they remind us, continues to speak—pointing others toward faith, compassion, and the enduring truth that every life is worth living.Click HERE to listen to Part One of our conversation.  Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook -  Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.comI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today I'm joined by Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they begin sharing the story of their son Jacob—a story that would shape their family, their faith, and their understanding of what gives a life meaning.Our conversation takes us into the early years of Jacob's life, including his fragile beginning, a prolonged hospital journey, and the realities of raising a child with significant disabilities. Ken and Mary Sue reflect on the emotional and practical challenges they faced, as well as the unexpected joy and purpose they discovered along the way.They talk about Jacob's personality, his love for people, his unique way of communicating, and the quiet ways he ministered to others. Ken and Mary Sue also share how their questions, grief, and uncertainty gradually gave way to trust—and how Jacob became a teacher in their home, shaping their hearts and their perspective.  In next week's episode, Ken and Mary Sue will continue sharing Jacob's story—walking us through the day his earthly journey came to an end, the sacred moments that followed, and the way God has met them in grief, healing, and hope. They'll also reflect on what Jacob's life and legacy continue to teach them, and how his story is still reaching others today, so be sure to come back next week!Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook -  Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.com websiteI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode features a continuation of my conversation with Dawn Helms as we focus on life after the loss of her only child, Ben.Dawn shares practical, compassionate wisdom for parents in the early days of grief—about accepting help, resisting isolation, and leaning into community even when it feels hard. She reflects on the quiet that follows years of caregiving, navigating everyday questions, and approaching holidays when traditions feel overwhelming.Throughout our conversation, Dawn points to the faith that has sustained her—not a faith that takes the pain away, but one that meets her in it. She shares the Scriptures, music, and moments of God's provision that have helped her keep going.If you're a grieving parent listening today, I want to remind you that you don't have to walk this road alone. The While We're Waiting ministry hosts free, faith-based retreats for bereaved parents across the country, offering space for rest, understanding, and community.  I would love to have the opportunity to meet you at one of our retreats!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode features the first half of my recent conversation with Dawn Helms, in which she shares the story of her only son Ben and the long journey of loving him through significant mental health challenges.For years, Dawn lived in a constant state of vigilance—managing diagnoses, medications, school struggles, substance abuse, and periods of incarceration. Her home was rarely quiet, not because life was easy, but because Ben required constant attention and advocacy. Dawn helps us get to know Ben beyond his struggles—his humor, compassion, and the deep bond they shared. She also reflects on a brief, sweet season when Ben was home before his death, and how everything changed for her when the caregiving ended and the house grew quiet.This episode will be especially meaning for parents who have lost an only child or who spent years living on high alert due to a child's mental health issues. Be sure to return for next week's episode when Dawn will share more about the early days of grief, the choices that helped her survive, and how God met her in the quiet. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

“Moving forward doesn't mean leaving my child behind.” As one year ends and another begins, many people are eager to turn the page.  For bereaved parents, however, the arrival of a new year can feel heavy and overwhelming. A new calendar can make us feel like we're leaving our child behind—and that can be deeply painful.In this encore episode, Jill shares ten faith-anchored resolutions shaped by her own journey of grief after the loss of her daughter, Hannah. These are not resolutions about self-improvement or moving on, but about extending grace, caring for a grieving heart, and leaning fully on God's strength.Originally recorded near the close of 2020 in the height of the Covid pandemic, this episode acknowledges both personal loss and collective weariness, offering encouragement for grieving parents entering a new year they may not feel ready to face.In this episode, you'll hear reflections on:Why stepping into a new year can feel especially difficult after child lossBeing patient and kind with yourself as grief unfoldsExtending grace to others who don't know what to say or doLearning to communicate what you need—and honoring your limitsFinding joy in small, God-given momentsLetting go of guilt, blame, and “if only” thinkingStanding on God's truth when emotions feel overwhelmingDepending on God's strength when your own is goneThe episode closes with a prayer from Verdell Davis's book Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever, reminding listeners of the deep lessons learned in the valley and the sustaining grace of God who meets us there.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

