In this second half of our conversation, Melissa shares three specific pieces of advice for newly grieving parents and talks about how we can stop striving and be still before the Lord.  We also discuss some ideas for dealing with holidays and birthdays and talk about how Melissa's relationship with God has changed since the homegoing of her daughter Kristen due to laced heroin in the fall of 2019.  I believe our conversation will be an encouragement to you on your journey!

You can find some of the devotionals Melissa has written here:  https://christiandevotions.us/viewauthor/3651

You can connect with Melissa on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/melissa.crone.948

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents at The Refuge in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and other venues around the United States:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

Melissa Crone joins me today to share the story of her beautiful daughter Kristen, who was gentle and kind with an innate gift for music and an affinity for sharks … and someone who lived her life fearlessly.  In the fall of 2019, laced heroin took Kristen to Heaven.  I hope you’ll listen in to the first half of this two-part episode as we discuss specific issues faced by parents who lose children to drug-related causes, dealing with forgiveness, and the evolving of grief over time.   

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents at The Refuge in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and other venues around the United States:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

In this second half of our two-part  conversation, David and Tracie Freeman discuss specific issues faced by a parent whose child died due to fentanyl poisoning, including forgiveness for the decisions that child made. They also share some very practical advice for parents who are in the early months and years of grief, discuss how the loss of their son Nic has impacted their faith, and talk about the importance of listening to God's voice.

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents at The Refuge in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and other venues around the United States:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

The Bible tells us in the 14th chapter of John that in our Father's house are many rooms and Jesus is preparing a place for us there.  Today I share the experience of preparing the rooms at the While We're Waiting Refuge in eager anticipation of the grieving parents who would one day come and stay in them ... and compare that with how Jesus may be preparing our rooms in Heaven.  It's fun to think about, and hopefully it will be an encouragement to you today! 

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents at The Refuge and other venues around the United States:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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 bereaved parents, I believe each of us has a very distinct dividing line in our lives, separating everything into the "before" and the "after".  In this second half of my conversation with Wende Gaikema, we discuss the "before" Wende and the "after" Wende over the last four years since the suicide of her son Matt.  Our conversation also includes advice for surviving the very early days of grief and dealing with those who may say things that are unhelpful.  I believe you'll be encouraged by our chat.

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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 Wende shares the story of her son, Matt,  who died by suicide at the age of 22.   Matt was an honor student at Texas A&M University ... a remarkable young with a keen mind, a quick wit, and a love for others and his dog Apple.   As if often the case, there was no indication that Matt was planning to take his own life, and Wende describes suicide like a bomb going off in her family, leaving emotional shrapnel everywhere.  Yet her story is one of a certain hope, anchored in faith in Jesus Christ.  Settle in for a story of grief with hope.   

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

In this second half of a two-part series, Connie describes her intense struggle with self-pity after the loss of her 11-year-old son Paul Michael and shares the moment when things began to turn around for her in her grief journey.  She and Mike also give some very practical tips about survival after child loss, particularly in the early months and years, and Mike shares what he's learned about the sovereignty and character of God.  We conclude this two-part series by discussing the ministry that has been born out of their shared grief.

To learn more about the Eternal Surrender ministry, click the following link:  https://www.eternalsurrender.org/

To learn more about the Monkey Run or to register, click the following link:  https://www.monkeyrun.org/

Additional links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]

"Pure Joy" ... that's how Connie Washburn describes her blond-haired, hazel-eyed 11-year-old son Paul Michael.  In fact, she never had a "bummer day" with him.  In the first half of this two-part episode, Connie shares Paul Michael's story and how the Lord took him home the day before Mother's Day in 2008.  You will also meet Connie's husband, Mike, who shares his own personal journey with grief and how through their common losses, God brought them together to form a remarkable team.  I hope you’ll settle in for a beautiful story of both sorrow and joy. 

Links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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 her daughter Allison was killed in a preventable accident involving a tourist duck boat, Martha Warmuth found herself grappling with how to forgive the unforgiveable.  In this second half of our two-part conversation, we discuss issues of forgiveness for others and for yourself, dealing with the sometimes awkward things people say, finding healing through serving others, and the “mighty movement” with which she’s become involved.

For information about the Families For Safe Streets movement, click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtinM0DZSxA

Additional links related to the While We're Waiting ministry:

Our website with information about our free retreats for bereaved parents:  www.whilewerewaiting.org

Our public WWW Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/whilewearewaiting/

Our private WWW  Facebook group just for bereaved parents:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhileWereWaiting.SupportForBereavedParents

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/while.were.waiting/

Make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry:  https://whilewerewaiting.org/donation/

You can reach Jill by email at [email protected] 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!

** 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]