The Weight of Widowhood: Parenting Through Pain and Finding Purpose

In this heartfelt episode of the Mommin’ Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett interviews Trisha Nelson, a 45-year-old widow and mother of three. Trisha candidly shares her emotional journey of becoming a widow at the age of 40 after her husband tragically passed away in a car accident. She talks about the immediate challenges she faced, including handling overwhelming responsibilities, dealing with legalities, and supporting her children through their grief. Trisha offers invaluable advice on how to support someone going through similar hardships, emphasizing the importance of community, counseling, and finding personal outlets for grief. She also discusses her path to healing and finding love again, and shares her deepened faith and the importance of making her children’s spiritual well-being a priority. This episode is a touching narrative of resilience, faith, and the power of community.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Meet Trisha Nelson: A Widow's Journey

02:07 Trisha Family Background

05:25 Life Before the Tragedy

12:14 The Tragic Accident

17:25 Coping with Loss and Grief

32:48 Challenges of Widowhood

38:56 Overcoming Nighttime Fears

40:36 A Memorable Halloween

44:12 Support Systems and Counseling

46:36 Finding Solace in Faith and Fitness

47:10 Connecting with Other Widows

55:20 Practical Support from the Community

01:01:06 Navigating Holidays and Special Days

01:02:24 Advice for Young Widows

01:05:29 Finding Love Again

01:17:32 The Importance of Faith in Motherhood

01:19:23 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Connect with Trisha:

Trisha's Facebook

Widow Facebook Group: Good Grief

Books:

Widow Goals https://amzn.to/3G5fRvm

Seeing Beautiful Again: https://amzn.to/3HXijob

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

 Inclusion and Advocacy for Kids with Differences: A Conversation with Heather Hostetter

In this episode, the host sits down with longtime friend Heather Hostetter, a passionate artist, to discuss Heather's journey in motherhood and her advocacy for children with differences. Heather shares her heartfelt experiences of parenting her daughter Maddie, who was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, resulting in the loss of her left arm. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with differences, the importance of empathy and inclusion, and actionable advice for parents in similar situations. This candid conversation aims to equip and inspire parents to foster genuine connections and advocacy for children with unique needs.

00:00 Introduction to Heather Hostetter

01:16 Heather's Journey and Family Background

03:51 Parenting a Child with Differences

06:43 Advocacy and Inclusion

12:32 Navigating Social Interactions

28:13 Reading About Differences

29:56 Advocating for Older Children

32:27 Homeschooling Journey

36:43 Teaching Empathy to Kids

39:21 Supporting Other Moms

45:04 Resources and Support Systems

48:21 Connecting with Heather

54:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Heather on Instagram

@heathhostetter

@heatherhostetterart

Resources:

Movies

Wonder

Soul Surfer

Books

Different is Awesome

God Made Me Unique

Wonderfully Made

Organizations

Runway of Dreams

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

From Grace to Grief: Navigating Miscarriage with Faith and Community, with Casey Elmore

In this deeply moving episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett is joined by her dear friend and powerhouse guest, Casey Elmore. Casey shares her personal and heart-wrenching journey through multiple miscarriages, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. She opens up about the emotional, physical, and relational challenges she faced, and how her faith played a pivotal role in her healing and transformation. This episode not only provides comfort and support for those walking through similar experiences but also offers insightful advice on how to be a better friend and support system to those enduring such grief. Casey's story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:53 Meet Casey Elmore: A Journey of Faith and Business

03:09 Casey's Family and Passion for Coaching

04:32 First Miscarriage and Coping Mechanisms

07:41 Subsequent Miscarriages and Lessons Learned

11:16 Navigating Loss and Finding Hope

14:58 The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy

17:06 Family Dynamics and Age Gaps

21:30 Recent Pregnancy and Miscarriage Experience

30:29 Processing Loss and Moving Forward

36:00 Understanding the Vessel and Grief

36:39 Gratitude Amidst Loss

38:14 Navigating Miscarriage: Emotional and Physical Challenges

40:28 The Role of Faith in Grief

43:14 Supporting Friends Through Loss

51:44 Sharing and Processing Grief

01:06:41 Casey's Coaching Program and Final Thoughts

Connect with Casey:

• Instagram: @caseyelmore_

Casey's Offer: Listeners can grab access to Casey’s free 2-day workshop called Intentionally: Building a Supernaturally Activated + Overflowing Life — designed to help women rewire limiting beliefs, activate bold faith, and step into clarity and breakthrough.

https://intentionallypursue.com/freevirtualworkshop

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.