While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

This is a podcast FOR bereaved parents BY bereaved parents. Join your host, Jill Sullivan, as she talks with parents who have lost children of all ages to all types of circumstances. This is a podcast of stories ... stories of devastating loss and grief and heartbreak and struggle ... and stories of hope and healing and faith, and yes, even joy. Underlying every conversation will be the hope we have in Jesus Christ, which makes it possible to not just survive the loss of a child, but to live well while we're waiting to see them again in Heaven one day. Visit our website at www.WhileWereWaiting.org for more information about our nonprofit ministry to bereaved parents. 

  1. 310 | Nothing is Wasted (Part One) with Davey Blackburn

    2d ago

    310 | Nothing is Wasted (Part One) with Davey Blackburn

    On November 10, 2015, Davey Blackburn's life changed forever.  What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning ended in unimaginable tragedy when intruders entered his home, leaving his wife Amanda critically wounded. 24 hours later, Davey faced the devastating reality of losing not only Amanda, but also their unborn daughter, Evie. Suddenly, the young pastor found himself walking a road he never expected to travel. In this first half of our conversation, Davey shares the story of those heartbreaking days and the questions that followed. He reflects on the shock of loss, the challenge of caring for his young son Weston while grieving, and the unique pain of losing a child he never had the opportunity to meet ... a grief that's often overlooked. We also talk about the spiritual wrestling that often accompanies tragedy. Davey speaks candidly about the questions he brought to God and the doubts he faced, and how he began working through them.   In This Episode Davey shares the events surrounding the loss of Amanda and their unborn daughter, EvieThe emotional and spiritual shock that followedSingle-parenting a young child while grieving profound lossThe often-overlooked grief of losing an unborn childWrestling with God when life doesn't make senseFinding reasons to keep moving forward in the midst of overwhelming sorrowResources & Links Nothing Is Wasted MinistriesNothing Is Wasted PodcastDavey Blackburn's book: Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in PainComing Next Week ... In Part Two of our conversation, Davey shares his journey toward forgiveness, explains what it means to trust God with justice, and discusses how God transformed his deepest pain into a ministry that now helps thousands of people navigate loss, trauma, and suffering. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps other grieving parents discover hope and community through the While We're Waiting podcast. 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 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

    36 min
  2. 309 | Tattered Hearts, Hopeful Souls (Part Two) with Leanne Davidson

    May 27

    309 | Tattered Hearts, Hopeful Souls (Part Two) with Leanne Davidson

    "God just kept putting joy in front of me and encouraging me to open my heart to it." In this second half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, we move into some of the deeper questions grieving parents often wrestle with after child loss: Why? What if? Could I have done something differently? Will I ever feel joy again? After losing her son, Mikael, to a fentanyl overdose, Leanne has walked through those questions herself. With honesty and faith, she shares what she's learning about trusting God in the midst of unanswered questions, laying down guilt, and allowing joy back into a heart that has been forever changed. Leanne also offers practical and compassionate wisdom for families and friends who want to support grieving parents well. Together we discuss: • Reconciling faith with unanswered questions  • Why choosing trust matters when we don't understand  • Guilt after child loss — especially after addiction-related loss  • The difference between conviction and guilt  • Navigating grief within families when everyone grieves differently  • Giving one another grace and changing expectations after loss  • What to do when you don't have the strength to pray or open your Bible  • The difference between happiness and lasting joy  • Leanne's idea of "joy bombs" and recognizing God's gifts in everyday moments  • Practical ways to support grieving parents  • How grief changes us and why there is no returning to "normal"  • The hope of heaven and seeing our children again Throughout our conversation, Leanne continually points us back to God's faithfulness and His tender care for grieving parents. Her reminders are simple but powerful: God sees us, carries us, and remains near even when our hearts feel permanently changed. Resources & Links: Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE.  Visit Leanne Davidson's website HERE.  A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of GriefTattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving HeartsI 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 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

