While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

I'm not normally a crier...I hate to cry in front of people, even my own family members. I don't even cry very often when I'm alone. But there are times when the tears get started and they just won't stop.Sixteen years ago today was one of those days.  I had an appointment to get a haircut that day, and I almost canceled it because Hannah was still so sick.  But I decided to go ahead and go ... I had a feeling it would be awhile before I had another opportunity for a hair cut.Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 

It never fails.  Shortly after school starts back every fall, there's a bout of stomach virus that goes around.  With kids once again in close proximity to one another in crowded classrooms, the dreaded bug seems to spread like wildfire.  Few are spared its ugly effects.In the fall of 2008, the stomach bug made its way to our home, and Hannah was its first victim.  At least we thought it was the stomach virus.  It was hard to tell, because it struck right in the middle of her chemo week, and it lingered on and on.  The Temodar drug she took always caused some nausea, but not like this.  She even commented about it on her Facebook page ... "Hannah wants to feel normal again ... this stomach virus will just not go away!"Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 

Molly Huffman's son Tage was diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease shortly after his birth in 2014, and he went to Heaven at the age of 8 months old, leaving her deep in sorrow.  Today's episode features Molly's presentation at last year’s Our Hearts Are Home conference and in this session, she walks us through her favorite biblical passage related to grief.  By the end of her presentation, you will understand that you are known and seen by God, that He grieves with you, and that there is purpose in your grief.  There's a lot of wisdom here, and I believe you'll be blessed by listening in.  Molly is the author of the outstanding book "The Moon Is Round".  You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.  Click HERE to register, or to get more information about, the Our Hearts Are Home conference scheduled for October 10-11, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I would love to see you 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 

Sixteen years ago today, Hannah turned in a rough draft of an essay to her second period English teacher.  The students had been assigned the task of writing about an experience that impacted their life.Today's episode is Hannah's story in her own words.Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 

We arrived home from the American Idol concert experience on Sunday evening.  The remnants of Hurricane Ike had blown themselves out and so had the storm in my mind ... at least somewhat.  Monday brought our regular clinic visit for blood work and some much-needed reassurance that things were going well. My email from sixteen years ago today reveals no trace of the disquiet simmering just beneath the surface ...Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 

Sixteen years ago today, my girls and I continued our tradition of attending American Idol concerts together.  Hannah was so excited to go, and couldn't wait to cheer on David Cook, her favorite singer that year.  But the onset of fatigue and dizziness caused us to leave the concert early that evening.  As I drove home through the stormy weather that night, a storm began to build inside of me.  While the car was battered by the weather and the girls dozed in the back seat, the realization gradually grew in me of how seriously ill Hannah really was.  For the first time, my mind began to entertain the possibility that Hannah might not survive this. Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 is a continuation of my conversation with Pat Elsberry. Last week Pat introduced us to her daughter Melanie, and talked about the day she received a phone call from a police detective informing her that Melanie had been found dead in a hotel room from an accidental drug overdose.  Today we discuss the brokenness she experienced in the days that followed and how she has found hope, even amid heartbreak, and we jump right in where we left off last week.  Pat Elsberry is the author of the book “Beautifully Broken – Finding Hope During Loss”.  She is also a blogger and a regular contributor for an organization called “Wisdom Hunters”.  She has a new book coming out this month called “Comforted by God,” which is a 100-day devotional for those who are grieving.Click HERE to visit Pat's website where you can read her blog, get a copy of her book, and be notified when her new devotional comes out!Click HERE for more information about the Our Hearts Are Home conference coming up October 10-11, 2024, in Indianapolis.   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 

At this point, Hannah was pretty much sailing through her treatments ... in fact, those were her oncologist's exact words!  Other than the fact that her hair was still a little thin in spots due to the radiation treatments, nobody would have guessed that she was battling brain cancer.  We were feeling really good about where we were at this point in the process.  I'm so thankful we weren't aware of the storm clouds building on the horizon.  Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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 

I’m so pleased to introduce you to my new friend Pat Elsberry.  Her beautiful daughter Melanie died from an accidental drug overdose in February of 2020, after years of battling substance use disorder.  In today’s episode, Pat shares the struggles she and Melanie walked through together, and about the day she received a phone call from a police detective informing her that her worst nightmare had come true.  Be sure to come back next week as we discuss the brokenness she experienced after Melanie’s homegoing and how she has found hope, even in the midst of heartbreak.Pat is a blogger and author of the book “Beautifully Broken – Finding Hope During Loss”, and she also writes for an organization called “Wisdom Hunters”.  She has a new book coming out this month called “Comforted by God,” which is a 100-day devotional for those who are grieving. Click HERE to visit Pat's website where you can read her blog, get a copy of her book, and be notified when her new devotional comes out! Click HERE for more information about the Our Hearts Are Home conference coming up October 10-11, 2024, in Indianapolis.   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 

Hannah and I were good shopping buddies ... the last year or so that we shopped together, she really took it upon herself to move her mom out of the '80's.  She enjoyed critiquing the outfits I tried on and giving me fashion advice.  I loved it.  One of her favorite shows was "What Not To Wear" (after American Idol, of course!) and she always laughingly talked about submitting my name to Clinton and Stacey.  I apparently needed more help than even she could give me!  I sure miss those days.  Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.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