Pediatric palliative care reveals both the fragility and strength of the human spirit. In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Robert Macauley—physician, Episcopal priest, author, and survivor—shares how his journey from childhood trauma to healing led him to care for terminally ill children and their families. Through his acclaimed book Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul, Dr. Macauley reflects on how these young patients restored his faith, opened his heart, and showed him the transformative power of caring for children at the edge of life. Together, he and Irene explore how love, loss, and service intertwine to bring meaning, connection, and grace even in life’s hardest moments.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:

• The profound impact of trauma from child sexual abuse.
• The concept of “soul calluses” as a protective mechanism and the journey to regaining emotional sensation.
• The unexpected path to finding a calling in pediatric palliative care and how it can contribute to personal healing.
• Inspiring stories of families navigating grief and finding moments of joy and connection amidst unimaginable loss.
• The importance of expressing feelings and not leaving things unsaid to those you care about.
• The transformative power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories for collective healing.
• The redemptive aspect of pain and how past experiences can inform and enhance one’s ability to help others.
• The significance of supporting pediatric palliative care and initiatives for preventing childhood sexual abuse.
• The ongoing nature of healing and finding meaning in difficult experiences.
• The wisdom of “bringing forth what is within you” as a path to salvation and preventing self-destruction.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: The Quiet Miracles of Pediatric Palliative Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34yFATSoY8k&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvoh

Don’t miss Dr. Macaulay’s Because I Knew You. Grab one here: https://bookshop.org/a/93249/9781594981517

💙 Every purchase of Because I Knew You makes a difference — all proceeds support pediatric palliative care through the OHSU Foundation and help prevent child sexual abuse through Darkness to Light.

---

✨ Grief & Rebirth: Healing Resources & Tools ✨

🎧 Irene's Books (Including a Free Audiobook!)

They Serve Bagels in Heaven—Irene’s heartfelt story of love and life beyond.

Listen Free on Audible as a First Time User: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w

Get the Paperback or Hard copy: https://amzn.to/3XrE995

📚 Embrace Life’s Third Chapter

Good to the Last Drop—A powerful anthology on aging with purpose: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5

🛍️ Healing & Self-Care Picks

Curated books and essentials from Irene: https://kit.co/GriefandRebirth

📚 Grief & Rebirth Bookshop

Books by podcast guests for healing & wisdom: https://bookshop.org/shop/griefandrebirth

🎙️ Podcast & Community

Inspiring stories of transformation on the Grief and Rebirth website: https://griefandrebirth.com

📱 Stay Connected

Subscribe to Grief and Rebirth on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSDru2EU1djRZaZxxFkMig?sub_confirmation=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irenesweinberg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IreneSWeinberg

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irenesweinberg

🎥 Irene’s Spiritual Awakening Story

Watch how the podcast began: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0mJWKfg5PM

🎙️ Be a Podcast Guest

Have a story or healing work to share?

Apply Here: https://ireneweinberg.com/be-on-the-podcast/

📰 Newsletter

Get updates, tips, and new episodes by signing up to the Grief and Rebirth Substack: https://substack.com/@griefandrebirth

💖 Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links may earn us a commission. We only share trusted, personally recommended resources.