Sara met with the author and founder of We Are Brave Together, Jessica Patay, to discuss the beautiful things that come from being in a community of women caregivers. Jessica's community provides mentoring, meaningful conversations, and an authenticity that very few outside the caregiving community can replicate. She launched the nonprofit to support mothers of children with disabilities or mental health challenges. In her book, "Becoming Brave Together," she shares real stories of caregiving mothers to encourage understanding caregivers and their families and friends. Listen in to hear the inspiration for her nonprofit and her heart for special needs caregiving women.

Key Moments:

[8:44] Vulnerability breeds connections among caregiving women

[19:40] We hide our real emotions because of inspirational expectations.
[21:29] The book gives insight for friends of caregivers, too.
[24:55] We don’t want to be a burden so we avoid hard conversations.
[26:23] You are not meant to do this journey alone.

Resources:
Home Page: https://www.wearebravetogether.org

Book: Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight

Support: Connection Circles

Bite-Sized Self-Care Suggestions

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Amy, Sara, and Carrie explore the pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation that special needs parents experience. They discuss how their past focus on efficiency led to prioritizing tasks over relationships. Now, years into their special needs parenting lives, they need intentional connection. They discuss their strategies for pushing past isolation and loneliness towards deeper friendships and finding their worth in the Lord.

Join the conversation to learn how to nurture meaningful relationships and gracefully navigate the loneliness challenge.

Episode 173: November 5, 2024

Key Moments:
[1:44] Even 18 years later, I still feel unseen
[7:21] The loneliness of isolation prevents carefree time with friends
[19:15] Overwhelmed exhaustion keeps me from planning things
[20: 40] Being honest and continue to reach out
[24:49] Have a website to send to a friend who wants to understand
{28:56} Make an effort, especially to those who have been faithful to us

Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Up-Bring-Coffee-Disabled/dp/B0CFZKZGS8

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 M. Holt sat down with Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick, author of the new book, "When Dreams Are Disrupted," to talk about Sandy’s mindset journey as she was forced to step into the role of caregiver for her child. When a childhood illness changed the life of her son, it left her feeling helpless. In this episode, she shares what God revealed concerning her choices and how she’s been working with this new set of options God has given her. This conversation with Sandy will inspire you to choose an “un-disabled” mindset as you raise your child with disabilities or special needs and fill that role of caregiver.

Ep. 172: October 15, 2024

Key Moments:
[1:45 ] God-given choices persist despite diagnosis
[12:15] Humans struggle to believe God's unconditional love
[17:12] Trustworthy friends dispel irrational fears
[27:30} Parents impact children but should prioritize just being present
[31:35] God handles outcomes; human understanding is limited

Resources:
Undisabled Lives Website
Sandy’s Coaching
When Dreams Are Disrupted
The Bix Six: Things Kids Need From Their Parents: Adam Young

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