After five years of marriage, Kristin and Todd Evans’ world was rocked when they learned they were about to become parents to a child with a disability. The stress, grief and the demands of learning to be caregivers to a child with disabilities transformed their once-joyful marriage and nearly broke it apart.
When spouses are also caregivers, the marriage will face challenges that others may not know anything about. Today Todd and Kristin share their powerful story of learning to navigate this reality and how they have kept their marriage strong through it all.
We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.
Episode highlights include:
The additional challenges parents face as caregivers
Learning to cope with the ‘living loss’ of disability
How to set and communicate priorities in an unending to do list
Ways to deepening emotional connection & intimacy while always “on call”
Handling grief and chronic sorrow together
*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!
QUOTES
“For all parents, there’s a sacrificial piece to it. For special needs parents, it goes to a new level of what you have to sacrifice.” - Todd Evans
“1 in 3 caregivers experience depression and anxiety.” - Kristin Evans
“I couldn’t understand why I couldn't’ get over my grief, but Todd had moved on.” - Kristin Evans
“There’s not a right or wrong way to grieve, it’s just different.” - Dr. Kim Kimberling
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Order the Evans’ book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities
Follow @DisabilityParenting on Instagram for more great tips!
Get the budget conversation started with 27 Money Questions Every Couple Needs to Ask
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