While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

Today's episode features the first half of my recent conversation with Dawn Helms, in which she shares the story of her only son Ben and the long journey of loving him through significant mental health challenges.For years, Dawn lived in a constant state of vigilance—managing diagnoses, medications, school struggles, substance abuse, and periods of incarceration. Her home was rarely quiet, not because life was easy, but because Ben required constant attention and advocacy. Dawn helps us get to know Ben beyond his struggles—his humor, compassion, and the deep bond they shared. She also reflects on a brief, sweet season when Ben was home before his death, and how everything changed for her when the caregiving ended and the house grew quiet.This episode will be especially meaningful for parents who have lost an only child or who spent years living on high alert due to a child's mental health issues. Be sure to return for next week's episode when Dawn will share more about the early days of grief, the choices that helped her survive, and how God met her in the quiet. 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

“Moving forward doesn’t mean leaving my child behind.” As one year ends and another begins, many people are eager to turn the page.  For bereaved parents, however, the arrival of a new year can feel heavy and overwhelming. A new calendar can make us feel like we're leaving our child behind—and that can be deeply painful.In this encore episode, Jill shares ten faith-anchored resolutions shaped by her own journey of grief after the loss of her daughter, Hannah. These are not resolutions about self-improvement or moving on, but about extending grace, caring for a grieving heart, and leaning fully on God’s strength.Originally recorded near the close of 2020 in the height of the Covid pandemic, this episode acknowledges both personal loss and collective weariness, offering encouragement for grieving parents entering a new year they may not feel ready to face.In this episode, you’ll hear reflections on:Why stepping into a new year can feel especially difficult after child lossBeing patient and kind with yourself as grief unfoldsExtending grace to others who don’t know what to say or doLearning to communicate what you need—and honoring your limitsFinding joy in small, God-given momentsLetting go of guilt, blame, and “if only” thinkingStanding on God’s truth when emotions feel overwhelmingDepending on God’s strength when your own is goneThe episode closes with a prayer from Verdell Davis’s book Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever, reminding listeners of the deep lessons learned in the valley and the sustaining grace of God who meets us 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

 “The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child’s name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.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

Christmas can feel especially heavy after the death of a child. Traditions that once brought joy may now magnify the absence, and the expectations of the season can feel overwhelming for a heart that is grieving.In this episode, I gather the voices of While We’re Waiting retreat and support group facilitators—bereaved moms and dads who share honest reflections and practical wisdom for navigating Christmas after loss. Their stories offer permission to do things differently, encouragement to take the season one moment at a time, and gentle ideas for honoring a child’s memory while holding space for grief.You’ll hear about:Giving yourself grace and lowering expectationsAccepting help and having an exit planLetting Christmas look different than it used toFinding meaningful ways to remember and include your childAllowing grief and joy to coexistAnchoring your heart in the hope of Immanuel—God with usThere is no right way to do Christmas after loss. Take what is helpful, leave what is not, and know that you are not alone. Even when Christmas feels broken, God is near, and His light still shines in the darkness.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 Part Two of my conversation with Jenny Leavitt, we continue exploring the GodPrints—God’s gentle fingerprints of presence and faithfulness—woven through her family’s grief journey after the loss of her son, Jacob.Jenny shares how she and her husband learned to walk together through grief even when their personalities and coping styles differed. She talks about the emotional weight of anniversaries, holidays, and court dates, and how offering grace to one another became essential in those tender seasons.We discuss how Jenny’s grief has changed over the last ten years, including the seasons when God felt silent and the comfort she found in Scripture, especially in the Psalms. Jenny also offers practical wisdom for navigating holidays and special dates, as well as how her family chose to honor the ten-year mark of Jacob’s homegoing.She closes by pointing listeners to resources she’s created to support others who are grieving.In this episode:Grieving differently within a marriageThe challenge of anniversaries and milestonesHow grief evolves over timeFinding God in seasons of silenceNavigating holidays and special datesMarking ten years without JacobClick HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation!  Resources:jennyleavitt.comresilienthope.netGodPrints by Jenny LeavittI 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 this first half of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Jenny Leavitt — pastor’s wife, author of GodPrints, and bereaved mom — to hear the story of her son, Jacob, and the unmistakable “GodPrints” woven throughout her family’s journey.Jenny begins by describing her earlier battle with stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while raising two very young boys, and how God used that season to prepare her heart in ways she wouldn’t fully understand until years later. She then introduces us to Jacob — a friendly, artistic, big-hearted high school senior — and recounts the tragic accident caused by a drunk driver that took Jacob’s life and left his older brother, Caleb, critically injured.Throughout the episode, Jenny speaks honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual shock of those early days, the challenge of grieving one child while caring for another, and the surprising places where God’s fingerprints began to appear. She shares about a profound “GodPrint” uncovered just days after Jacob’s death — a handwritten piece Jacob created months earlier that offered their family deep assurance of his salvation and his walk with the Lord.Jenny also offers compassionate, practical wisdom for newly bereaved parents: the importance of connection, the value of grace for yourself and others, and the reminder that you don’t have to walk this path alone.Links Mentioned:GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life by Jenny LeavittJenny’s websiteResilient Hope resourcesBe sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Jenny reflects on how her grief has evolved over the last ten years, how she and her husband navigate grieving differently, and the GodPrints they continue to see in their story.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 this second half of my conversation with Debra Amick, we explore what life looked like after Chase went to Heaven and how God gently led her from deep grief toward renewed purpose.A meaningful part of this episode centers on four anchors God gave her in the fog of grief:Prayer support when she didn’t have strength of her ownScripture placed throughout her home to remind her of what was trueResting in God’s presence, allowing Him to meet her where words failedGuarding her heart, choosing carefully what she allowed in during fragile daysDebra also describes the slow journey toward purpose—giving herself permission to hope again, listening for God’s direction, and discovering how her story could help others move from pain to purpose.Debra talks about how she began writing online—originally intending to speak to midlife women, not realizing how many grieving hearts would find her words. She shares how God used her vulnerability to comfort others and how her faith became the steady thread she clung to as she learned to live again.Connect HERE to connect with Debra.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 God Holds the Thread: Chase’s StoryIn this first half of my conversation with Debra Amick, she shares the story of her son Chase—a talented artist, musician, and gentle soul whose life touched so many. Debra opens up about his early years, the emergence of mental-health struggles in his teens, and the intentional decision she and her husband made to stay closely connected to his heart.She also recounts the powerful moment when Chase returned to his faith in Jesus and the heartbreaking night he went to Heaven. Through it all, Debra describes the unmistakable ways God met their family with comfort and presence, even in the darkest places.If you’re walking through a story involving mental illness, trauma, or deep sorrow, I pray Debra’s honesty will remind you that you’re not alone—and that even when we feel like we’re hanging on by a thread, we find that it's God Himself who holds that thread.Next week in Part 2, Debra will share what happened after Chase went to Heaven, including how she began writing publicly and how God led her toward purpose in the midst of her pain. She’ll also talk about four very practical anchors that helped her navigate her grief with faith and hope.Click HERE to connect with Debra and see all the resources she has available on her 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

