In this heartfelt episode, Maryellen Newell shares her deeply personal journey of walking through Alzheimer’s with her beloved mother, Esther Grace. As an only child and single mom, Maryellen opens up about the complex layers of anticipatory grief, the struggle to let go of control, and the sacred beauty found in small moments of caregiving.

We explore how grief isn’t always about death—it’s about the loss of what once was, and the quiet unraveling that comes with watching someone you love slowly fade. From navigating mental health and shifting priorities to learning how to be present in the hard and holy spaces, Maryellen offers wisdom, vulnerability, and even a few unexpected laughs along the way.

Whether you’re a caregiver, grieving a loss, or simply trying to hold on to joy in a difficult season, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and remind you that worn people are worthy.

Book Recommendations from Maryellen:These resources brought daily comfort, perspective, and healing during her journey:

📘 Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia CaregiversA beautifully written devotional with short, manageable entries that brought peace in chaotic moments. Read on Amazon »

📘 It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t UnderstandA powerful, honest book that gave Maryellen permission to feel all the things—and helped her offer herself grace. Read on Amazon »

📘 My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s CaregiverWritten by a former congressman, this memoir made her laugh, cry, and realize the importance of entering her mom’s world with compassion. Read on Amazon »

📘 The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Meghan O’Rourke

This beautifully written memoir explores the author’s journey through the illness and eventual loss of her mother. It’s honest, poetic, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating grief, especially anticipatory grief.

Read on Amazon »

In this vulnerable episode, Deanna shares how her “yes” to God through Freedom in Christ became the turning point in a life that looked put-together on the outside but was quietly falling apart within.

She opens up about the pain of a broken marriage, the weight of codependency, and the years she spent trying to hold everything together while feeling completely alone.

Her story takes us through so much loss—her father, her ex-husband, her childhood friend, and a loved one lost to suicide—and how Jesus gently met her in each moment of grief, giving her glimpses of peace and healing she didn’t think were possible.

Through it all, Deanna discovered the freedom to stop pretending and the courage to be fully herself: perfectly imperfect.

Her message is clear—our worn places don’t disqualify us. In fact, they are often where Jesus meets us most tenderly and turns our pain into something worthy.

Connect with Deanna on Facebook or by email deannashriver05@gmail.com

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of drug use, incarceration, and references to methamphetamine. Listener discretion is advised.

John's story is a gritty, honest account of addiction, survival, and the long road toward healing. Growing up surrounded by loss and instability, drugs became his escape. In and out of jails and correctional institutions, he learned to serve—but never how to receive. Now, he's walking the difficult path of community, trying to accept the love of others and the grace of Jesus. In this episode, John shares how service work grounds him, how therapy opened his eyes, and how forgiveness and safe people have shaped his new life. His advice? Don’t let the world get you down—find the pinhole of light and reach for it.