Every bereaved parent has experienced that moment when life split in two, as if a massive earthquake has permanently separated "before" from "after".   Carol Brown's earthquake occurred in September of 1996, when her daughter Jackie suddenly went home to Heaven.  Join Jill and Carol for a conversation filled with the wisdom that over two decades of grieving well can bring.  Newly-bereaved parents in particular w...

Trevor was a remarkable and gifted young man who knew Jesus but battled drug addiction, which ultimately took his life.  In today's episode, Jill talks with his mom and dad, Lee and Heather Fox, about Trevor's unique personality, his passion for music, and his struggles with addiction.  They share their own story of coming to faith in Christ and their assurance that Trevor is enjoying yet "another amazing day" in th...

29.  For many bereaved parents, going back to church after their child's death is very difficult.  In today's episode, Jill discusses a few of the things that made church hard for her and concludes with some encouragement to "push through the hard" and return to fellowship with a group of believers. 

For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and our bereaved parent retreats, visit our website b...

Ryan Franklin was a guy who enjoyed getting up every morning and being himself ... from his aviator sunglasses to his shoestring belts.  A faithful husband and loving dad, he was committed to his family and his Lord.  Today, Jill talks with his parents, Mark and Margaret, about their son's remarkable life, his sudden death, God's faithfulness in their journey, and "sterkte" ... God's strength. 

If you are a bere...

The loss of a child can leave us feeling lost, empty, and broken ... wondering why we are still here when our precious child is gone.  In today's episode, Jill shares some thoughts about the great value God places on our lives and how we can still have purpose, even in the wake of child loss. 

For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the retreats for bereaved parents we offer, please visit our website...

26.  When Mike and Kim Canania were raising their children, they did not know the Lord, and were caught up in lifestyles of drug and alcohol addiction.  Then their teenage son "Bubba" was involved in a fatal car accident and everything changed.  Listen in as they share with Jill the story of Bubba's decision for Christ in his final moments and the eternal impact that decision has had on their family.   

Kim is a represen...

As bereaved parents, we know that some dates will be difficult -- Christmas, our child's birthday or Heaven Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day -- but we are often completely caught off guard by how difficult it is to turn the calendar to a new year for the first time after our child goes to Heaven.  In this episode, Jill shares some resolutions that may be helpful as we step into the new year. 

For more information abou...

After the loss of a child, a holiday like Christmas that once brought so much joy can become  deeply painful.  The family gatherings, brightly-lit decorations, and the gift giving make the absence of our child's presence all the more real.  In today's episode, Jill encourages bereaved parents to view the holiday with a slightly different perspective.  

"A Brokenhearted Night Before Christmas" was written by Karen Har...

23.  Hannah Wathen was a high school senior with a bright future ahead of her.  She was a natural introvert with a brilliant sense of humor and an innate ability to identify and befriend those on the fringes.  Her life's goal was to become a doctor, and she was just days away from graduation and heading off to college when she made an impulse decision to take her own life.  Jill talks with her parents, Bob and Susan Wathen, abo...

The Christmas season is typically one of the most difficult times of the year for parents who have experienced the loss of a child ... and this year, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is compounding it even further.  In today's episode, Jill helps us unwrap five gifts that were given when Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.  Hopefully it will bring some encouragement during this hard season. 

To learn more about the W...

21.   Dominic DeSimone was a young man with a smile that could light up a room.   He was an active, athletic child who grew into a talented musician with the ability to play any stringed instrument and had a special gift for percussion.  He was nearing the end of his second year of law school when he ran ahead to Heaven as a result of a motorcycle accident.  In today's episode, Jill talks with his mom Melanie, who encourages th...

20.  After the loss of a child, the holiday season is incredibly difficult.  Family gatherings magnify the absence of the child, holiday traditions that once brought joy are now fraught with pain and loss, tensions may arise among extended family members as everyone's emotions are raw, and Christmas shopping with one less person on the list is unspeakably painful.  There is a certain expectation of how we are supposed to feel a...

19.  Jeremiah Solhjem was a sweet and imaginative little boy who loved his family, his Action Bible, and his Legos.   He was a kid who was content to stay in the background and let others take center stage.   He had a lot of wisdom for a nine year old -- Just a week before he went to Heaven in an ATV accident, he told his sister, "Ya know, life is better when you do it well."  In today's episode, Jill talks to JP's ...

Kari-Lee Venning was a young woman who loved Jesus, dancing, swimming, and spending time at the beach.  She traveled the world seeking adventure, visiting 38 countries in six years after she completed high school.  Many of those who saw her living life to the full were not even aware of her daily battle with cystic fibrosis.  In today's episode, Jill talks with Kari's mum, Rhyl, about her remarkable daughter and her experie...

17.  Jeff Foxworthy rose to fame by performing a comedy routine titled, "You Might Be a Redneck."  In today's solo episode, Jill expands on that theme with a list of things that indicate "You Might Be a Bereaved Parent."  The list starts out with negatives, but ends on a hopeful note. 

For more information about the While We're Waiting ministry and the retreats and services we offer for bereaved parents, vis...

16.   Zac and Shelby Snow were thrilled to discover that they were expecting  their son Landon just a few months after their wedding.  They prepared a nursery, purchased a car seat, and even bought a larger vehicle to accommodate their growing family.  But a prenatal test revealed some issues with Landon's development, and rather than bring him home to that new nursery, they had to release him to Heaven.  Landon's now 4-yea...

14.  Samantha Quinn was a smart and funny child with an infectious smile and a remarkable memory for song lyrics.  She loved horses and successfully participated in hunter jumper competitions.  She was a joy to her parents and older siblings.  But in her early adolescence, she began to struggle with mental health issues which seemed to intensify as she grew older.  Her parents Stephen and Linda walked this difficult journey with he...