 “The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child's name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

As Christmas draws near and a new year approaches, this episode is a gentle pause; a sacred moment set aside to pray over grieving parents who are carrying love and loss side by side. The heart of the episode is a heartfelt Christmas prayer, spoken just two days before Christmas, acknowledging the unique pain this season holds for parents who are missing a child. Rather than forced cheer, this prayer invites God's presence, Emmanuel, God with us, into the quiet, heavy and complicated moments of grief. Listeners are reminded that: God sees every tear, every memory, and every ache Love does not end with death Our children are known, seen, and held by God Peace is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ This episode closes with reflections on love, hope, and purpose; how the love we have for our child, when wrapped in God's love for us, can become a powerful force in this world, even after profound loss. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join the Patreon community as a way to help keep the podcast ad-free, along with getting special access to things Laura only shares in the Patreon community. Click here. As the new year approaches, many grieving parents feel the weight of moving forward without their child. Reflections of Hope: A Daily Reading for Bereaved Parents, written specifically with that reality in mind. Learn more: gpshope.org/reflections Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Carissa Perkins was born on December 21 and is forever 29. Megan Tryphaena Petkau was born on December 23 and is forever 8. John Ferreira Jr. was born on December 24 and is forever 32. Diane Holt (Laura's sister) was born on December 25 and is forever 62. Isaiah Key was born on December 25 and is forever 13. Ryan Durkin was born on December 27 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Subscribe, share, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Support the podcast and keep it ad-free: patreon.com/gpshope Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Christmas can feel especially heavy after the death of a child. Traditions that once brought joy may now magnify the absence, and the expectations of the season can feel overwhelming for a heart that is grieving.In this episode, I gather the voices of While We're Waiting retreat and support group facilitators—bereaved moms and dads who share honest reflections and practical wisdom for navigating Christmas after loss. Their stories offer permission to do things differently, encouragement to take the season one moment at a time, and gentle ideas for honoring a child's memory while holding space for grief.You'll hear about:Giving yourself grace and lowering expectationsAccepting help and having an exit planLetting Christmas look different than it used toFinding meaningful ways to remember and include your childAllowing grief and joy to coexistAnchoring your heart in the hope of Immanuel—God with usThere is no right way to do Christmas after loss. Take what is helpful, leave what is not, and know that you are not alone. Even when Christmas feels broken, God is near, and His light still shines in the darkness.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

