While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

After the loss of a child, a holiday like Christmas that once brought so much joy can become  deeply painful.  The family gatherings, brightly-lit decorations, and the gift giving make the absence of our child's presence all the more real.  In today's episode, Jill encourages bereaved parents to view the holiday with a slightly different perspective.  "A Brokenhearted Night Before Christmas" was written by Karen Harmening in 2017 and can be found on her blog by following this link:    https://listeningtohim.com/2017/12/16/brokenhearted-night-before-christmas/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 Wathen was a high school senior with a bright future ahead of her.  She was a natural introvert with a brilliant sense of humor and an innate ability to identify and befriend those on the fringes.  Her life's goal was to become a doctor, and she was just days away from graduation and heading off to college when she made an impulse decision to take her own life.  Jill talks with her parents, Bob and Susan Wathen, about Hannah's life, her suicide, the sovereignty of God, and how He brought peace from unimaginable chaos.  The pamphlet the Wathens refer to in the interview is called "SOS: A Handbook for Survivors of Suicide" by Jeffrey Jackson, and is published by the American Association of Suicidology.Information about the While We're Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents at Kinderhook Lodge in Barry, Illinois, is available HERE.Information about our While We're Waiting support groups, including the one the Wathens lead in Hannibal, Missouri, is available HERE.  The Wathens refer to our closed While We're Waiting -- Support for Bereaved Parents Facebook group during our conversation.  That group can be found by clicking 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 

The Christmas season is typically one of the most difficult times of the year for parents who have experienced the loss of a child ... and this year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is compounding it even further.  In today's episode, Jill helps us unwrap five gifts that were given when Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.  Hopefully it will bring some encouragement during this hard season.  To learn more about the While We're Waiting ministry to bereaved parents, visit our website by clicking 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 

Dominic DeSimone was a young man with a smile that could light up a room.   He was an active, athletic child who grew into a talented musician with the ability to play any stringed instrument and had a special gift for percussion.  He was nearing the end of his second year of law school when he ran ahead to Heaven as a result of a motorcycle accident.  In today's episode, Jill talks with his mom Melanie, who encourages thousands of bereaved parents daily through her blog, "The Life I Didn't Choose."  Join us for a conversation about Dom, the blog, the upcoming holidays, and how we can live this life we didn't choose.  Melanie's blog can be found by clicking here.  Melanie refers to our closed While We're Waiting -- Support for Bereaved Parents Facebook group during our conversation.  That group can be found by clicking 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 loss of a child, the holiday season is incredibly difficult.  Family gatherings magnify the absence of the child, holiday traditions that once brought joy are now fraught with pain and loss, tensions may arise among extended family members as everyone's emotions are raw, and Christmas shopping with one less person on the list is unspeakably painful.  There is a certain expectation of how we are supposed to feel and behave during the holiday season, and when you've lost a child, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to muster up the emotional stamina to play that role.  In today's episode, Jill shares a list of ten things that have been helpful to her family as they've maneuvered the last twelve holiday seasons since her daughter went to Heaven.  Maybe you'll find something on the list that will be helpful to you.  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 

Jeremiah Solhjem was a sweet and imaginative little boy who loved his family, his Action Bible, and his Legos.   He was a kid who was content to stay in the background and let others take center stage.   He had a lot of wisdom for a nine year old -- Just a week before he went to Heaven in an ATV accident, he told his sister, "Ya know, life is better when you do it well."  In today's episode, Jill talks to JP's mom, Jana, about life after child loss, maneuvering the upcoming holidays, and what it means to trust in a God who keeps His promises.  Do It Well website:  https://www.doitwell.orgDo It Well Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/lifedoitwellWebsite link for the While We're Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents in Minnesota:  https://www.whilewerewaiting.org/locations/minnesotaFargo, North Dakota, While We're Waiting Support Group for Bereaved Parents Information:Typically meets the third Thursday of every month atValley Christian Counseling, 1112 Nodak Drive, Fargo, NDFor more information, contact Jana at jsolhjem@rrt.net. Here's a link to the type of "chair picture frame" Jana refers to in this episode ❤️:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q3ZEIOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PpsTFb7G8E75GI 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 

Kari-Lee Venning was a young woman who loved Jesus, dancing, swimming, and spending time at the beach.  She traveled the world seeking adventure, visiting 38 countries in six years after she completed high school.  Many of those who saw her living life to the full were not even aware of her daily battle with cystic fibrosis.  In today's episode, Jill talks with Kari's mum, Rhyl, about her remarkable daughter and her experience with grief since Kari's homegoing six years ago.  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 

Jeff Foxworthy rose to fame by performing a comedy routine titled, "You Might Be a Redneck."  In today's solo episode, Jill expands on that theme with a list of things that indicate "You Might Be a Bereaved Parent."  The list starts out with negatives, but ends on a hopeful note.  For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the retreats and services we offer for bereaved parents, visit our website at www.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 

Zac and Shelby Snow were thrilled to discover that they were expecting  their son Landon just a few months after their wedding.  They prepared a nursery, purchased a car seat, and even bought a larger vehicle to accommodate their growing family.  But a prenatal test revealed some issues with Landon's development, and rather than bring him home to that new nursery, they had to release him to Heaven.  Landon's now 4-year-old little brother Drew was born within that same year and Maci Jae came along a few years later, and these two little ones fill their lives with joy.  Between Drew and Maci, Zac and Shelby lost two more babies in early gestation.  Their faith was tested through these experiences, but they have been comforted by the knowledge that Jesus weeps with them.  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 solo episode, Jill compares life as a grieving parent to a ride on a roller coaster.  She reminds her listeners that roller coaster rides are temporary and points us to "the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:10)For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry, please visit our website at www.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