The Life We Carry

Underneath It All
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Personal Journals

This is a podcast for anyone carrying more than they expected. I'm Rachel, a mom of 2 and wife to Robert who lives with diabetes, kidney failure and limb loss. Life didn't turn out the way we planned--but we are raising our girls, holding on to hope and learning to pick up the pieces each day and live the best life possible. This is a space for honest stories about caregiving, marriage, motherhood, faith and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. Whether you're deep in it or just figuring things out, I know it helps to realize you're not alone. Let's carry it together. rachelhughie.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 12/20/2025

    Putting the Pieces Together

    In this episode, I'm back talking about where things stand and what might come next. It's a bit of a reflection on our day-to-day life.  I acknowledge how far we've come, but also that there are still pieces shifting and our story is still unfolding.  I share a bit about what I've learned through sharing our story via podcast, what I hope to continue to share in this space and also where to find more content outside of this space. If you are carrying something hard, I invite you to join me in this place to share your story and journey.  You can contact me at thelifewecarry@gmail.com.  I'd love to connect with you.  Be sure to follow us at The Life We Carry on Facebook and Instagram.  You can also check out my Substack, The Life We Carry,  for more introspective content that may or may not be related to caregiving. Subtack: https://substack.com/@rachelhughie?r=57vp7d&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    Putting the Pieces Together

  2. 11/28/2025

    The Second Loss

    In this episode, Robert joins me again to talk through his second leg amputation. Medically--we knew what to expect, but emotionally there was more freedom lost for Robert this time around.  One thing we can both agree on is that with every part of our story there is the process of initial impact, working through the healing and finding our new normal. Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    The Second Loss

  3. 10/12/2025

    I Didn't Sign Up for This--Trusting in the Storm

    In this episode of The Life We Carry,  I open up about the strain chronic illness and caregiving have placed on our marriage — the quiet toll, the moments we considered walking away, and the faith it takes to stay when things are hard. With Robert’s health challenges as the backdrop, this is a story about trusting God in the middle of the storm and learning to love through the mess. If you’ve ever struggled and wondered is it worth it?  This one's for you. Casting Crowns--Praise You in This Storm:  https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8?si=D7qjaDuuSW7e9v50 Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    I Didn't Sign Up for This--Trusting in the Storm

  4. 09/23/2025

    Living in the In-Between

    In this episode of The Life We Carry, I share about the season when everything slowed down—but nothing stopped. It was the beginning of dialysis for Robert, a major shift in our lives that we weren’t ready for, but had no choice but to face. Dialysis didn’t just change his schedule—it changed our whole rhythm.  And while Robert was still very much here, present in our home and in our hearts, the energy and engagement that once defined his presence faded under the weight of the treatments. At the same time, we began the process of getting him on the transplant list—a journey filled with paperwork, lab results, waiting rooms, and more waiting. It was technical, yes—but it was also deeply emotional.  This episode is for anyone who has ever found themselves holding steady in a long season of not quite here, not quite there. It’s for those navigating chronic illness, medical systems, and the quiet grief of watching life change in slow motion. For more information on how to be a living donor: National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/becoming-living-donor#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20interested%20in,surgery%2C%20and%20help%20you%20recover. Check with your state on how to be an organ donor:  https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up/how Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    Living in the In-Between

  5. 08/31/2025

    The First Loss

    In this episode of The Life We Carry, I’m joined by someone who’s been with me through it all—my husband, Robert. This is the first time he steps behind the mic with me, and together we reflect on the amputation of his first leg—a moment that changed the shape of our lives and the course of our future. We talk about what led up to that surgery, how we processed it individually and as a couple, and the decisions it sparked—including our big move to Northern Indiana to be closer to family. This episode is full of honest emotion, hard truths, and the kind of quiet strength that often goes unseen. If you’ve ever faced a life-altering moment or felt the weight of unexpected loss, this conversation is for you. Robert brings his own voice, perspective, and sense of humor into the space, helping us remember that even in the hardest moments, connection and courage matter most. 🧡 We’re learning to carry it all—together. Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    The First Loss

  6. 08/18/2025

    Before Things Changed

    A look at who we were before illness, before caregiving, before survival mode--and how our story began. Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    Before Things Changed

  7. 07/28/2025

    Podcast Intro: Picking up the Pieces

    This first episode is short and sweet serving as a welcome and introduction to The Life We Carry Podcast.  Learn who we are, why this podcast is being created and what to expect in future episodes.  For day-to-day content you can find The Life We Carry on both Facebook and Instagram. We'd love it if you liked and followed us on those platforms too.   Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelhughie.substack.com

    Podcast Intro: Picking up the Pieces
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is a podcast for anyone carrying more than they expected. I'm Rachel, a mom of 2 and wife to Robert who lives with diabetes, kidney failure and limb loss. Life didn't turn out the way we planned--but we are raising our girls, holding on to hope and learning to pick up the pieces each day and live the best life possible. This is a space for honest stories about caregiving, marriage, motherhood, faith and the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up. Whether you're deep in it or just figuring things out, I know it helps to realize you're not alone. Let's carry it together. rachelhughie.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Underneath It All
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Life We Carry
  • Show Website
    The Life We Carry