The holiday season can feel unbearably painful after the death of a child. While the world around us glitters with lights, gatherings, and celebrations, we grieving parents feel the weight of loss more intensely during this time of year. In this episode, Laura offers heartfelt guidance, practical support, and spiritual encouragement to help pareavors gently navigate the holidays with compassion for themselves. Drawing from lived experience, this conversation explores meaningful “gifts” you can give your mind, body, and soul as you move through the weeks ahead, whether this is your first holiday season without your child or your twentieth. Links Mentioned in this episode: Join Laura live on YouTube at 8:00 PM Central as she shares Sunday's reading and lights the red candle of love. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents — a hardback devotional offering comfort throughout the year. Click here to learn more. Click here to be sent a PDF of Ten Ways to Honor Your Child. Special December Offer — a free Pareavor bracelet included with every paperback book order (excluding Reflections of Hope, which ships directly from the printer). Click here to claim yours in the GPS Hope webstore, where you will also find wearable hope on clothing merchandise. Help us keep this podcast ad-free while receiving special encouragement and bonus content. Join the GPS Hope Community on Patreon Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Jeff-Free Hoke was born on December 17 and is forever 33. Adelaide Rowell was born on December 20 and is forever 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In Part Two of my conversation with Jenny Leavitt, we continue exploring the GodPrints—God's gentle fingerprints of presence and faithfulness—woven through her family's grief journey after the loss of her son, Jacob.Jenny shares how she and her husband learned to walk together through grief even when their personalities and coping styles differed. She talks about the emotional weight of anniversaries, holidays, and court dates, and how offering grace to one another became essential in those tender seasons.We discuss how Jenny's grief has changed over the last ten years, including the seasons when God felt silent and the comfort she found in Scripture, especially in the Psalms. Jenny also offers practical wisdom for navigating holidays and special dates, as well as how her family chose to honor the ten-year mark of Jacob's homegoing.She closes by pointing listeners to resources she's created to support others who are grieving.In this episode:Grieving differently within a marriageThe challenge of anniversaries and milestonesHow grief evolves over timeFinding God in seasons of silenceNavigating holidays and special datesMarking ten years without JacobClick HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation!  Resources:jennyleavitt.comresilienthope.netGodPrints by Jenny LeavittI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Christmas can stir up a deep ache for any parent who has lost a child. The lights, the music, and the memories bring both beauty and pain, often side by side. In this week's episode, Laura shares a tender and meaningful offering for this difficult season: she reads several comforting and encouraging daily entries (Tuesday through Saturday) from her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents. These readings are meant to gently guide you toward finding God's peace after child loss at Christmastime, whether you listen all at once or pause after each day's reflection. This episode provides calm, hope-filled moments to breathe, reflect, and feel less alone during the holidays. Laura's hope and prayer for each listener, is that as you move through this sacred and tender season, you experience God's peace after child loss at Christmastime in ways that meet you gently right where you are. May His love wrap around you like a warm blanket, bringing moments of comfort, hope, and light. Links Mentioned in this episode: One powerful way to experience and share God's peace after child loss at Christmastime is to honor your child in a meaningful, lasting way. To Sponsor a podcast episode, click here . Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. GPS Hope YouTube Channel for weekly Advent candle lighting Take advantage of purchasing a book and getting a free pareavor/hope bracelet. Click here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ashton Boldt was born on December 8 and is forever 22. Aaron Fitzgerald was born on December 10 and is forever 24. Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this first half of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Jenny Leavitt — pastor's wife, author of GodPrints, and bereaved mom — to hear the story of her son, Jacob, and the unmistakable “GodPrints” woven throughout her family's journey.Jenny begins by describing her earlier battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while raising two very young boys, and how God used that season to prepare her heart in ways she wouldn't fully understand until years later. She then introduces us to Jacob — a friendly, artistic, big-hearted high school senior — and recounts the tragic accident caused by a drunk driver that took Jacob's life and left his older brother, Caleb, critically injured.Throughout the episode, Jenny speaks honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual shock of those early days, the challenge of grieving one child while caring for another, and the surprising places where God's fingerprints began to appear. She shares about a profound “GodPrint” uncovered just days after Jacob's death — a handwritten piece Jacob created months earlier that offered their family deep assurance of his salvation and his walk with the Lord.Jenny also offers compassionate, practical wisdom for newly bereaved parents: the importance of connection, the value of grace for yourself and others, and the reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.Links Mentioned:GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life by Jenny LeavittJenny's websiteResilient Hope resourcesBe sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Jenny reflects on how her grief has evolved over the last ten years, how she and her husband navigate grieving differently, and the GodPrints they continue to see in their story.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In this second half of my conversation with Debra Amick, we explore what life looked like after Chase went to Heaven and how God gently led her from deep grief toward renewed purpose.A meaningful part of this episode centers on four anchors God gave her in the fog of grief:Prayer support when she didn't have strength of her ownScripture placed throughout her home to remind her of what was trueResting in God's presence, allowing Him to meet her where words failedGuarding her heart, choosing carefully what she allowed in during fragile daysDebra also describes the slow journey toward purpose—giving herself permission to hope again, listening for God's direction, and discovering how her story could help others move from pain to purpose.Debra talks about how she began writing online—originally intending to speak to midlife women, not realizing how many grieving hearts would find her words. She shares how God used her vulnerability to comfort others and how her faith became the steady thread she clung to as she learned to live again.Connect HERE to connect with Debra.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's guest has lived life after losing a child for nearly thirty years, which means he brings decades of hard-won wisdom and the honesty of someone who still remembers the darkness well. Like most pareavors, Tracy Brinkmann never imagined he could climb out of that crushing place of grief. But his story is a powerful example of how one dad found meaning, purpose, and God again after the unthinkable happened. In our conversation, Tracy shares openly about the deep anger he carried toward God after his 18-month-old daughter, Krysta, died in his arms. We talk about what it looks like to move through that anger instead of living in it, the surprising ways his prayers and relationship with God were reshaped, and the conscious decision he made to rebuild a life that mattered again. This episode is a heartfelt look at the real journey of life after losing a child; a journey full of questions, rebuilding, unexpected grace, and the slow return of purpose. Tracy's honesty shows that even when faith feels shattered, God has a way of meeting us in the dark and gently leading us forward. Tracy Brinkmann is a father of four, a former military man, and the voice behind The Dark Horse Entrepreneur – AI Escape Plan and Your Success DNA, two shows drawing more than 300,000 monthly downloads. His life reads like a redemption story—addiction, the devastating loss of his daughter, divorce, bankruptcy—yet Tracy rose from it all to lead corporate marketing teams and build a thriving digital brand. Today, he helps parents and small business owners compress time and multiply income through AI, podcasting, and automation. His reactivation campaigns have produced a month's worth of revenue in under seven days. Tracy speaks with compassion, clarity, and conviction—living proof that no setback is final, and no dream is too late. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)  Links Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Tracy Brinkmann: Website | Podcast Join the community who are making sure this podcast continues, giving hope to others the way you have received hope. Choose your level here on Patreon. Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. Share with Laura and others a way you brightened your own day a bit by brightening someone else's here on the GPS Hope website under the show notes. (Or on the public or private GPS Hope page under the podcast episode.) Subscribe to the GPS Hope YouTube channel to join Laura during advent. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Elizabeth Pasqualone was born on November 14 and is forever 28. Melissa Sulikowski Hill was born on November 23 and is forever 38. Brendan Weidner was born on November 28 and is forever 14. Liam “Trip” Nugent was born on November 29 and is forever 21. Raelyne Ten Bruggencate was born on November 29 and is forever 1. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

