"What did I do wrong?"
"How did I cause this?"
"Is this my fault?"

Some form of this question is the first thing to cross the mind of almost every single parent at what we refer to as "the moment of impact" - the moment a parent learns their child is not ok and requires medical intervention.

Take a trip back with us to our original episode of Empowered by Hope as we share our emotional journeys through parenting children with complex medical needs, focusing on the ever-present shadow of guilt. Ashlyn opens up about the life-altering decision to venture into medical tourism, seeking a transformative surgery for her daughter Emery in London. Meanwhile, Emily reflects on her tireless efforts to provide the best care for her daughter Charlotte, navigating a labyrinth of specialists and daily challenges. Together, we explore the heartache and resilience that come with these struggles, offering our insights and support to those walking a similar path.

Unravel the heavy emotions that accompany a challenging diagnosis as we dissect the guilt that often haunts parents of children with medical complexities, no matter the diagnosis or severity. Through candid discussions, we emphasize that such feelings are not a reflection of parental inadequacy but rather a natural part of the journey. We tackle the difficult reality of balancing heart-wrenching medical decisions with the love for our children, and how guilt can blur the truth of our devotion. By sharing our personal experiences, we aim to provide clarity and reduce self-judgment, allowing parents to navigate their path with more confidence and self-compassion.

Community and connection are lifelines in these challenging times, and we emphasize their importance by encouraging open communication and shared stories. We discuss practical strategies for managing guilt and finding hope, such as writing letters to oneself or seeking solace in spiritual beliefs. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where listeners feel seen and understood, reinforcing that no one is alone in their journey. We invite you to connect with us, share your stories, and spread the support to others who might benefit from these heartfelt conversations.

And please, remember, your child's diagnosis is NOT your fault.

We kindly ask that you share this podcast with other families who might benefit from our insights and support. Additionally, please consider leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Our goal is to reach as many families as possible who are navigating this challenging journey, so they can find our support circle and access the assistance they rightfully deserve. No one should walk this journey alone.

To get more personal support, connect with us directly at:
https://parentempowermentnetwork.org

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Get your copy of She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities by Emily K Whiting on Amazon