Six months.  Half a year.  That's how much time had passed since Hannah's brain surgery.  It had been a trying six months, to be sure ... but by this point cancer had subtly slipped into the background of our daily lives.  After the initial flurry of radiation treatments and clinic visits, things had settled into a surprisingly comfortable routine.  It's still amazing to me how quickly we had adjusted to the lifestyle, the vocabulary, and the ongoing monitoring of the cancer experience.

We had been told that she would be receiving chemotherapy treatments for a year, so it was a good feeling to know that we were at the half-way point. 

We didn't know at the time that we actually were at the half-way point of Hannah's journey ... just in a different way than we thought.

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode features a continuation of my conversation with Janet Boxx.  Last week, Janet shared about the loss of her son Cole to stillbirth and introduced us to her three daughters, Bethany, Gracen, and Katie.  As we pick up the story today, she talks about the violent collision that took place the day after Christmas in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of two of her daughters, and the challenge of wrestling through the grief that followed. 

Click HERE to connect with Janet's Blog, "Boxx Banter".

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

I wish I had a "first day of school" picture for the beginning of Hannah's junior year and Bethany's eighth-grade year.  But at this point in her cancer treatments, Hannah really did not like having her photograph taken.  Her hair was still thin from the radiation rays and she was a little self-conscious about that.  I respected her wishes and did not take one.  In fact, we have only a handful of photographs of her from that entire year of her battle, and I truly wish we had more.

In Hannah's small high school, class elections were held on the first day of the school year.  She came home that day a little bit bummed ... not because she didn't win an election, but because she didn't win two elections!  She was voted student council president ... but was just the vice president of her junior class.  Other than that minor disappointment, she was very pleased with her schedule, her classes, and her teachers.  We really couldn't predict the impact her treatments might have on her day-to-day schedule, but she was ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.  School year 2008-2009 was underway!

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Janet Boxx has been a friend of mine for almost nine years now, and she has been a consistent source of encouragement in my life.  She has experienced the loss of three of her four children, and she will be my guest over the next three episodes as she shares their stories with us and discusses how God has walked with her as she’s wrestled through the unimaginable.  In today’s episode, we primarily focus on the loss of her son Cole when he was stillborn 32 years ago.  We will also get to know her daughters Bethany, Gracen, and Katie and learn about the genetic condition with which two of them have been diagnosed.  I believe you’ll be blessed by listening in. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

In the fall of 2008, Hannah was ready to get the new school year underway.  She would be a junior this year, and was anxious to get it behind her so she could start her senior year, graduate (as valedictorian, of course!) and go on to Ouachita Baptist University the next fall.  Brain cancer was just a blip on the screen of her life at this point. She had so much to look forward to!  

As we are in the middle of back-to-school time in Arkansas and around the country, I want to share a word of encouragement to those parents whose children are marking milestones ... starting kindergarten, beginning junior high, entering their senior year of high school, or maybe going off to college for the first time.  Let me encourage you to rejoice and celebrate each of these milestones with your children.  Please don't waste precious time being sad that your children are growing up ... That is what children are supposed to do!  Those are things to celebrate, not to mourn.  Allow me to gently and lovingly encourage you to be thankful that your children are healthy with bright futures ahead of them. Take time to savor every moment and celebrate every milestone!

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Daniel’s parents, Jim and Patty Polk.  As a pastor, Jim brings a unique perspective to our discussion, and as we begin this episode, he is addressing the re-examination of his faith that resulted from Daniel’s sudden and unexpected death.  From there, we move on to discuss biblical lament, how grief evolves over time, and advice for newly-bereaved parents.  I believe you'll be encouraged by listening in.     

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

The beginning of August 2008 brought a flurry of back-to-school activity.  Hannah was excited about beginning her junior year of high school, getting her cancer treatments behind her, and moving forward with life in general.  Things seemed to be moving along just as they should be with her treatment protocol, and we were savoring every moment we had with our girls.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

It was just a normal Wednesday when Jim Polk and his 29-year-old son Daniel walked into a university concert venue together.  What unfolded over the next few moments would change Daniel's parents' lives forever and lead them to completely re-examine their faith.  As a pastor and pastor's wife, Jim and Patty Polk bring a unique perspective to our conversation, and I believe you'll be blessed by listening in.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Hannah was amazingly patient with most aspects of her regularly-scheduled appointments at Children's Hospital, and never complained about the endless blood draws, blood pressure checks, and repetitive questions from her doctors and nurses.  But she hated the antibiotic breathing treatment she had to endure every month, which required her to be zipped into a clear plastic tent and breathe in some sort of foul-smelling (and apparently foul-tasting) medication for thirty minutes.  Today's bonus episode explores the isolation she must have felt sitting in that tent.