    26 min
  3. 308 | Tattered Hearts, Hopeful Souls (Part One) with Leanne Davidson

    May 20

    308 | Tattered Hearts, Hopeful Souls (Part One) with Leanne Davidson

    “Our hearts may be tattered, but they are still useful in God’s hands.”  In this first half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, she shares the story of her son, Mikael — a compassionate, funny, energetic young man who loved people deeply and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. She also opens up about the difficult journey of walking alongside a child struggling with addiction and the devastating day her family lost Mikael to a fentanyl overdose in 2022. Leanne speaks honestly about the complicated realities of addiction, the challenges families face along the way, and the ways God met her in the immediate aftermath of unimaginable loss. She also shares the heart behind her books A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of Grief and Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts. Together we discuss: • Mikael’s vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him  • Walking alongside a child battling addiction  • How addiction affected family relationships  • Establishing healthy boundaries while preserving connection  • The trauma and heartbreak of sudden loss  • The ways God carried Leanne through the earliest days of grief  • Why she chose the phrase “tattered hearts” for her devotional title  • Psalm 56:8 and the comfort of knowing God counts every tear  • The importance of lament and bringing our pain honestly before God Leanne’s story is filled with sorrow, honesty, perseverance, and hope. If you are a grieving parent, especially one walking the unique path of addiction-related loss, I believe you will find comfort in her words and encouragement in her faith. Resources & Links: • Leanne Davidson’s website:  A Mother's Grief Journey • A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of Grief • Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts   In next week’s episode, Leanne and I continue our conversation as we talk about guilt, unanswered questions, joy, supporting grieving families, and learning to live with a heart that has been forever changed.  Be sure to come back for that! 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 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

    29 min
  4. 307 | Even Though, We Will (Part Two) with Matthew Efird

    May 13

    307 | Even Though, We Will (Part Two) with Matthew Efird

    Today's episode features the second half of my conversation with Matthew Efird, as we move beyond Noah’s earthly 57½ hours and into the difficult road of learning how to live after he went to Heaven.  (If you missed the first half of our conversation, click HERE.) Matthew shares candidly about grief from a father’s perspective, which is something that often goes unseen, particularly after the death of a baby. He talks about the tension of wanting to protect and fix what can't be fixed, the importance of having other men show up and simply be present, and the practical ways friends and community carried their family through the hardest days.  We also discuss the emotional fog of grief, learning to take life one moment at a time, and the delicate balance of worshiping and weeping simultaneously. Throughout the conversation, Matthew continually points back to the faith that sustained his family and the phrase that became their foundation: Even though… we will. This episode is filled with wisdom for grieving parents, especially dads, as well as practical insight for anyone who wants to walk alongside hurting families in meaningful ways. In this episode, we discuss:  Grief from a father’s perspective  Why dads often feel unseen after infant loss  The importance of safe friendships and honest conversations  Helpful ways men supported Matthew during grief  Learning that “it’s okay to have a good day”  Practical advice for grieving dads  Why presence matters more than perfect words  The meaning behind “worshiping and weeping” at the same time  Taking grief one moment—and one step—at a time  The role of community in surviving loss  Common phrases to avoid when comforting grieving parents  The heart behind Matthew’s book and the Even Though We Will Foundation Resources & Links: Even Though We Will written by Matthew Efird 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 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

    55 min
  5. 306 | Even Though, We Will (Part One) with Matthew Efird

    May 6

    306 | Even Though, We Will (Part One) with Matthew Efird

    Matthew Efird and his wife, Hannah, were joyfully expecting their second son when the word "abnormalities" during a routine ultrasound changed everything. What followed was a journey into anticipatory grief after their son Noah was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a condition often described as “incompatible with life.”  In today's episode, Matthew shares what it was like to walk through the remainder of the pregnancy with that knowledge—holding both hope and heartbreak at the same time. He talks about how he and Hannah navigated those months together, how they learned to communicate in the middle of grief, and the intentional ways they chose to spend their time with Noah before he was born. Matthew also shares about Noah’s birth and the unexpected gift of 57½ hours together — time to hold him, to introduce him to family, and to fully experience what it meant to parent their son on this side of heaven. In this episode, we discuss:  The joy of expecting a second child after a season of waiting  The moment everything changed at a routine ultrasound  Processing the word “abnormalities” and a Trisomy 13 diagnosis  Walking through anticipatory grief during pregnancy  How Matthew and Hannah supported each other in their marriage  Two simple but powerful questions that helped them communicate in grief  Choosing to be intentional with the time they had with Noah  Noah’s birth and the gift of 57½ hours together  What it meant to parent Noah during his brief life Be sure to join us next week for the second half of this conversation, when Matthew shares what life looked like after Noah’s passing and offers insight into grief from a father’s perspective. Resources & Links:  Matthew’s book: Even Though We Will Website: https://eventhoughwewill.com/ If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to share it with someone who may need encouragement today. 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 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

