In this heartfelt episode of Thrive While Loving an Addict, host KL Wells sits down with Debbie Simmons—author, founder, and resilient mother of nine adopted children from the foster care system. Debbie shares her extraordinary journey through infertility, profound loss, and the challenges of raising children with traumatic backgrounds.

Together, they explore the power of resilience, faith, and the vital role of community support. Debbie offers practical wisdom on parenting through adversity, maintaining hope, and the importance of personal healing as a foundation for helping others. This conversation is a testament to the courage it takes to love deeply—even in the midst of chaos.

• Debbie’s early dreams of motherhood and her battle with infertility
• The heartbreak of losing quadruplets and the lessons learned through grief
• Adopting nine children from foster care and navigating trauma, addiction, and complex family dynamics
• The evolution from asking “Why me?” to “How do I survive and thrive?”
• The importance of faith and surrender in the face of unanswered questions
• Parenting strategies for children with trauma and addiction
• The necessity of self-care, boundaries, and personal healing for parents
• Building and relying on a supportive community
• Navigating marital challenges and maintaining unity as parents
• The courage to ask for and receive help

• What were the pivotal moments that shaped your journey as a mother and advocate?
• How did you find the strength to move forward after such profound loss?
• In the midst of your children’s struggles, how do you balance loving them and setting boundaries?
• What does it mean to “thrive” while loving a child in addiction or crisis?
• How do you and your husband stay united through such difficult parenting seasons?
• What advice do you have for parents who feel stuck in anger or grief?
• How can listeners begin to build a supportive community around themselves?
• What are the first steps to healing for parents and caregivers?

✅ How to transform grief and loss into a legacy of hope and healing

✅ The power of shifting from “Why?” to “How?” in times of crisis

✅ Practical tools for self-care and boundary-setting as a parent

✅ Why personal healing is essential to supporting your children’s recovery

✅ The importance of honest communication and truth-telling in parent-child relationships

✅ How to recognize and manage your own emotional triggers (“shark water moments”)

✅ Ways to cultivate resilience and maintain hope, even in the darkest times

✅ The value of community and asking for help without shame

📘 Connect with Debbie Simmons:

thedebbiesimmons.com – Learn more about Debbie’s story, her book, and her ongoing work supporting families.

📖 Debbie’s Book:

The Heart of Legacy – Discover Debbie’s full journey and her guide to being faithful, focused, and fearless as you stand for your children.

🤝 Community Support:

Seek out local or online support groups for parents and caregivers navigating addiction, trauma, and loss.

📚 Further Learning:

Explore resources on resilience, trauma-informed parenting, and faith-based support for families in crisis.

Visit thedebbiesimmons.com to connect with Debbie, access her book, and find tools for your own journey. Remember, you are not alone—and there is hope, healing, and community waiting for you.