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

I believe every bereaved parent asks the question, "What If ... ?".  Cody and April Quillen bring a new perspective to that question in today's episode, which is a continuation of our conversation from last week.  

If you missed last week’s episode, I encourage you to go back and listen to hear the story of their harrowing escape from Mexico when their daughter Catie experienced a health crisis during a family vacation.

Today, we pick up right where we left off last week as we discuss the twists and turns of their faith journey since that time … and I am so pleased to share it with you. 

Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with the Quillens.

Click HERE to watch Cody and April share their testimony on YouTube.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Hannah approached every MRI with remarkable composure.  She never needed any kind of sedation ... just her headphones and a Carrie Underwood CD.  The biggest stress for her was the insertion of the IV because she was such a "hard stick".  I've wondered if maybe she didn't really understand the life-or-death nature of these scans, or if she was just that confident that everything was going to be fine.  I believe it was the latter.

Thankfully, this particular MRI promised us at least two more months of life.

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Cody and April Quillen were enjoying a long-awaited family vacation in Mexico when their daughter Catie experienced a serious health crisis.  In today's episode they share the harrowing tale of their experience with the Mexican healthcare system, culminating in them having to kidnap their daughter from the hospital to get her back to the United States. 

In the first half of this two-part episode, they share about that experience and Catie’s ultimate homegoing.  Be sure to return next week to hear how God has carried them through the past “What If’s” by focusing on the future “What If’s”.  For now, settle in and listen to their riveting tale of rescue. 

Click HERE to watch Cody and April share their testimony on YouTube.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

As we celebrated the life of her great grandmother, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through Hannah's mind.  Was she thinking of her own mortality as she considered the life and death of her great grandmother?  She had heard what the doctor said about glioblastoma on the day of her diagnosis. Did she wonder if her own funeral might be next? Or was her faith so strong that she didn't harbor such thoughts? I honestly don't know. She was intensely private, and if she had any such thoughts, she kept them to herself. 

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Karen Harmening, blogger and author of the new book “Sifted: Diary of a Grieving Mother”.  If you are walking the journey of child loss, you will find something in our chat that will encourage you today.  We are picking up right where we left off last week as we discuss entries from this diary of a grieving mom … and I am so excited to share it with you. 

Click HERE to listen to Part One of our conversation. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in hardback.

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in paperback.

Click HERE to purchase "Sifted" on Amazon.

Click HERE to listen to my full interview with Scott and Karen Harmening, published in September of 2020.

Click HERE to read Karen's blog, "Listening to Him".

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Long and New Sorrow" from Karen's blog.

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Her Present Absence" from Karen's blog.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

During the summer of 2008, we had the opportunity to take a family vacation to Nashville, Tennessee.  We stayed at the Opryland Hotel and enjoyed some good restaurants, toured the Country Music Hall of Fame, visited a botanical garden, shopped at a big mall where we fed manta rays, and saw the sights of Nashville.  During the time we were there, we could almost forget that Hannah was sick because she seemed to be doing so well, but there were little reminders that were impossible to ignore.  Then on Friday of that week, we received the sad news that Brad's grandmother had gone to Heaven, and we headed home to Arkansas the next day to prepare to celebrate her life.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

When my friend Karen Harmening announced a few months ago that she was publishing a book born from her experience with the loss of her daughter Sarah, I was thrilled … not just for myself, but for all my bereaved parent friends who will benefit from the wisdom and insight the Lord has given her through her journey of grief.  She will be my guest over the next two episodes to talk about her story and that book, titled “Sifted: Diary of a Grieving Mother”.  I am so excited to share our conversation with you. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in hardback. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in paperback.
 
Click HERE to purchase "Sifted" on Amazon. 

Click HERE to listen to my full interview with Scott and Karen Harmening, published in September of 2020.

Click HERE to read Karen's blog, "Listening to Him". 

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Long and New Sorrow" from Karen's blog.

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Her Present Absence" from Karen's blog.  
 
 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Continued platelet problems and lower blood counts overall led to more delays in Hannah's treatment.  While Hannah enjoyed the break and a little bit of normalcy, we were concerned about the impact these delays could be having on keeping her cancer at bay.  We tried to put these concerns, and her upcoming MRI, out of our minds and just enjoy our summer with the girls.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Keith & Shawnda Freer, whose daughter Meghan died by suicide very unexpectedly in the spring of 2018.  We pick up right where we left off last week as we extend our discussion to cover a wide variety of topics including the attributes and character of God, the marriage relationship after child loss, how Meghan’s death has changed them, and the GriefHope ministry that’s been born out of their experience.  Lean in, and prepare to be encouraged! 

