Oct 25 - 27, 2024 - Weekends for Bereaved Parents
This is a weekend for bereaved couples and singles to spend some relaxed, unhurried time with other parents who understand the experience of losing a child. As we go through the weekend, we will learn from each other, pray for one another, encourage each other, and find out that we are not alone on this journey. Our goal at these retreats is to point grieving parents to our only true source of comfort, Jesus Christ. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to come. You are welcome if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single earthly breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing. What will we do over the course of the weekend? We’ll talk about our kids in Heaven and we’ll pray for each other. We’ll explore the beauty of nature around us, enjoy delicious meals together, discuss God’s presence in our grief, and form lasting bonds of friendship. Our time will be informal, but structured. Certainly, we will cry together … but we will also laugh together. There is no cost to attend one of these special events.
Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing.
Hosted in Texas (Belton)
Learn MoreTexas (Belton)
Our Texas-based While We're Waiting Weekends for Bereaved Parents are hosted at Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center in Belton, Texas. With a rich history, this retreat center provides a peaceful and tranquil setting where guests can get away from the busyness of life to renew their body and soul. Guests can enjoy walking trails, wildlife, and a variety of recreational activities. Each spacious individual suite contains two queen beds, a private bath, and kitchenette complete with a microwave and mini-fridge. Summers Mill is conveniently located between DFW, Houston, and San Antonio, and within a one hour drive of Austin, Waco, and Bryan-College Station. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the "About Us" tab. Lodging at Summers Mill for Friday and Saturday nights and all meals from Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this event.
Joe and Becky Canal
Joe and Becky Canal raised five boys, Joshua, Caleb, Gabriel, Joey, and Jesse, two of whom are now in heaven. Their oldest, Joshua, was born with a serious heart defect which he lived with for 17 years until he received a heart transplant in 1998. Josh lived 13 years after his transplant. During that time, he graduated from high school and college, got married, and landed his dream job of being an EMT and leading an ambulance team. However, Josh passed away in 2011 after suffering an episode of rejection. Then, 10 years later in 2022, their youngest son Jesse died in a car accident. The Canal's faith has been severely tested through these tragedies but they have found hope in God's faithfulness through the dark times and comfort from the love and support of their families, friends, and church family. Through While We're Waiting they have come to know other bereaved parents who have also lost children and have found an opportunity to reach out with compassion to other hurting parents who are on a similar journey. Joe is the senior pastor of Tyler Christian Fellowship in Tyler, Texas, and together Joe and Becky have 6 grandchildren. They enjoy making music together as well as bicycling and hiking. Being a part of While We're Waiting has been a source of hope and healing for them and their family.
Brad and Jill Sullivan
Brad and Jill’s daughter, Hannah, went to Heaven on February 26, 2009, at the age of 17. She battled glioblastoma brain cancer for one year with grace and without fear, accepting it as "her storm" ... her opportunity to bring glory to God. Brad is retired after 31 years in public education and together, they serve as the executive directors of the While We're Waiting ministry. Jill hosts the While We're Waiting - Hope After Child Loss podcast. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with their daughter Bethany. They have a passion for pointing grieving moms and dads to the hope we have in Jesus.
Our Schedule for the Weekend (all times local)
Friday
4-5:15 PM Arrival time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 1)
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
8:45 am Sharing Our Stories (Part 2)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 3)
3:00 pm Free Time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 Pm Topic Time
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Worship and Closing Time
10:00 AM Goodbyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Our retreats are 100% free, though we do accept a voluntary donation at the close of the retreat.
While We're Waiting is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates entirely off of generous donations.
Waiting List
This retreat is full, but you may complete the registration form to be added to our waiting list.