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Summary: Sara opens up about the challenges of feeling misunderstood as a mom and caregiver to a son with disabilities. Her top 5 instances when she has felt misunderstood touch on assumptions about strength, the perpetual feeling of needing to do more, finding a balance between identity and the constant impact of the diagnosis, and more. We know you’ll feel seen by listening to Sara’s honesty. So, grab a cup of coffee and prepare to dive into the heartfelt truth in this episode.  Key Moments: [1:54] “You’re so strong!” and “I couldn’t do what you are doing!” [7:02] Believing in God but having fear [8:05] We can be busy, never alone but not fulfilled [10:22] Life outside of our child’s diagnosis If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime Support the show

As parents of special needs kids, we have felt the weight of being misunderstood. In this episode, Carrie shares her experience with people who have made assumptions about us or our children and how it affects us as parents. She explains three things she wishes people understood about her parenting journey and three ways to handle ourselves when we have been misunderstood. Experiencing this life can be lonely, and this episode will give you some practical ways to manage the complex feelings that come.  Ep.158: February 13, 2024 Key Moments: [0:52} A hospital experience I’ll never forget [5:08] Our grief is just as heavy as losing someone [8:22] Is this assumption worth addressing? [9:58] Assume the best intent, ask questions before assuming [11:25] Our reaction may not be about the offender Resources: Scriptures mentioned: Exodus 14:14; Isaiah 53 No Other King If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

Do you ever feel like people just don't get it? We've all had those experiences - whether it's strangers at the grocery store or even our closest friends not understanding our journey as special needs parents. Amy shares some practical things you can do to bridge the divide and navigate the challenges of being misunderstood. We don’t want to stay isolated because of other people’s lack of awareness. Amy encourages us to continue the quest for connection. Key Moments: [2:25] Comparing a difficult child to a dog? [4:39] Shifting our perspective [6:00] Let’s calm down, being a nonanxious person [8:30] Give them a glimpse into your life Resources: A Curious Pursuit of Christ: Jamie Harper  If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime Support the show

Carrie welcomes her longtime friend, Erika Weise, a mother navigating the complexities of caring for a son with a trach and ventilator. Erika shares her personal insights on acceptance of this new life vs. living in denial, finding meaning in adversity, and creating a support network for families facing similar challenges. This down-to-earth discussion will inspire you with their stories of friendship and the unwavering belief that, even in the face of adversity, everything will be okay. Ep.156; January 30, 2024 Key Moments: [3:17] Birth stories and diagnosis [15:51] Dealing with doctor's negative perspective [18:55] Parenting a 20-year-old vs. a child  [20:00] A friend who will walk with you [22:50] Using this to help someone else If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

 The Power of Perspective:  Amy, Carrie, and Sara Share Their Stories Summary:  Amy, Carrie and Sara look back at their early years of parenting. They share the stories from the days of early diagnosis and what they thought back then…noting with humor how ridiculous it seemed back then. But looking at the early days has helped them appreciate how far they’ve come, giving them perspective. They discuss the concept of advocating for their child, the desire for control (even though they didn’t have it!) and the worry that they carried. They have found that this life really does hold grief and gratitude at the same time.  Key Moments: [13:21] Not thinking through all the “what ifs” [16:16] Advocating for our child  [20:54] Looking back, need to give ourselves grace [34:43 ] Grief and gratitude Resources: Holding Grief and Gratitude as a Special Needs Mom: An Interview With Dr. Lynne M. Baab If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime Support the show

Summary: There are real differences between parenting and caregiving. Sara shares about the dichotomies of the responsibilities that we have and how those play out in our daily lives when considering traveling, hiring a babysitter and even just going to the grocery store. Noticing the differences in the roles allows us to give ourselves grace for this road we are on.  Key Moments: [1:34] Parent diaper bag vs Caregiver care bag for a lifetime [2:19] Parent babysitting vs Caregiver child care accommodations [4:45] Parent to the grocery vs Caregiver grocery experience [5:43] Parent vs Caregiver Vacations with special needs children [9:14] Caregiving is tiresome and grace is needed If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

