Episode 39: Unexpected Gratitude

Kristen is a “cancer sibling” who vulnerably opens up with us about what it was like to lose her sister (and later her mother) to cancer. She shares how her family created as much joy as they could during tough hospital stays, how they hung onto memories with family  vacations, and how they found hope…

Amanda Rogers, Licensed Professional Counselor (and college roomie of Susan), joins us today to give her professional insight for special needs and medical moms.  We talk about fatigue: compassion, empathy and decisions.  Topics we talked about that you do not want to miss: What we mean when we say “I’m tired”  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts…

This is Part 2 to Elizabeth’s story.  Go back to episode 21 and start there if you didn’t listen.  After losing her first son Kyan at just 36 days old, Elizabeth has another son (after a pregnancy of more grief).  She talks about the beautiful relationship that her son Bodhi has with his old brother…

Merriam-Webster defines grief as “deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement” or “trouble, annoyance”. The American Psychological Association goes further to include, “Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune…

Jen’s story has so many layers, it deserved two episodes!  This week we are talking about a life changing decision Jen and her husband made to place their son Silas in a facility for disabled children.  Jen openly talks about the decision making process, the grief and guilt she felt, and the blessings and heartaches…