Cody and April Quillen were enjoying a long-awaited family vacation in Mexico when their daughter Catie experienced a serious health crisis.  In today's episode they share the harrowing tale of their experience with the Mexican healthcare system, culminating in them having to kidnap their daughter from the hospital to get her back to the United States. 

In the first half of this two-part episode, they share about that experience and Catie’s ultimate homegoing.  Be sure to return next week to hear how God has carried them through the past “What If’s” by focusing on the future “What If’s”.  For now, settle in and listen to their riveting tale of rescue. 

Click HERE to watch Cody and April share their testimony on YouTube.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

As we celebrated the life of her great grandmother, I couldn't help but wonder what was going through Hannah's mind.  Was she thinking of her own mortality as she considered the life and death of her great grandmother?  She had heard what the doctor said about glioblastoma on the day of her diagnosis. Did she wonder if her own funeral might be next? Or was her faith so strong that she didn't harbor such thoughts? I honestly don't know. She was intensely private, and if she had any such thoughts, she kept them to herself. 

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Karen Harmening, blogger and author of the new book “Sifted: Diary of a Grieving Mother”.  If you are walking the journey of child loss, you will find something in our chat that will encourage you today.  We are picking up right where we left off last week as we discuss entries from this diary of a grieving mom … and I am so excited to share it with you. 

Click HERE to listen to Part One of our conversation. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in hardback.

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in paperback.

Click HERE to purchase "Sifted" on Amazon.

Click HERE to listen to my full interview with Scott and Karen Harmening, published in September of 2020.

Click HERE to read Karen's blog, "Listening to Him".

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Long and New Sorrow" from Karen's blog.

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Her Present Absence" from Karen's blog.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

During the summer of 2008, we had the opportunity to take a family vacation to Nashville, Tennessee.  We stayed at the Opryland Hotel and enjoyed some good restaurants, toured the Country Music Hall of Fame, visited a botanical garden, shopped at a big mall where we fed manta rays, and saw the sights of Nashville.  During the time we were there, we could almost forget that Hannah was sick because she seemed to be doing so well, but there were little reminders that were impossible to ignore.  Then on Friday of that week, we received the sad news that Brad's grandmother had gone to Heaven, and we headed home to Arkansas the next day to prepare to celebrate her life.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

When my friend Karen Harmening announced a few months ago that she was publishing a book born from her experience with the loss of her daughter Sarah, I was thrilled … not just for myself, but for all my bereaved parent friends who will benefit from the wisdom and insight the Lord has given her through her journey of grief.  She will be my guest over the next two episodes to talk about her story and that book, titled “Sifted: Diary of a Grieving Mother”.  I am so excited to share our conversation with you. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in hardback. 

Click HERE to purchase a discounted copy of "Sifted" in paperback.
 
Click HERE to purchase "Sifted" on Amazon. 

Click HERE to listen to my full interview with Scott and Karen Harmening, published in September of 2020.

Click HERE to read Karen's blog, "Listening to Him". 

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Long and New Sorrow" from Karen's blog.

Click HERE to listen to the episode titled "Her Present Absence" from Karen's blog.  
 
 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

Continued platelet problems and lower blood counts overall led to more delays in Hannah's treatment.  While Hannah enjoyed the break and a little bit of normalcy, we were concerned about the impact these delays could be having on keeping her cancer at bay.  We tried to put these concerns, and her upcoming MRI, out of our minds and just enjoy our summer with the girls.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with Keith & Shawnda Freer, whose daughter Meghan died by suicide very unexpectedly in the spring of 2018.  We pick up right where we left off last week as we extend our discussion to cover a wide variety of topics including the attributes and character of God, the marriage relationship after child loss, how Meghan’s death has changed them, and the GriefHope ministry that’s been born out of their experience.  Lean in, and prepare to be encouraged! 

Click HERE to learn more about GriefHope or to register for a retreat.

Keith and Shawnda, along with Brad and I, will be featured speakers at The next "Our Hearts Are Home" conference scheduled for October 11-12, 2024, in Indianapolis (and online).  Click HERE for more information or to register.  We would LOVE to see you there!  

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

If I had known how important platelets were going to become in the life of our family, I probably would have paid closer attention in my junior high science class!  Sixteen years ago today, Hannah's bloodwork showed a continued downward trend in her platelet levels, leading to the postponement of her next chemotherapy treatment.  While Hannah was happy about that, we were anxious to get back on track with her therapy.  Today's bonus espiode describes the mixed emotions of that time.  

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

My friends Keith and Shawnda Freer join me today for a conversation that will continue over the next two episodes.  Their daughter Meghan very unexpectedly took her own life in 2018, and since that time, they’ve found themselves living in the mystery of God’s sovereignty. 

They are the founders of GriefHope, a Christ-centered ministry that provides education and support for bereaved parents through weekend retreats, online support, and other resources.  They are also featured speakers at Our Hearts Are Home conferences for bereaved parents, and I have put links to both those ministries in the show notes.   They have a lot of wisdom to share, and I believe you’ll be blessed by listening in. 

Click HERE to learn more about GriefHope or to register for a retreat.

The next Our Hearts Are Home conference is scheduled for October 11-12, 2024, in Indianapolis (and online).  Click HERE for more information or to register.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]

Another Grandma and Grandpa Camp was in the books and while Hannah clearly enjoyed the time with her grandparents and cousins, I could tell she was glad to be home.   Monday was a clinic day, and her bloodwork revealed a fairly precipitous drop in her platelet levels, which was not entirely unexpected with the higher dose of chemo she had just completed.  We were hopeful for a quick rebound in the days ahead. 

Thank you for joining me for another bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast in this year-long series in which I share our family’s experiences as our teenage daughter Hannah battled glioblastoma brain cancer from February 2008 through February 2009.  My desire is to process through the events of those twelve months with the perspective that 16 years has brought … and point listeners to hope in Jesus along the way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: [email protected]