In this episode, Amy Brown interviews Megan Amrich, author of the book 'Show Up and Bring Coffee: How to Support Your Friends with Disabled Children.' They discuss practical ways to support parents of children with disabilities, including being knowledgeable but not a know-it-all, being an extra set of hands, and making events and celebrations accessible. Megan emphasizes the importance of asking your friends what they need and being open to learning about their child's diagnosis. She also encourages friends to share their big news with sensitivity and understanding.

• Be knowledgeable, but not a know-it-all, about your friend's child's disability
• Offer to be an extra set of hands and help with specific tasks, such as feeding tubes
• Make events and celebrations accessible by asking your friends what they need and providing accommodations
• Share your big news with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing that your friend may be processing their grief

Introduction and Welcome

02:51 The Importance of Practical Support

06:15 Trusting Your Friend's Knowledge

10:35 Being an Extra Set of Hands

17:19 Finding the One Thing That Would Benefit Your Friend

20:41 Small Acts of Help Can Make a Big Difference

25:18 Making Events and Celebrations Accessible

36:14 Sharing Big News with Sensitivity

41:33 Conclusion and Where to Find Megan

Megan’s Website

Rad Advocates

Megan’s IG

If you enjoyed the show:

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• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

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In this episode, we sit down together to discuss joy and how we can capitalize on the moments that we have. We talk about adjusting our expectations, addressing past trauma, and embracing the fleeting nature of life to cultivate joy in the present moment. We discuss the struggle of feeling constantly on guard and the tendency to brace oneself for negative experiences, hindering the ability to be open to moments of joy. Lots of good takeaways to help you foster joy in your life!

Key Moments:

[3:36] Difficulty in letting go and playing with kids

[10:50] Struggling to enjoy things without them perfect

[19:03] Assuming best intentions, past interactions do not dictate

[27:23] Self-reflection and noticing what brings you joy

[37:06] Joy in relationships, celebrating your child’s growth

Resources:

Episode 164: Michle Cushatt

Air Fryer

Better Me

Cozy Minimalist Community
House Rules

The Bible Recap

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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Today, Sara talks with Dr Maureen Michele, physician, life coach, and author of the book Reclaiming Life: A Guide For Parents of Chronically Ill Children. We dive deep into the essential aspects of advocacy and emotional resilience, particularly in the context of parenting chronically ill children. We discussed the "4 C's" - consciousness, curiosity, commitment, and courage - and how these principles give us as caregivers and our children the tools we need to manage our thoughts and emotions. Plus, Dr. Maureen shares helpful advice for effectively disagreeing and handling emotions during doctors or IEP appointments focusing on the need for curiosity, fascination, and grace in approaching disagreements.

Key Moments:
[4:38] Noticing our own thoughts
[13:48] Wins and losses provide valuable growth
[17:16] Approach meetings with curiosity and a list.
[31:36] Caregivers have real feelings in front of our children, modeling vulnerability

Resources:
Website: https://maureenmichelemd.com
Instagram: @maureenmichelemd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmichelemd
Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNKXF3VQ

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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There are emotional complexities and practical considerations of caring for children with disabilities or special needs during emergencies. In this episode, we discuss our conversations with our kids about emergencies, how we prepare for these inevitabilities, and how to recognize our personal needs to find emotional support during these crises. This episode will empower you to have a plan but prioritize your well-being while caring for all your children in these challenging times.

Key Moments:

[4:34] Censoring medical history for son, balancing information
[11:49] Mom's emotions and the need to express them
[18:00] Emergencies caused by behavior should be discussed after it happens
[39:50] Anxious about an upcoming trip because of past trip traumas
[43:25] What calms you? How to avoid a meltdown

Resources:
Sara's Emergency Checklist: 6 Manageable Steps to Prepare Your Backup Caregiver

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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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?
• 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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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

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Carrie, Amy, and Sara answer listener’s questions in this episode. Questions like, “How do you make good decisions regarding your child’s health?” and “What’s the appropriate amount of information you give when answering someone’s question about your child?” We have learned some real lessons over the years through trial and error and want to share with you some practical advice from our experiences.\

Eps. 163
Date: April 9, 2024

Key Moments:

[3:45] Choosing who you speak to about the hard things

[15:44] Advocating for privacy and understanding in healthcare

[21:54] Ask for more time to make decisions

[35:08] Life’s changes and feeling jealous of others

Resources:

A Blessing for the Gift of Doubt

Recovery Formation

Ep 143: God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of Daily Suffering

Sara’s Wedge Boots

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