While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

In last week's episode, Chris and Tina Howton shared the story of their 19-year-old son, Garrett, who was killed in a tragic boating accident in 2014.  Today we extend our discussion to include issues often faced by bereaved parents, including the sometimes inappropriate things people say, dealing with the holidays and other special days, anger with God, the profound life changes that result from child loss, and how, as a bereaved parent, we sometimes feel like we're the elephant in the room.  We’ll also talk about a special event they sponsor in Garrett’s memory, and the WWW support group they lead in southeast Illinois.  We’ll pick up our conversation right where we left off last week. Click HERE to listen to last week's episode with the Howtons.  Click HERE to learn more about the Smokin' for Garrett event scheduled for October 6-7, 2023, in Mount Carmel, Illinois.For more information about the While We're Waiting Support Group for Bereaved Parents hosted by the Howtons, you may email Tina at howtontina216@yahoo.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 

Garrett Ward was a country boy who loved to hunt and fish and always had a smile for everyone he met.  He was 19 years old and boating with friends on the Ohio River when he lost his life in a tragic incident.  His mom and stepdad join me today to share his story, and to talk about the impact his death has had on their relationship with God and with each other.Click HERE for more information about "Discerning Biblical Truth - A Conference for Bereaved Parents" coming up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the weekend of April 21-22, 2023.  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 

Shannan Petrocelli joins me again today to discuss life in the aftermath of child loss, exploring sensitive issues like blaming yourself, believing that you’re being punished, and wondering if you’re worthy of healing.   If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back to hear the story of Shannan's beautiful 10-year-old daughter Maci, whose life was taken by a drunk driver and the judicial process that followed.   Shannan speaks with authenticity and grace, and I’m excited you’ll get to hear more of her story today.  We are picking up the interview right where we left off last week.   Click HERE to listen to last week's episode with Shannan!    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 

Maci Harris was a ten-year-old girl with an affinity for horses, a heartfelt love for Jesus, and a courageous spirit.  Her earthly life ended on January 1, 2013, due to the poor choices of an intoxicated driver.  Shannan Petrocelli joins me today to share Maci's story, including the details of what happened that day and the legal process that followed.  She also talks about the abuse and trauma she herself endured as a child and young adult and the impact it has had on her grief journey.  Shannan shares her story with authenticity and grace, and it is a tale you don't want to miss.  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 

After losing two of her sons to suicide, Grace found herself in a state of rage, and realized she liked it there.  In today's episode, we discuss how she worked through that by taking her thoughts captive and focusing on the sovereignty of God.  We also talk about issues related to spiritual warfare, dealing with PTSD, coming to a place of submission, and the new battle Grace is facing with her cancer diagnosis.  We wrap up our conversation by talking about the While We're Waiting support group for bereaved parents that she and her husband Reed host in Oklahoma City, and how she has reached a place of gratitude in her grief.  To learn more about the While We're Waiting support group Grace and her husband Reed host in Oklahoma City, you may call or text her at 405-229-6686, or you can email her at whitnah7@gmail.com.   In our conversation today, Grace refers to a YouTube video with Randy Alcorn.  If you'd like to view that, you can link to it 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 

Levi Whitnah was a talented artist, musician, and athlete, who loved bringing his friends to church.  At the age of 14, with no warning signs or indications of what he was considering, he took his life.  Thirteen years later, his brother Kole, who was also artistic, athletic, compassionate to the downtrodden, and known for giving the most amazing hugs, also took his life.  Today I talk with their mom, Grace, about her remarkable sons, the journey she has walked out with God following each of these devastating events, and the collateral beauty she has found along the way.To learn more about the While We're Waiting support group Grace and her husband Reed host in Oklahoma City, you may call or text her at 405-229-6686, or you can email her at whitnah7@gmail.com.   In the second half of this episode to be published next week, Grace refers to a YouTube video with Randy Alcorn.  If you'd like to view that, you can link to it 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 

My friends Joe and Carolyn Bunker join me on the podcast again today.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back to hear the story of their son Matthew, who died during a backcountry skiing incident on Mount Rainier in June of 2020 … and to hear about the quitclaim deed the Bunkers had signed two decades earlier committing all they owned to the Lord, including their precious son.  We share a wide-ranging discussion today of issues faced by bereaved parents, including some very practical advice for those moms and dads who find themselves at the very beginning of their grief journey, and grieving together as husband and wife.  We pick up the interview right where we left off last week.Click HERE to listen to Part One of my conversation with Joe and Carolyn Bunker.Click HERE to visit Matthew's photography 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 

Matthew Bunker was a deep thinker with an affinity for C.S. Lewis, a graduate of West Point, a talented photographer, and a man who loved God and enjoyed His creation.  In the first half of this two-part episode, his parents Joe and Carolyn share the story of their remarkable son, who went missing 2 ½ years ago doing something he loved, descending Mount Rainier on a backcountry hike and ski descent.  Three days later, his body was spotted by search and rescue air patrol, where it remains interred to this day in a glacial crevasse.  As the family prepared for Matthew’s memorial service, Joe remembered a document they had signed years before, acknowledging God’s ownership of all they had, including their precious son.  I believe your heart will be touched and your faith will be renewed by the story of a very special quitclaim deed.  Click HERE to visit Matthew's photography 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 

Today's episode is a continuation of my chat with Laura Granger, mom of Luke, who went to Heaven with rhabdomyosarcoma cancer at the age of 17 a little over five years ago.  We pick up where we left off last week with a discussion of the things people say, the holidays, the "before" and "after" of child loss, anger towards God, and how complicated prayer can be when your child does not receive earthly healing.  You'll also hear about Luke's request that his money be used to help other kids go to YoungLife camp after he went to Heaven.  I believe you'll be encouraged by our thought-provoking and honest conversation.  Click HERE to learn more about YoungLife ministry and its mission.Click HERE to learn more about  the Luke Legacy Fund, to make a donation so more kids have the opportunity to attend YoungLife camps, or to apply for a scholarship for your child!  Scholarship applications open on February 1, 2023.  Click HERE to learn more about GriefShare or 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 

I’m so pleased today to introduce you to my friend Laura Granger.  We first met two years ago when she attended our first While We're Waiting Weekend in Illinois, and I was so touched by the story of her son Luke.  I suppose that’s because it’s somewhat similar to my own, but also because of the incredible attitude her “sunshine boy” had throughout his cancer journey.  Luke was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma cancer in August 2015 at the age of 15, and he walked his journey faithfully until God called him home in September of 2017.  I believe you’ll  be inspired too, as Laura shares Luke’s story and the impact it has had on her own faith.  Click HERE to learn more about the YoungLife ministry and its mission. Click HERE to learn more about  the Luke Legacy Fund or to make a donation so more kids have the opportunity to attend YoungLife camps.  Click HERE to learn more about GriefShare or 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