Do you have times when things are chaotic, and you wonder if God is even there? Looking back on her earlier parenting, Carrie discusses three things she wished she knew and fully understood as a mom to a medically fragile child: giving herself grace as she prioritized different things in life, releasing self-criticism, and living fully in the midst of life's chaos with the overarching theme of seeing God's presence in every circumstance and difficulty. Don't miss this episode. Ep.153; January 9, 2024 Key Moments: [0:40] Somethings you have to experience to learn them [3:50] Balance in life is a myth [7:10] Waiting for life to be calm  [9:30] Look for Him in chaos Resources: Scriptures Mentioned: Job 23:8-10; Psalm 91:1-2 The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh-Cobble Julian Consulting Episode 147: How Creativity Keeps Us Grounded & Present If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

 Episode 152: January 2,2024 Summary: Amy shares her top four things she wishes she could have done differently through her 31-year journey as a mom, particularly to her kids with invisible disabilities. Things like managing emergencies, acknowledging responsibility boundaries, and understanding the limitations of love are topics she touches on in this episode. Join the conversation and discover that you are a great mom as you walk your special needs journey! Key Moments: [2:45] Not everything is an emergency [4:45] Hurry is an inner condition that is fear based [7:50] Being present but not responsible [9:45] Loving my child in her way Resources: The Good and Beautiful God: James Bryant Smith If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime Support the show

We often think of the three gifts the Wise Men gave to Jesus, but what about the intangible gifts of time, worship, and many others? Sara encourages us to consider the intangible gifts given to the Savior, and how we can offer these same ones to God and one another. This is a replay of Episode 66, which was originally aired on December 21, 2021. The original recording and transcript are available on our website HERE.  Key Moments: [0:59] Matthew 2:1-12 [3:19]  The intangible gifts from the wise men [5:17} What we can learn from the wise men Resources: Scripture mentioned: Matthew 2:1-12 If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

In the struggles of daily life, it can be difficult to believe God, His Word, His will, and to relinquish control. In Advent, we see the example of Mary, who chose small steps of obedience and surrender while facing many obstacles. May we follow her pattern and choose belief in small ways each day. This is a replay of Episode 65, which was originally aired on December 14, 2021. The original recording and transcript are available on our website HERE.  Key Moments: [0:49]    Luke 1:26-30 [1:52]    An announcement that changed life’s course [4:15]   When did Mary begin to believe? [6:20]   Struggle with surrender Resources: Scripture mentioned- Luke 1:26-30, 38, 78-79 If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclimeSupport the show

Mary, Jesus’ mother, had to embrace the unknown and the unfamiliar to welcome life.  Amy shares how saying yes to the unknown can draw us into the deeper meanings of this season and our relationship with God.  This is a replay of Episode 64, which was originally aired on December 7, 2021. The original recording and transcript are available on our website HERE.  Key Moments: [0:37]  Luke 2:8-19 [2:17]    I can relate to pregnant Mary [3:35]    Mary kept saying yes to God [4:40}   God is with us Resources: Scripture-Luke 2:8-19 If you enjoyed the show: Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special? Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime Support the show

In this collaborative episode, Amy, Sara, and Carrie talk about their own recent experiences and vulnerabilities- feelings of worthlessness, lack of control, and fear that often accompany these calmer seasons. They talk about how to recognize and process these emotions and offer practical advice and wisdom to help listeners navigate the unsettling emotions of transitions and change. They encourage you to welcome emotional resilience by inviting God into the depths of your emotions. Key Moments: [9:30] When our work becomes our worth [13:00] We grow too fond of our suffering [21:24] I didn’t want to think about how I feel [25:38] Know your triggers [40:47] Studies show only feel deep emotions for a short time Resources: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Building A Resilient Life by Rebekah Lyons A PDF copy of Dr. Gloria Wilcox’s Feeling Wheel by www.positivephsychologyprogram.com Resilient by Jon Eldredge 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 HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtSupport the show