When God Holds the Thread: Chase's StoryIn this first half of my conversation with Debra Amick, she shares the story of her son Chase—a talented artist, musician, and gentle soul whose life touched so many. Debra opens up about his early years, the emergence of mental-health struggles in his teens, and the intentional decision she and her husband made to stay closely connected to his heart.She also recounts the powerful moment when Chase returned to his faith in Jesus and the heartbreaking night he went to Heaven. Through it all, Debra describes the unmistakable ways God met their family with comfort and presence, even in the darkest places.If you're walking through a story involving mental illness, trauma, or deep sorrow, I pray Debra's honesty will remind you that you're not alone—and that even when we feel like we're hanging on by a thread, we find that it's God Himself who holds that thread.Next week in Part 2, Debra will share what happened after Chase went to Heaven, including how she began writing publicly and how God led her toward purpose in the midst of her pain. She'll also talk about four very practical anchors that helped her navigate her grief with faith and hope.Click HERE to connect with Debra and see all the resources she has available on her website! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In recognition of National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Nov. 22), today's episode features a deeply heartfelt conversation with a remarkable pareavor, Carol Krawiec. Carol has endured the unimaginable, losing three of her five sons, with her most recent loss being to suicide. She opens her heart and shares the stories of her boys, the […] The post 323: Honoring Our Children Who Died by Suicide (with Carol Krawiec) appeared first on GPS Hope.

