A Season of Caring Podcast

• Make a Shift, Faith in Caregiving and Beyond: Stories of Hope with Dr. Melissa Glass

  Send us a textWhat happens when a medical professional becomes the primary caregiver for their own parent? Dr. Melissa Glass, a doctorate trained registered nurse and John Maxwell certified coach, takes us through her profound journey of caring for her mother during the pandemic's darkest days.The caregiver journey often begins unexpectedly. For Dr. Glass, it started with long-distance care as her fiercely independent mother battled health challenges in Louisiana. When COVID-19 changed everything in 2020, Dr. Glass brought her mother to live with her in Texas while simultaneously pursuing her doctorate and managing a household. Her mother's complex medical needs—end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis, uncontrolled diabetes, and complications leading to an amputation—created a perfect storm of caregiving intensity.Despite her medical expertise, Dr. Glass discovered that caring for family introduces emotional complexities professional training can't prepare you for. "Even working in healthcare... I never understood how do you even find time to take care of yourself?" she reflects candidly. Her story illuminates the universal struggle caregivers face: balancing expertise with familial relationships while maintaining boundaries and self-care.The most touching revelations come through Dr. Glass's description of their final holiday season together. Her mother, typically camera-shy, allowed precious photos and videos that now provide comfort in grief. "Sometimes when I just need a little comfort to want to hear my mother's voice... I don't mourn over them as much as I use it as a comfort," she shares, offering wisdom about documentation that every caregiver should hear.After her mother's peaceful transition in January 2021, Dr. Glass developed the powerful SHIFT framework (Scripture, Holy Spirit, Illuminate, Faith, Testimony) that guided her healing journey. Her story reminds us that caregiving, while tremendously challenging, often becomes the crucible where our deepest spiritual growth occurs.Join us for this moving conversation about medical caregiving, capturing memories, finding personalized self-care, and discovering God's presence even in our darkest moments. Connect with Dr. Glass on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to continue the conversation about resilience through caregiving's most difficult seasons.

  --------  

  26:40
• Lessons from an Unexpected Season: Stories of Hope with Mary Beth Powers

  Send us a textMary Beth Powers never expected to become a caregiver during what should have been her freedom-filled empty nester years. Instead, she found herself stretched between caring for her husband with Meniere's disease at home and her mother-in-law who lived 45 minutes away. The physical distance created practical challenges that were amplified during COVID when quarantine protocols meant she couldn't return home after providing care.The breaking point came when both loved ones needed 24-hour care simultaneously. In a raw moment of desperation, Mary Beth found herself in a laundry room, sobbing and questioning God about the fairness of her situation. It was there she heard His gentle voice: "I just need you to be my hands and feet in this moment." This divine encounter didn't remove her challenges but gave them profound meaning, transforming her perspective from self-focused frustration to purpose-driven service.One of the most beautiful moments emerged when Mary Beth, who had once dreamed of becoming a hairdresser, found herself styling her mother-in-law's soft white hair. This simple act created an unexpected bridge between them, deepening a relationship that had previously been somewhat distant. Meanwhile, Mary Beth watched in amazement as her adult children—all newlyweds beginning their own families—stepped up to support both her and their grandmother in remarkable ways.The greatest wisdom Mary Beth gained was recognizing that caregiving was never about her comfort or convenience. She learned that running to Jesus first, being honest about difficult emotions without placing blame, and focusing on the person needing care rather than personal inconvenience made all the difference.  Mary Beth encourages caregivers to give themselves grace while remembering that God meets us perfectly in our imperfections. Connect with Mary Beth at marybethpowers.com or follow her on Instagram @girlbestill to learn more about her ministry.

  --------  

  22:45
• When God's Plan Unfolds: Stories of Hope with Joy Kats

  Send us a textWhat happens when God orchestrates seemingly unrelated events into a beautiful tapestry of purpose? Joy Kotz  unexpectedly became her father's primary caregiver, especially given their emotionally distant relationship and his age. Yet in this powerful conversation, she reveals how three months of caregiving during her father's final days transformed both her heart and their relationship.Joy shares the remarkable story of how she felt called to donate a kidney to a church member, only to discover she wasn't a match—a disappointment that turned into divine protection. Had she undergone surgery, she wouldn't have been able to care for her father when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure just months later. Through intimate moments like washing her father's feet and celebrating family milestones together, Joy found herself treasuring a season she initially resented.The story doesn't end there. After her father's passing, another kidney donation need arose, and this time Joy was a perfect match. Looking back, she sees God's hand guiding each step, preparing her through caregiving for this gift she would later give. Her journey reveals profound spiritual lessons about timing, purpose, and finding meaning in difficult seasons.For anyone in the midst of caregiving challenges, Joy offers wisdom from her experience: "Remember that it's a season. Keep your eyes on Jesus. If He's called you into this, there's reason and purpose in it." Her commitment to living without regrets and being faithful to what God places before her each day provides inspiration for anyone walking through their own season of caring.Subscribe to A Season of Caring podcast for more stories that will help you live content, love well, and care without regrets—finding God's presence even in life's most demanding seasons.

  --------  

  20:52
• Honor, Patience, and Letting Go: Stories of Hope with Ramona Torres

  Send us a textRamona Torres never expected to become her father's primary caregiver, yet when Angel (known to most as Manuel or Manny) fell and broke his femur bone in Puerto Rico, Ramona's life transformed as she welcomed him into her Pennsylvania home for what would become the final 15 months of his journey.With remarkable candor, Ramona shares the profound words her father spoke that still resonate with her: "I never thought that you would be the one taking care of me in the end of my life." As the youngest of four children—a "surprise baby" her parents hadn't planned—Ramona reflects on how God uniquely positioned her for this sacred role of honoring her father through hands-on care.What shines through Ramona's story is the divine thread of purpose woven throughout her experience. A profound moment came when her father awakened the night before his passing to tell her directly, "Mona, I'm dying." The next day, after Ramona prayed to be present for his final breath, God answered her request in a moment that confirmed His faithful presence throughout their journey.Since her father's passing, Ramona has discovered new depths of intentionality in relationships. She now reaches out to elderly individuals in nursing homes, cherishing the wisdom they share, and facilitates grief recovery programs at her local jail. Her story reminds us that caregiving, while challenging, offers hidden gifts of connection, purpose, and spiritual growth.Whether you're currently caring for an aging parent or supporting someone who is, Ramona's journey will inspire you to find meaning amidst difficulty and to recognize God's presence even in the most demanding seasons of life. Listen now and discover how caregiving can become a sacred journey of honoring those we love.

  --------  

  22:03
• How Reflection Transformed My Caregiving Season

  Send us a textDive into the world of caregiving with our latest episode as we explore the essential practice of reflection. Discover how stepping back and reassessing experiences can radically transform your perspective as a caregiver. In this episode, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights that reveal how reflection can foster growth, gratitude, and adaptability in daily life. Insights from real experiences not only validate the challenges of caregiving but also illuminate pathways to a more satisfied and less regretful caregiving journey. Join us in discovering how reflection isn't just a means of evaluating the past but ultimately a means of shaping brighter futures for both caregivers and those they care for. As you listen, we encourage you to think about how you can integrate reflection into your life. Whether through journaling, quiet contemplation, or conversations with others, find the method that resonates with you. Don’t miss out on our resources that can help guide you in your reflective journey. Sign Up for Reflective and Grateful Hearts Grow Hope: 5 day devotional at www.ASeasonofCaring.com/ReflectSubscribe, leave a review, and continue engaging with us as we navigate these rewarding yet challenging paths together.

  --------  

  16:04

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About A Season of Caring Podcast