Carrie sat down with Kristin and Todd Evans to discuss their newly released book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage As You Care for Children with Disabilities. They talk about communication strategies for couples, how they manage stress, and the ongoing grief we experience as special needs parents. This episode offers practical advice and emotional support for couples facing similar challenges.

Ep. 166; May 21, 2024
Key Moments:
[4:49] Lots of shame that we can feel as parents
[11:14] Marriage struggles: we had hurt each other a lot
[16:19] Deliberate moments and mindfulness relieve stress and bond each other together
[24:08] Ignoring our emotions led to unhealthy coping strategies
[34:42] Family/Friends offer helpful, specific things they can do

Resources:
How To Build a Thriving Marriage As You Care For Children With DisabilitiesKristin & Todd’s Website
Kristin & Todd’s Previous Interview on Take Heart

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
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• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

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Join hosts Carrie, Sara, and Amy as we take a deep dive into the grief we face as mothers of children with disabilities. In this episode, we talk about how grief can feel like fear or anger, the need to be honest with ourselves, and the transformative nature of lament. This topic is something you may not know that you need until you allow yourself the space.

Eps. 165: May 7, 2024

Key Moments:
[4:23] Guilt says “I didn’t do enough.”
[7:29] My anger is actually grief
[11:04} Why doesn’t God stop the pain
[17:58] “Everything is not going to be ok, but we’re gonna get through it”

Resources:
Extraordinary Kids: Nurturing & Championing Your Child With Special Needs
How To Build A Thriving Marriage
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

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We are excited to share Amy’s conversation with Michele Cushatt, an author, communicator, and 3-time cancer survivor. Michele's latest book, "A Faith That Will Not Fail," offers practices to strengthen faith during challenging circumstances. Amy and Michele talk about acknowledging and dealing with trauma honestly, offering hope. They also discuss the concept of lament and the practice of relinquishment.

Eps. 164 : April 16, 2024
Navigating Family Trauma: Finding Hope Amidst Hardship with Michele Cushatt

Summary:

Key Moments:

[9:20] Fear of letting go

[18:34] Struggle to be content, envy is natural
[23:08] Suffering reveals gifts
[35:12] Guide children loosely, but then let go
[41:20] Permission to grieve and trusting the process

Resources:

Michele’s Website

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Support the Show.