“Even in the darkest valley, the Shepherd is still good—and He never lets go.” In this week’s episode, I talk with Meshea Ingram, a mom who has walked through the deepest valley imaginable and found her Shepherd faithful every step of the way.Meshea shares about her little boy, Briggs—a joyful child with an unforgettable laugh and a big personality that filled every room. In the summer of 2022, a tragic drowning incident changed everything. Meshea speaks honestly about the days she prayed for a miracle while Briggs was on life support, the disappointment that followed when God didn’t answer as she hoped, and the long process of learning to trust His goodness again.Out of their pain, Meshea and her husband founded Love Can Build a Briggs, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about drowning prevention and provides swim-lesson scholarships for young children.This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when our miracle looks different than we hoped and our hearts are breaking, the Shepherd is still leading us, His mercies are always new, and His faithfulness never fails.Connect with Meshea:Website: www.lovecanbuildabriggs.comInstagram: @shewhopraysFacebook: Love Can Build a BriggsI 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

“What if hope isn’t about holding on—but about being held?” In today's episode, I had the privilege to sit down with Cheri Fletcher—a writer, speaker, and flash mob aficionado—who shares the story of her daughter Annie, a vibrant young woman whose life reflected creativity, compassion, and faith.Cheri opens up about the sudden medical crisis that took Annie’s life at just 29, the ache of surrendering to God’s will, and the unshakable truth that we are never left to simply “hang in there”—we are held by the God who goes before us. Drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 31:8 and Isaiah 41:10, she reminds us that even when life shatters, God’s presence remains steady and sure.We also talk about Cheri’s new project, the Grief Communication Cards, a set of thoughtful prompts designed to help grieving families and friends talk more openly about their loved ones. I'm planning to use these cards with my own family this holiday season as a way to remember and celebrate our daughter Hannah as well as others who have gone to Heaven in our family.  Use the code WAITING10 for 10% off your set!  This episode is a tender reminder that when we don’t have the strength to hold on, God is the One holding us—steady, present, and faithful.Resources Mentioned:Cheri Fletcher’s Website: cherifletcher.comGrief Communication Cards – use code WAITING10 for 10% offWhile We’re Waiting Facebook Group – Support for Bereaved ParentsI 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