In part two of this conversation, Carrie M Holt continues her conversation with Breena Holt as she shares the heartbreaking diagnosis of Batten Disease for her son Ezekiel—and the faith and hope that carried her family through his final days. Breena vulnerably unpacks her dreams of God’s glory, the paradox of relief and grief in a terminal diagnosis, and the spiritual battle she faced as Zeke entered heaven.

Together, Carrie and Breena also discuss the raw mom-guilt that special needs mothers carry, how siblings process loss differently, and why God’s faithfulness continues to anchor their family, even years later. This episode is both heartbreaking and profoundly hopeful, reminding us that in the valley of the shadow of death, we are never alone.

Eps. 23; September 9, 2025

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this vulnerable conversation, Carrie sits down with guest Breena Holt to share her family’s journey of raising and ultimately losing her son, Ezekiel, who battled Batten Disease. Breena honestly shares about her anxiety, honest questions about God and suffering, and the dreams God used to prepare her heart for the road ahead.

Together, Carrie and Breena explore the difference between the suffering Scripture promises (persecution for our faith) and the heartbreaking suffering of disease, disability, and death. Breena explains how Ezekiel’s illness brought “chaos” to his brain, and how she came to see that God is not the author of that chaos—the enemy is. Yet, even in the darkest moments, she discovered God’s presence, kindness, and faithfulness, redeeming what was broken.

This episode invites weary, grieving, or questioning parents to cling to the hope of Revelation 21: that one day every tear will be wiped away, and all will be made right. Until then, we live between grace—the cross and resurrection of Jesus—and glory, the day all will be made right again.

Eps. 22; September 22, 2025

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

In this conversation, Carrie Holt shares her personal journey as a special needs mom, reflecting on the profound insights she has gained from Psalm 23. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as our shepherd, surrendering control, and finding renewal in the wilderness. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of rest, celebration, and lamenting losses while trusting in God's presence and goodness. The discussion culminates in a call to rejoice in God's faithfulness and to recognize the blessings that come even amidst challenges.
Eps. 21: August 26, 2026

Resources:

Rising Above App

Base Camp
By The Brook
Rising Above Community Groups

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

• Get my new resource: 5 Practices For Processing Grief
• Click here if you want to be a guest on the show
• Carrie’s Facebook or Instagram
• Find me on Substack
• My book: The Other Side of Special

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.