"Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and the invisible string is a testament to the connections that bind us all." - Patrice Karst

In this special Child Life Month episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Patrice Karst, the beloved author of "The Invisible String" and several other impactful books. They explore Patrice's journey from personal challenges to becoming a source of comfort and connection for families worldwide. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in addressing themes of separation, loss, and the enduring strength of love. Patrice shares her inspiration behind "The Invisible String" and its profound impact on both children and adults, emphasizing our universal connectedness and the healing power of love.

"The messages of love and connection I write about are not just for children; they resonate with the inner child in all of us." - Patrice Karst

Key Insights or Lessons Learned:

• The concept of "the invisible string" as a universal metaphor for love and connection that transcends physical presence and even loss.
• The importance of acknowledging and discussing feelings of loneliness and the power of finding one's inner best friend, as explored in "Ruby and Lonely."
• How creativity and storytelling can be therapeutic, providing solace and understanding in times of grief and separation.
• The role of child life specialists in utilizing literature like Patrice's to foster emotional safety and understanding among families facing medical challenges.

"Every letter I receive is a reminder of the profound impact stories can have on healing and connection." - Patrice Karst

Resources and Tips Shared in the Episode:

• "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst: A must-read for anyone seeking to understand and teach about the bonds of love. 
• Other books by Patrice Karst
• Child Life On Call App: Explore this invaluable tool for additional support and resources for navigating pediatric healthcare challenges. Request a Demo.

Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

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Meet the host: 

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

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