While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

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 

"Spunky and vibrant" are the words Lydia's mom, Daphne Greer, uses to describe her.   She loved shopping, going to concerts, and creating art.   Life changed in the blink of an eye in the summer of 2008 when a car accident took 5-year-old Lydia to Heaven, leaving Daphne riddled with guilt and feeling as though her life was over.   Over time, as God began to mend her broken heart, she wrote a book titled "Barely Breathing - 10 Secrets to Surviving the Loss of Your Child", and we discuss that in our conversation today.  Today's episode includes Lydia's story and the first four "secrets" in her book.  Be sure to come back next week for the conclusion of our conversation.  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 

As we step into the official start of the difficult holiday season with Thanksgiving this week, Jill shares a story that illustrates how a simple bouquet of thorns can remind us that even in the midst of grief, there are still things for which we can be thankful.  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 

Greg and Paula Roberts  have two children in Heaven ... their daughter, Kaitlyn, who was stillborn in 1992, and their son, Matt, who drowned in 2009.  I hope you’ll listen in as they share their stories and talk about the impact these losses have had on their lives and the lives of others.  Then we’ll dig a little deeper into some advice for newly-bereaved parents, dealing with anger, what happens when spouses grieve differently, handling the holidays, and even some good things that can come from our loss.  I think you’ll be encouraged by our conversation.  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, click HERE.To make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry, 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 

In today's episode, Jill takes a fresh look at Isaiah 40:31 through the eyes of a bereaved parent ... and why it makes sense that we go from flying, to running, to walking.  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 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 

In today's episode, Jill talks with Carol Mathus, the stepmom of Danny, a young man with a passion for cycling and a contagious laugh.  With great honesty and transparency, Carol shares about her crisis of faith after Danny's death,  dealing with grief as a stepparent, surviving the holidays, and the ministry that has come from her experience with child loss.For more information about the Hope Dawning ministry to bereaved moms in the Dallas, Texas, area, please click HERE.  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry, our support groups around the country, 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 

It's hard to celebrate a birthday when the guest of honor is absent.  This past week, my daughter Hannah would have turned 30 years old.  Today's episode is my reflection on that milestone, and a reminder that though she was absent for this special day, I can praise God that she is not lost.    For information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents around the country, 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 

Continuing our recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, today's episode includes the second half of my conversation with Hattie Grace's mom and dad, Bryan and Brandy Davis.  Today's chat builds upon last week's episode, as we discuss some very practical issues faced by those who have lost infants, dealing with triggers, and some of the ways that Hattie's life, though brief, has had an impact on the world. For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and to learn about the free retreats we offer for bereaved parents, please click HERE.  If you'd like to make a tax-deductible 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 

October has been designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.  One in four families will lose a baby during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy.  Bryan and Brandy Davis became one of those families in January of 2018.  Their sweet Hattie Grace was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 while in the womb, and the Davises had ten precious hours with her before she went to be with Jesus.  Though it was brief, Hattie's life had meaning and purpose and continues to have an impact today.  In the first half of our conversation, Bryan and Brandy share Hattie's story, talk about grieving as a couple, and discuss how God has worked in their lives since that time.  Be sure and come back next week to hear some practical advice from the Davises about life after the loss of a baby.  For information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the free bereaved parent retreats we offer, 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 

In today's episode, Jill goes a little deeper with Tristan's parents, Todd & Melissa Shaffer, as they discuss issues specifically related to suicide loss and spend some time talking about some of Melissa's most popular blog posts.  Be sure and listen to Part One of our conversation to hear more about their remarkable son Tristan.You can find Melissa's website by clicking here:  https://christiansuicideloss.com/You can find our private While We're Waiting Facebook group by clicking here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents You can find out more about our free, faith-based While We're Waiting Weekends for Parents Touched by Suicide by clicking here:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/services/retreats/parents-touched-by-suicide-weekend/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