This Week's Program
Losing My Son
“I came to a place where I could [choose to] go on smiling and say, ‘Well, praise the Lord anyway.’ or I could be honest and say ‘I have doubts and I’m afraid…’” ~ Barb
This week’s program features Barb, whose son, Jon, died from an overdose after years of struggling with a severe form of Tourette Syndrome. Parents who lose their children are often left feeling confused, isolated, helpless, and guilty. It is perhaps one of the most difficult ways we could ever have to say goodbye.
Listen - Transcript - Study Guide
Continue ReadingMy Turn
Centerpiece
Harvey Yoder
Barbara’s shock and grief reminds me of the traumatic experience my cousin Paul Nisly went through in September 1987, when he received an urgent phone call from his wife Laura while finishing up some work at his office at Messiah College in Pennsylvania where he was an English professor.
Continue ReadingThis Week's Resources
VIDEO:
Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide is an award-winning documentary that has aired on ABC, NBC and Hallmark. In the program five loving and courageous families take you to the innermost depths of their heartbreak, including Barb and Jonas’ story.
WEBSITE:
www.FierceGoodbye.com. A comprehensive website with resources, interviews, helpful sermons and links on families of faith dealing with suicide.
BOOK:
A Mother Held Hostage – Barb Borntrager’s own story of her journey through her son’s illness and eventual death.
Related Resources
BOOK:
No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One. Carla Fine writes of her ordeal following her husband's suicide, as well as the experiences of other survivors and the knowledge of professionals.
WEBSITES:
Compassionate Friends is a non-profit organization that supports families after the loss of a child. They also have local chapters with support groups.
Bereaved Parents of the USA, a non-profit organization for the support of parents who have lost a child.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Find information and search for local support groups.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. Since 1979 SAVE has been working to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.
LIVE RESOURCES:
1-800-273-TALK. 24/7 free and confidential hotline for those in crisis or considering suicide. Part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Burton's Blog
Being There Changes Us
Burton Buller
Next Week
Favorite Family Recipes
Toasted Coconut Rice Pudding
If you like rice pudding but aren't a big fan of coconut, Carmen suggests substituting 1/3 cup of raisins and a 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon in this "comfort food" recipe.
Continue ReadingUpdates
Current Offer
The Shaping Families free offer from this week’s program is no longer available. Visit our online store at www.MennoMedia.org/store if you would like to purchase the item offered. Some items are not offered on the store.
