The Life We Carry

Putting the Pieces Together

In this episode, I'm back talking about where things stand and what might come next. It's a bit of a reflection on our day-to-day life.  I acknowledge how far we've come, but also that there are still pieces shifting and our story is still unfolding.  I share a bit about what I've learned through sharing our story via podcast, what I hope to continue to share in this space and also where to find more content outside of this space. If you are carrying something hard, I invite you to join me in this place to share your story and journey.  You can contact me at thelifewecarry@gmail.com.  I'd love to connect with you.  Be sure to follow us at The Life We Carry on Facebook and Instagram.  You can also check out my Substack, The Life We Carry,  for more introspective content that may or may not be related to caregiving. Subtack: https://substack.com/@rachelhughie?r=57vp7d&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile [https://substack.com/@rachelhughie?r=57vp7d&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile] Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523371/support]

The Second Loss

In this episode, Robert joins me again to talk through his second leg amputation. Medically--we knew what to expect, but emotionally there was more freedom lost for Robert this time around.  One thing we can both agree on is that with every part of our story there is the process of initial impact, working through the healing and finding our new normal. Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523371/support]

I Didn't Sign Up for This--Trusting in the Storm

In this episode of The Life We Carry,  I open up about the strain chronic illness and caregiving have placed on our marriage — the quiet toll, the moments we considered walking away, and the faith it takes to stay when things are hard. With Robert’s health challenges as the backdrop, this is a story about trusting God in the middle of the storm and learning to love through the mess. If you’ve ever struggled and wondered is it worth it?  This one's for you. Casting Crowns--Praise You in This Storm:  https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8?si=D7qjaDuuSW7e9v50 Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523371/support]

Living in the In-Between

In this episode of The Life We Carry, I share about the season when everything slowed down—but nothing stopped. It was the beginning of dialysis for Robert, a major shift in our lives that we weren’t ready for, but had no choice but to face. Dialysis didn’t just change his schedule—it changed our whole rhythm.  And while Robert was still very much here, present in our home and in our hearts, the energy and engagement that once defined his presence faded under the weight of the treatments. At the same time, we began the process of getting him on the transplant list—a journey filled with paperwork, lab results, waiting rooms, and more waiting. It was technical, yes—but it was also deeply emotional.  This episode is for anyone who has ever found themselves holding steady in a long season of not quite here, not quite there. It’s for those navigating chronic illness, medical systems, and the quiet grief of watching life change in slow motion. For more information on how to be a living donor: National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/becoming-living-donor#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20interested%20in,surgery%2C%20and%20help%20you%20recover. [https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/becoming-living-donor#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20interested%20in,surgery%2C%20and%20help%20you%20recover.] Check with your state on how to be an organ donor:  https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up/how [https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up/how] Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523371/support]

The First Loss

In this episode of The Life We Carry, I’m joined by someone who’s been with me through it all—my husband, Robert. This is the first time he steps behind the mic with me, and together we reflect on the amputation of his first leg—a moment that changed the shape of our lives and the course of our future. We talk about what led up to that surgery, how we processed it individually and as a couple, and the decisions it sparked—including our big move to Northern Indiana to be closer to family. This episode is full of honest emotion, hard truths, and the kind of quiet strength that often goes unseen. If you’ve ever faced a life-altering moment or felt the weight of unexpected loss, this conversation is for you. Robert brings his own voice, perspective, and sense of humor into the space, helping us remember that even in the hardest moments, connection and courage matter most. 🧡 We’re learning to carry it all—together. Music (Fresh Idea) by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2523371/support]