Click HERE to learn more about GriefHope or to register for a retreat.

Keith and Shawnda, along with Brad and I, will be featured speakers at The next "Our Hearts Are Home" conference scheduled for October 11-12, 2024, in Indianapolis (and online).  Click HERE for more information or to register.  We would LOVE to see you there!  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

If I had known how important platelets were going to become in the life of our family, I probably would have paid closer attention in my junior high science class!  Sixteen years ago today, Hannah's bloodwork showed a continued downward trend in her platelet levels, leading to the postponement of her next chemotherapy treatment.  While Hannah was happy about that, we were anxious to get back on track with her therapy.  Today's bonus espiode describes the mixed emotions of that time.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

My friends Keith and Shawnda Freer join me today for a conversation that will continue over the next two episodes.  Their daughter Meghan very unexpectedly took her own life in 2018, and since that time, they’ve found themselves living in the mystery of God’s sovereignty. 

They are the founders of GriefHope, a Christ-centered ministry that provides education and support for bereaved parents through weekend retreats, online support, and other resources.  They are also featured speakers at Our Hearts Are Home conferences for bereaved parents, and I have put links to both those ministries in the show notes.   They have a lot of wisdom to share, and I believe you’ll be blessed by listening in. 

Click HERE to learn more about GriefHope or to register for a retreat.

The next Our Hearts Are Home conference is scheduled for October 11-12, 2024, in Indianapolis (and online).  Click HERE for more information or to register.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Another Grandma and Grandpa Camp was in the books and while Hannah clearly enjoyed the time with her grandparents and cousins, I could tell she was glad to be home.   Monday was a clinic day, and her bloodwork revealed a fairly precipitous drop in her platelet levels, which was not entirely unexpected with the higher dose of chemo she had just completed.  We were hopeful for a quick rebound in the days ahead. 

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

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Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Sixteen years ago today, Hannah took her ACT test.  She had just returned from her "Grandma & Grandpa" Camp week, and was pretty worn out, but she was adamant about taking that test.  She had just completed her sophomore year of high school, and planned to take it several times over the next couple of years, hopefully increasing her score each time so she could get lots of college scholarships.  She didn't feel well that day, and she still struggled with the "falling out of her chair" sensation she'd had ever since completing her radiation treatments, but she did it!   At that time, we couldn't know that Hannah's ACT score was not going to matter.  We were operating under the assumption that she would complete her treatments over the next year and start college in the fall of 2010.

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

I am pleased to have Joni Robbins as my guest again today.  She is the author of "In Grief:  A Mother's Fight to Choose Joy", and the mom of two sons, Anson and Ethan.  In last week's episode, Joni shared the story of her "gentle giant", Ethan, and how he lost his life due to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Today, we talk about the difference between happiness and joy, finding purpose in our pain, and the mission of the Ethan Robbins Fund.  Lean in and be encouraged! 

Click HERE to purchase a copy of Joni's book, "In Grief - A Mother's Fight to Choose Joy".

Click HERE to visit the Ethan Robbins Fund website.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

I never knew that life with cancer could be so "normal."  On the days that Hannah was treatment-free, life seemed to go on as it always had.  It was summertime, so we were moving at a little bit slower pace, but there were still school workshops to attend, dentist appointments to keep, cheerleading routines to practice, and basketball camps to sweat through.  We celebrated Bethany's 13th birthday, and life was good.  Hannah was feeling better after having completed her first round of oral chemo ... and best of all, her hair had pretty much stopped thinning as a result of the radiation treatments.  Today's bonus episode describes that special time in our lives.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

I'm pleased to welcome Joni Robbins, author of “In Grief – A Mother’s Fight to Choose Joy” to the podcast today!  Her son Ethan was a gentle giant and a friend to many, who dreamed of being in law enforcement someday.  He died at the age of 17 in a tragic accident in their home in the spring of 2021.

In this first half of our two-part conversation, Joni shares who Ethan was, and talks about the incident that took his life and the impact it had on her marriage.  Be sure and come back next week, because we’ll be extending our conversation to cover a wide variety of very practical topics related to child loss.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of Joni's book, "In Grief - A Mother's Fight to Choose Joy".

Click HERE to visit the Ethan Robbins Fund website.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

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 parents

Click 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 channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click 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 ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org