While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

I remember how I felt about the passing of time in the early days after Hannah went to Heaven.  How at first I counted every day that she had been gone.  How I eventually started counting in larger units of time ... a week, two weeks, a month, three months, six months, nine months, a year, five years, a decade.  How I dreaded those anniversary dates to the point where it made me physically ill.  I found myself living under the tyranny of those dates.  But thankfully, over time, the weight of those dates has lightened.  I hope it's a comfort to you to know that, as time passes, and as you daily lean on the Lord for strength, the dread of those special dates will loosen its grip on you, too.    Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:Our website:  www.whilewerewaiting.orgOur public Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/Our private Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParentsInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.givingfuel.com/donateYou can reach Jill by email at jill@whilewerewaiting.org 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 

When Nan's 12-year-old son Connor died suddenly and unexpectedly after a brief illness, she descended into a very dark place, and remained there for over a decade.  She was adept at hiding her darkness, so her friends and family weren't aware of the battle she was fighting.  But at her deepest level brokenness, God met her and drew her out of that pit.  Today's episode is a continuation of her story from last week ... Be sure and listen to last week's episode as well to get her full story.  If you find yourself in the darkness today, we pray that Nan's story will give you hope!Click the following link to see Connor's legacy project in Ghana with the Touch A Life ministry:  https://touchalifekids.org/story/art/connorcreative/Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:Our website:  www.whilewerewaiting.orgOur public Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/Our private Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParentsInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.givingfuel.com/donateYou can reach Jill by email at jill@whilewerewaiting.org 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 

Connor Deal was a 12-year-old boy with big plans for his life; in fact, he had dreams of being the next George Lucas.  He loved his brothers and his mom and dad, and he also loved the Lord.  A sudden illness that began with a simple headache rapidly became critical, and he went to Heaven in February of 2009.  Today, I talk with his mom, Nan.  Nan describes herself as a messy griever, an angry griever, and an offended griever … all things that most of us bereaved parents can relate to!  In today’s episode, she very honestly and openly shares how deep into the darkness she went after Connor’s death.  I hope you’ll settle in and listen as she shares her heart with us today … and be sure and come back next week to hear the rest of her story.Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:Our website:  www.whilewerewaiting.orgOur public Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/Our private Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParentsInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.givingfuel.com/donateYou can reach Jill by email at jill@whilewerewaiting.org 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 story of Jesus calling the disciples to drop their nets and follow Him made me think about some ways we might relate to that story as bereaved parents.   I share those thoughts in today's episode.Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:Our website:  www.whilewerewaiting.orgOur public Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/Our private Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParentsInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.givingfuel.com/donateYou can reach Jill by email at jill@whilewerewaiting.org 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 

Anthony Villaflor was a sensitive and thoughtful young man who loved others well.  The murder of his father when he was a young teen caused him to seek God, which ultimately led his mom, Erica, to a relationship with the Lord as well.  In the spring of 2014, Anthony went to sleep and didn't wake up due to an accidental drug overdose.  In today's episode I chat with Erica about Anthony's death, how it impacted her faith, and where she finds herself now.  I believe you’ll be encouraged as you hear both sorrow and joy in her voice as she shares her story.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself crying … and laughing … along as you listen in to our conversation.  Links from our conversation:You can learn more about the Village United Ministry which provides school clothes and supplies to children who need them by clicking HERE.   You can make a donation to the Village United Ministry by clicking HERE and choosing that ministry from the dropdown menu.You can visit Erica's screen printing shop "Blood Bought" by clicking HERE, or you can find her shop on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:Our website:  www.whilewerewaiting.orgOur public Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/Our private Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParentsInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.givingfuel.com/donateYou can reach Jill by email at jill@whilewerewaiting.org 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 bereaved parents, we know that some dates will be difficult -- Christmas, our child's birthday or Heaven Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day -- but we are often completely caught off guard by how difficult it is to turn the calendar to a new year for the first time after our child goes to Heaven.  Today, Jill reprises a previous episode and shares some resolutions that may be helpful as we step into the new year. To learn more about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, please click 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 

Today's bonus episode offers just a brief word of encouragement as we step into Christmas this weekend.  Hope may not be cheap ... But, thank God, it is free!  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, please click HERE.   To make a tax-deductible year-end donation to the While We're Waiting ministry, please click 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 

When her daughter Lauren went to Heaven in 2011 after bravely battling an aggressive cancer, Lisa Crook found herself on a journey she never would chosen.  As we pick up our conversation today from where we left off last week, we discuss a wide range of issues faced by bereaved parents and share some very practical advice for life after child loss.  I believe you'll be encouraged by our conversation, and maybe find some fresh hope for your own journey!  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, please click HERE.   To make a tax-deductible year-end donation to the While We're Waiting ministry, please click 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 

Lauren Crook was a remarkable young woman with dreams of graduating from Ouachita Baptist University and becoming a speech-language pathologist.   She was well on her way to accomplishing her goals when a simple runny nose led to a devastating diagnosis.  Growing up in a Christian home and never experiencing much adversity in her life, Lauren had prayed that God would give her a testimony so she could be used by Him.  Lauren's mom, Lisa, talks with me today about Lauren and how her testimony has touched the hearts of many.  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, please click HERE.   To make a tax-deductible year-end donation to the While We're Waiting ministry, please click 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 

After the death of her 5-year-old daughter Lydia in a car accident, there was a period of time when Daphne Greer felt so much guilt she could not even look at herself in the mirror.  In this second part of our interview, she talks about working through that guilt with God's help, dealing with the holidays, and developing a habit of gratitude.  Click HERE to visit Daphne's website, "Grieving Gumdrops".   You can also connect with her on Facebook by clicking HERE, and you can purchase her book "Barely Breathing - 10 Secrets to Surviving the Loss of Your Child" by clicking HERE. To learn more about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, click 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