“Even in the darkest valley, the Shepherd is still good—and He never lets go.” In this week's episode, I talk with Meshea Ingram, a mom who has walked through the deepest valley imaginable and found her Shepherd faithful every step of the way.Meshea shares about her little boy, Briggs—a joyful child with an unforgettable laugh and a big personality that filled every room. In the summer of 2022, a tragic drowning incident changed everything. Meshea speaks honestly about the days she prayed for a miracle while Briggs was on life support, the disappointment that followed when God didn't answer as she hoped, and the long process of learning to trust His goodness again.Out of their pain, Meshea and her husband founded Love Can Build a Briggs, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about drowning prevention and provides swim-lesson scholarships for young children.This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when our miracle looks different than we hoped and our hearts are breaking, the Shepherd is still leading us, His mercies are always new, and His faithfulness never fails.Connect with Meshea:Website: www.lovecanbuildabriggs.comInstagram: @shewhopraysFacebook: Love Can Build a BriggsI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

“What if hope isn't about holding on—but about being held?” In this episode, I had the privilege to sit down with Cheri Fletcher—a writer, speaker, and flash mob aficionado—who shares the story of her daughter Annie, a vibrant young woman whose life reflected creativity, compassion, and faith.Cheri opens up about the sudden medical crisis that took Annie's life at just 29, the ache of surrendering to God's will, and the unshakable truth that we are never left to simply “hang in there”—we are held by the God who goes before us. Drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 31:8 and Isaiah 41:10, she reminds us that even when life shatters, God's presence remains steady and sure.We also talk about Cheri's new project, the Grief Communication Cards, a set of thoughtful prompts designed to help grieving families and friends talk more openly about their loved ones. Jill shares how she plans to use these cards with her own family this holiday season as a gentle way to remember and celebrate her daughter Hannah.  Use the code WAITING10 for 10% off your set!  This episode is a tender reminder that when we don't have the strength to hold on, God is the One holding us—steady, present, and faithful.Resources Mentioned:Cheri Fletcher's Website: cherifletcher.comGrief Communication Cards – use code WAITING10 for 10% offWhile We're Waiting Facebook Group – Support for Bereaved ParentsI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

When our child leaves this earth before we do, it can feel like everything inside of us has died too. But God has already planted a small seed of hope deep within our hearts, because Jesus, the giver of Hope lives in us (through the Holy Spirit). However, we need to water that seed of […] The post 321: Watering the Seed of Hope After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Cindy Shufflebarger, who shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn Faith, and how God's immeasurable love met her family in the midst of unimaginable loss. Diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ashlynn lived for three precious days — days filled with both deep sorrow and sacred joy. Cindy reflects on those moments, the way her faith was reshaped through lament, and how journaling became a lifeline that led to her book Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm.We also talk about the Shufflebarger's beautiful ministry, P23 Retreat, which provides grieving parents with a private, prayer-covered space to rest and heal. Through this ministry, couples and singles are able to pause, reflect, and experience the peace of Psalm 23 in their own grief journeys.Here are some of the resources we mention in this episode:P23 Retreat Website: p23retreat.org — Learn more about how to request a retreat, donate a stay, or access the free downloadable resources available there.Free Downloadable Checklist for Grieving Parents — A simple tool to help you communicate your needs and boundaries to family and friends during grief. (Find it under “Resources” on the P23 website.)P23 Retreat on Social Media: Facebook    | Instagram    | LinkedInMy Messy Grief Podcast — Listen on Spotify or watch video episodes on YouTubeCindy's Book: Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm — A look at how God brings joy and growth even through the hardest seasons.My Messy Grief Journal — Available on Amazon; a creative, colorful guide filled with prompts and activities to help you process grief in practical, sensory ways.Cindy's story is a powerful reminder that God's love truly has no limits — even in our deepest pain.If this episode encouraged you, please share it withI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen. Even if you've never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal […] The post 320: Can Writing Really Help with My Grief? (with John DeDakis) appeared first on GPS Hope.

