Austin and Valerie DeArmond are the parents of a daughter, Addie, and a son, Gabriel, a joy-filled little boy who was known for his enthusiastic and sloppy open-mouth kisses. Gabe was the life of every party, and he relished that role. Austin and Valerie enjoyed 366 days of blessing with Gabriel until the Lord took him Home following a sudden and unexpected illness. We have a wide-ranging discussion today, discussing sensitive issues such as infertility, adoption, medical mistakes, the vital importance of good theology in grief, marriage after child loss, and parenting a young child who’s grieving.  The DeArmonds are less than a year into their loss, but God has gifted them with a great deal of wisdom … I believe you’ll be blessed by listening in.  Austin's blog is full of wonderful articles.  Click HERE to check it out!  If you enjoy theologically-rich quotes related to grief and suffering, you'll love following Austin on Twitter/X.  Click HERE to link to his profile.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 Neal and Rhonda Harrington's 19-year-old son Adam was killed by a single bolt of lightning in the summer of 2006, their lives were profoundly altered.  As we continue our conversation today, we talk about how grief has impacted their marriage and their relationships with others, and how it has changed each of them individually.    We discuss some practical topics like dealing with the sometimes clumsy things people say, and how they handle special days like birthdays and holidays.   Rainbows have become especially significant in their lives, and we chat about why that is, and close with a discussion of music that's been meaningful to them since Adam's homegoing.  This is the second half of a two-part episode ... To hear the first half of our conversation, click HERE.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 Neal and Rhonda Harrington join me on the podcast today to share the story of their 19-year-old son Adam, who was killed by a lightning strike in August of 2006.  Adam was jogging at the high school track with his granddaddy when the incident happened, and in that split second of time, the Harringtons’ lives were forever changed.  In today’s episode, they share who Adam was, the story of what happened and its immediate aftermath, the sovereignty of God in a situation like this, and some of what they’ve learned over the past 17 years since Adam’s homegoing.  They have a lot of wisdom to share about how we can "live forward" after child loss, and I believe you’ll be encouraged by our conversation.  Then be sure and come back next week as we extend our discussion to include some very practical insight into living life as a bereaved parent.You can follow Rhonda's blog by clicking HERE.   I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 special bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast features a conversation with bereaved mom and author of the new book "Sunlight on the Ocean", Rhyl Venning.  A return guest to the podcast, Rhyl shares today about her journey to becoming an author, her objective in writing the book, and how writing Kari-Lee's story impacted her grief.  She also shares some of the books who have been helpful to her in her own grief journey.  I believe you'll be blessed by listening in!Click HERE to listen to my previous episode with Rhyl, in which she shares Kari-Lee's complete story.  Click HERE to order Sunlight on the Ocean from Amazon.  Click HERE to order Sunlight on the Ocean from Barnes & Noble.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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

Welcome to episode #172, which is a continuation of my conversation with Cameron and Lyssah Fry.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of their tiny and feisty daughter, Jubilee … born at 25 weeks, 6 days, and weighing just 18 ounces … who repeatedly astounded medical staff with her tenacity and fighting spirit. Her testimony, throughout her 393 days in the NICU, was “Watch What God Will Do”, and her earthly life, though short by some standards, continues to have a profound impact. Today, we discuss the marriage relationship after loss, the “before and after” of child loss, the beauty of the gospel, and following Jesus through pain and sorrow. We pick up our conversation right where we left off last week.Link to Part One of my conversation with the Frys:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230350/13744468Connect with Cameron and Lyssah:Website:  https://hisgirlfryday.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hisgirlfryday/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HisGirlFrydayFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hisgirlfryday/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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

Jubilee Nileen Fry was born at 25 weeks, 6 days gestation, weighing in at just 18 ounces, and was not expected to live through her first night.  However, she repeatedly astounded her medical team with her tenacity and fighting spirit.  Her testimony throughout her 393 days in the NICU was “Watch What God Will Do”, and her earthly life, though short by some standards, continues to have a profound impact on those around her.  Jubilee's mom and dad, Cameron and Lyssah, join me on the podcast today to share her story.   We also discuss the emotional toll of pregnancy after loss (you’ll even hear baby Aili in the background as we chat), and the Frys will share a little bit about their experience at a While We’re Waiting Weekend this past summer.  Lean in and be encouraged today!Connect with Cameron and Lyssah:Website:  https://hisgirlfryday.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hisgirlfryday/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HisGirlFrydayFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hisgirlfryday/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 you're living with a child who's battling cancer, you learn to make the most out of every day.  And that's what Joey and Donna Sorters did as they walked their son Jarren through his cancer journey ... They made a conscious decision to dance in the rain.   If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to listen to hear the story of their son Jarren’s courageous battle against cancer and what the Lord has taught them as they continue to walk out their journey.   Click HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation.  Today, we cover a wide variety of issues faced by bereaved parents, including a discussion of the impact of child loss on marriage and on surviving siblings. We pick up our conversation right where we left off last week. Click HERE for more information or to register for the upcoming Our Hearts Are Home Conference for Bereaved Parents scheduled for October 13-14, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  A virtual option is available!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 pleased today to introduce you to my friends Joey and Donna Sorters.  Our paths crossed several years ago when we worked in the same school district together … but at the time, we never dreamed we would walk very similar journeys with our children seven years apart.  In the first half of this two-part episode, Joey and Donna share the story of their remarkable son Jarren, who went to Heaven at the age of 15 after a ferocious battle with cancer.  His motto was “If you get knocked down 7 times, you get up 8”, and he had plenty of opportunity to live that out throughout his journey.  That determined spirit and competitive nature served him well, as he faced setback after setback with a positive attitude.  Listen in and be inspired … Click HERE to connect with the Play4Jarren Foundation.  Click HERE for more information or to register for the upcoming Our Hearts Are Home Conference for Bereaved Parents.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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

Welcome to episode #168, which is a continuation of my conversation with my friend Jackie Carson.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of her son Jonathan’s battle with drugs and alcohol, including how God redeemed his story to help others caught in the snare of addiction.  Today, we discuss a wide variety of issues faced by bereaved parents.  At only 8 months into her own journey, Jackie has a passion for ministering to other grieving parents, and she shares some very practical things that have been helpful for her.   We’ll pick up our conversation right where we left off last week.Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Jackie.   Click HERE to join Jackie's public Facebook Group, "Be Still and Know".Click HERE to learn more or register for the Our Hearts Are Home conference in Indianapolis the weekend of October 13-14, 2023.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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 pleased today to introduce you to my new friend, Jackie Carson, who I met when she attended one of our While We're Waiting Weekends recently.  In the first half of this two-part episode, Jackie shares the story of her smart and funny son Jonathan, who went to Heaven just before Christmas in 2022.  Jonathan was introduced to marijuana at the age of 12, and it was a gateway drug for him, leading to years of alcohol and drug abuse, jail time, and declining health.  After an 18-month stint in prison, he checked himself into a faith-based rehab, and God used that to turn things around and bring Jonathan to Himself. Ultimately, the Lord took him home, and that’s when Jackie’s journey as a bereaved mom began.  Lean in and listen to hear an amazing story of both redemption and loss. Click HERE to join Jackie's public Facebook Group, "Be Still and Know".Click HERE to learn more or register for the Our Hearts Are Home conference in Indianapolis the weekend of October 13-14, 2023.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** 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