In this heartfelt episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie M. Holt sits down with her husband, Bruce, to share the often-unspoken perspective of fathers in the world of special needs parenting. Together, they revisit the day they received their son Toby’s diagnosis, the wave of grief that followed, and the heavy burden of guilt Bruce carried for years. With raw honesty, Bruce describes the struggle of wrestling with thoughts he never expected to face, the power of prayer that changed his heart in an instant, and the long journey of learning to forgive himself.

As they reflect on 18 years of parenting, Bruce and Carrie discuss the tensions and tenderness in marriage, the moments of joy that shine through the challenges, and the surprising truth that caregiving can become an act of worship. This conversation is both vulnerable and deeply encouraging—reminding us that even in the darkest valleys, God meets us with grace, hope, and renewal.

Eps. 24; September 16, 2025

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*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.