Today's episode is a little bit different than what you usually hear on the While We're Waiting podcast.  I've invited my husband Brad to join me to reflect on our daughter Hannah's birthday. She would have turned 34 years old today—which means she's now double the age she was when she went to Heaven at 17. That realization has hit us a little bit harder this year.As we've been reflecting, we found ourselves thinking about all that's changed in the world over the past 17 years—as well as the things we've lost, the things we've gained, and how time has both softened and deepened parts of our grief. We want to invite you into that conversation with us as we remember our girl and talk about what it's like to keep walking forward while still holding her memory close.If you're facing a difficult day on the calendar, or maybe you've been thinking about all that's changed since your child went to Heaven, we hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In the second half of my conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, we see what grief—and faith—can look like more than forty years after the death of a child. Terry's six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven in 1983, and while the ache of missing him has never gone away, Terry has discovered that joy and sorrow can coexist through a deep, abiding relationship with God.In this episode, Terry reflects on how grief has shaped his walk with God and how it has grown into a ministry of comfort for others through GriefShare. He shares candidly about how people and churches often struggle to support the bereaved, why those who are grieving sometimes have to take the first step in reaching out, and how helping others has become one of the greatest sources of healing in his own life.We talk about:What's changed—and what hasn't—in how our culture handles griefHow the church can better come alongside those who are hurtingThe lifelong evolution of a father's grief and faithHow serving others brings purpose and peaceThe powerful truth that “time doesn't heal; time with God heals”The freedom Terry found in finally releasing guilt and embracing his identity in ChristTerry's story is a portrait of what it looks like to keep growing, serving, and trusting God decades after loss. His honest reflections remind every grieving parent that while the pain remains, God's presence endures—and He can transform even our deepest sorrow into hope that lasts.Click HERE for more information about the GriefShare ministry, and to find a group in your area!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In this episode, One Step at a Time Through Our Grief, Laura shares how God used the beauty of His creation -- mountains, rivers, the ocean, and even the warmth of the sun -- to remind her that He is always present, even in the hardest moments of deep loss. As grieving parents, we often […] The post 318: One Step at a Time Through Our Grief appeared first on GPS Hope.

When a father loses a child, the world shifts forever. In this first half of my two-part conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, he takes us back more than forty years to the day his six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven—and the remarkable way God was already preparing his heart for that moment.Before TJ's death in December of 1983, Terry didn't believe in God. But through the faithful witness of a coworker and tender moments with his mother, seeds of faith were planted long before he knew how desperately he would need them. On the day that changed everything, Terry found himself praying for the first time—and discovering a God who met him right in the middle of his deepest pain.In this episode, we talk about:How God often begins preparing us for what's ahead, even when we don't see itThe shock of sudden loss and the early days of griefThe power of a simple, honest prayer: “God, help me”Why Terry calls the day of TJ's death both the worst and the best day of his lifeHow faith began to take root, even in the middle of unimaginable sorrowTerry's story is a tender reminder that even in our darkest moments, God's presence is near—and that the seeds He plants in quiet, ordinary seasons can one day sustain us through the unthinkable.Join us again next week for Part 2, where Terry shares how his grief and faith have continued to grow over the past forty years, how God has used his story to help others, and what hope looks like for a grieving dad who has learned to trust God with every chapter of his life.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

“Surrender is not a moment; it's a posture I've had to return to again and again.”With these words, Julie South describes the ongoing journey she's walked since her daughter Bellah's homegoing. In this second part of our conversation, Julie shares honestly about living with PTSD, how trauma has impacted her family, and what surrender has looked like as she continues to walk with God through grief.She also reflects on how her grief has evolved nearly six years later, why simple practices like worship rooted in Scripture and putting up the Christmas tree in October have become anchors of hope, and the significance of the phrase “the best is yet to come.”Julie shares encouragement for moms who are just beginning their grief journey and talks about the new While We're Waiting support group she and her husband, Scott, are preparing to begin in Florida.This conversation is tender, honest, and full of reminders that even in the darkest seasons, God holds us fast.Click HERE to learn more about the Sibling Lifeline retreats for adult bereaved siblings.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