    50 min
  6. 305 | Circle of Sorrow (Part Two) with Keallie Wozny

    Apr 29

    305 | Circle of Sorrow (Part Two) with Keallie Wozny

    In this second half of my conversation with Keallie Wozny, we shift from Trevor’s story to what it looks like to live in the aftermath of his death. Keallie shares with honesty and clarity about the questions that so many suicide loss parents carry — questions like why and could I have done something to prevent this?  She reminds us that while those questions are natural, we are not always given the answers we long for — and learning to trust God with the unknown becomes an important part of the journey.  We also talk about the realities that aren’t always openly discussed:  the stigma surrounding suicide loss, the fear that suicide might be an unforgivable sin, and the uncertainty some parents carry about their child’s eternity. Keallie gently points listeners back to the truth of Scripture and the character of God — merciful, compassionate, and trustworthy.  Throughout this conversation, Keallie offers deeply practical insight drawn from her own experience:  The physical toll of grief and how it affects the body  The importance of community and being cared for by others  How to approach milestones, anniversaries, and unexpected triggers  Why seeking “signs” from loved ones can be misleading—and how to instead recognize God’s presence  What it looks like to worship, even when you don’t have the strength to sing She also shares simple but powerful encouragement for those early in their grief journey — that joy does return, even if it looks different than before. As she beautifully puts it, grief and joy can coexist.  Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Keallie. Click HERE to find Keallie's book "Circle of Sorrow" on Amazon.   Click HERE to follow Keallie on Instagram.   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 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

    51 min
  7. 304 | Circle of Sorrow (Part One) with Keallie Wozny

    Apr 22

    304 | Circle of Sorrow (Part One) with Keallie Wozny

    In this first half of my conversation with Keallie Wozny, we begin by getting to know her son, Trevor, as she shares stories from his childhood, his love of music, his strong work ethic, and his desire to serve others, including his dream of becoming a Marine.  But as his story unfolds, things begin to shift. What follows is a difficult and complex journey as Trevor begins to struggle with mental health challenges that grow increasingly severe. Keallie walks us through those changes with remarkable clarity, offering an honest look at what their family experienced as confusion, fear, and uncertainty began to take hold. This episode includes a detailed account of the days leading up to Trevor’s death by suicide. While this is a hard story to hear, it’s one that reflects the reality many families face ... and one that deserves to be told with both honesty and care. You may recognize Keallie as the author of the book Circle of Sorrow. In our conversation, she explains that this title comes from the realization that, after losing a child, you are ushered into a kind of fellowship of suffering. It’s a circle no one chooses to join, and yet within it, there is a shared understanding among those who walk this road. It is both a painful place to be and, at the same time, a place where you are not alone. And even in the midst of this heartbreaking story, you’ll hear glimpses of God’s presence ... moments of grace, truth, and redemption that would become anchors for Keallie and her family in the days ahead. Coming Next: In next week's episode, Keallie shares what it has looked like to live in the aftermath of Trevor’s death. We’ll talk about the questions many parents carry, the stigma surrounding suicide loss, and the practical ways she has learned to walk through grief with faith and honesty. Get a copy of Keallie's book, Circle of Sorrow, 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 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

    48 min
  8. 303 | Branches of Grace (Part Two) with Tom and Heather Snyir

    Apr 15

    303 | Branches of Grace (Part Two) with Tom and Heather Snyir

    “You’re not broken… you’re becoming.”  ~Tom Snyir In this second half of our conversation, Tom and Heather Snyir share what life has looked like in the days, months, and years since their daughter Katie Rae went to Heaven. We talk about the realities of everyday grief - navigating the things people say, learning to live with “grief brain,” and facing simple questions that suddenly feel anything but simple. Tom and Heather also reflect on how grief has changed them - how it’s reshaped their perspective, their relationships, and the way they move through the world. Tom opens up about his personal journey with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and the people and faith that helped carry him through. He also shares about his devotional book, Branches of Grace, and the message of hope it offers to those walking through trauma and loss. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight for anyone navigating life after the loss of a child. Key Takeaways  Presence matters more than words when supporting someone in grief  You are allowed to set boundaries and protect your heart  Grief changes you ... and that doesn’t mean something is wrong  You don’t have to walk through dark seasons alone  Healing and pain can exist side by side Resources & Mentions Tom's book: Branches of Grace: Devotions from the Front Lines of Faith is available on Amazon.  Click HERE to find it.  Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988I 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 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

    36 min
4.9
out of 5
200 Ratings

About

This is a podcast FOR bereaved parents BY bereaved parents. Join your host, Jill Sullivan, as she talks with parents who have lost children of all ages to all types of circumstances. This is a podcast of stories ... stories of devastating loss and grief and heartbreak and struggle ... and stories of hope and healing and faith, and yes, even joy. Underlying every conversation will be the hope we have in Jesus Christ, which makes it possible to not just survive the loss of a child, but to live well while we're waiting to see them again in Heaven one day. Visit our website at www.WhileWereWaiting.org for more information about our nonprofit ministry to bereaved parents. 

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