What if some of the ways you respond to the hard things happening right now are connected to stories of heartache from your past? For caregivers, especially parents raising children with disabilities or ongoing medical needs, the trauma doesn't necessarily happen once. Hospitalizations, diagnoses, medical crises, uncertainty, grief, and the daily demands of caregiving can create an ongoing cycle of trauma and loss. In this episode of This Unexpected Life, I sit down with Cathy Loerzel, co-author of Redeeming Heartache and a Story Work coach, to talk about how our past stories can shape the way we respond to the challenges we're facing today. Cathy explains Story Work and why simply trying to change our behavior “in the now” doesn't always work when those patterns are actually anchored in experiences from “back there.” We talk about the childhood wounds that can shape our ability to connect with ourselves, others, God, and the world—and how revisiting those stories can help us heal. But this conversation goes even deeper. We talk about grief, lament, and why Christians don't need to stay on the positive side of the emotional scale. Cathy shares why she believes we have to be willing to experience the depths of sorrow if we want to experience the depths of joy. She also offers a beautiful picture of grief as letting go of the rope and allowing yourself to drop into the U—to stop fighting, stop gripping, and allow yourself to be held by God and the earth. And for caregivers who feel like they have to do everything themselves, Cathy has an important reminder: We were never created to do this alone. This is a conversation about story, trauma, grief, lament, community, self-compassion, and learning how to flourish—not because our circumstances have changed, but because we are learning how to become more fully human within them. As Cathy reminds us, there may not be an easy way through caregiving. But there can be resiliency, small moments of joy, and small practices of care along the way. Eps. 57; 9/1/2026 Resources: Cathy Loerzel’s Website Follow Cathy on IG Book: Redeeming Heartache Cathy’s Retreats: Sacred Interruptions The Allender Center If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review! The Podcast is on YouTubeCheck out my new websiteClick here if you want to be a guest on the showCarrie’s Facebook or InstagramFind me on SubstackMy book: The Other Side of Special *This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.