 “Even in the halls of the hospital, God showed me I was not alone.” I'm excited today to introduce you to my friend Julie South.  In this first half of our  conversation, Julie shares the story of her daughter Bellah—a joyful, compassionate little girl whose life was marked by both laughter and serious medical challenges. Julie talks about how her daughter Makaylah's health struggles prepared their family for medical adoption, how God led them to Bellah, and the joy Bellah brought to their home.We also discuss what it looked like to navigate countless hospital stays, major surgeries, and ultimately a five-organ transplant—and how God's presence was evident even in the darkest hospital hallways.Next week, in Part 2 of our conversation, Julie will share about her experience with PTSD after Bellah's homegoing and how she is now coming alongside other grieving parents to bring hope and encouragement.  I know you will be blessed by what she has to share in both episodes! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Kim Allison returns to the While We're Waiting podcast to share more of her story—this time opening up about the loss of her husband, Herb, to suicide, and how God is redeeming the broken pieces of her life. She reflects on her two babies in Heaven, Benjamin and Jeremiah, the vibrant life of her son Timothy, who went to Heaven in 2021, the deep valleys of grief she has walked through, and the tools that have helped her trade sorrow for peace. This tender, yet hope-filled conversation points us to God's faithfulness, even in our darkest moments. Click HERE and HERE to listen to my previous conversation with Kim Allison in November of 2022.Kim's email address to request a copy of her book:  allisontimes@yahoo.comEmail Jill at jill@whilewerewaiting.org by Monday, September 22, at 12:00 pm (CST) and share with her what was most meaningful to you about this episode to be entered in a drawing for one of Kim's books!Click HERE to order a copy of Timothy Allison:  A Life Well-Lived on Amazon ... or to read it FREE on Kindle.Click HERE to order a copy of Desperate Trust: Clinging to God When your World Falls Apart which Kim wrote after the loss of her babies.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"The cradle is a temporary comfort—but the eternal comfort comes from the hope of the gospel.”  ~Ashley OpligerIn this second half of my conversation with Ashley Opliger, she takes us back to the day of Bridget's birth and describes the tender moments she and her family shared with their tiny daughter, who weighed just 13 ounces. Ashley shares how her mother's handmade cradle gave Bridget dignity and allowed their family precious time to hold, cherish, and photograph her.What began as one simple cradle has now grown into Bridget's Cradles, a ministry that has donated more than 250,000 cradles and keepsakes to grieving families in over 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. Ashley also talks about her book, Cradled in Hope, written as a conversation between two moms, and the scriptures that have grounded her heart through the losses of both her daughter and her dad.Ashley's story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of unimaginable pain, God is faithful to bring comfort, purpose, and the hope of Heaven with our children.Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Ashley.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Bridget's CradlesAshley Opliger's WebsiteCradled in Hope bookCradled in Hope PodcastWhile We're Waiting Retreats & ResourcesI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

 “Lament is slowing down to sit in the sadness and bring it to God.” ~Ashley OpligerThe importance of lament is just one of the topics I discussed with Ashley Opliger on the podcast this week.  Ashley is a wife, mom, author, speaker, and the founder of Bridget's Cradles, a nonprofit ministry she started in memory of her daughter, Bridget. In this first half of our conversation, Ashley shares her daughter Bridget's story—the gift of her pregnancy, the joy of preparing for her arrival, and her heartbreaking loss at 24 weeks gestation. We talk about the depth of grief experienced after pregnancy and infant loss, the sting of unhelpful comments, and how lament has been a lifeline in Ashley's walk with God. She offers gentle encouragement for moms who may be struggling to pray, wrestling with doubts, or questioning God's goodness in the midst of their sorrow.This episode tenderly reminds us that every baby's life—no matter how brief—has eternal worth.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Bridget's CradlesAshley Opliger's WebsiteCradled in Hope bookCradled in Hope PodcastWhile We're Waiting Retreats & ResourcesI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org