Mar 21 - 23, 2025 - Weekends for Parents Touched by Suicide
The While We’re Waiting Weekends for Parents Touched by Suicide are a recent addition to the retreats we offer. We recognize that the loss of a child to suicide is unique and that there is great value in hosting retreats that specifically address this situation. This will be a very special opportunity to spend some unhurried, relaxed time with other singles and couples who have experienced the loss of a child to suicide. We have found that there is no greater comfort than the fellowship of other Christian parents who truly understand the struggles that naturally accompany this type of loss. Our retreats offer that opportunity, and also provide a safe place to work through some of the questions and struggles we experience as grieving moms and dads who have lost children to suicide … all the while focusing on the hope we have of seeing our children again one day. There is so much encouragement to be found in spending time with other parents who truly understand our grief, but who also share the hope we have in Jesus.
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 Arkansas (Hot Springs)
Learn MoreArkansas (Hot Springs)
Most of our retreats are hosted at the While We’re Waiting Refuge, a retreat facility in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which has been built and designed specifically with bereaved parents in mind. The Refuge is nestled in the midst of tranquil thoroughbred farms in a quiet country setting with a stocked pond and fifty wooded acres on which to roam. The Refuge is specifically designed for the comfort of bereaved parents, with a welcome center, a large kitchen/dining area overlooking the pond, a comfortable and cozy meeting room, a library/sitting area, an expansive deck, and ten hotel-room style bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the "About Us" tab. There are no other guests present at The Refuge during our retreats, so we can fully relax and make ourselves at home for the weekend. The Refuge is also fully accessible, with two handicapped-equipped guest rooms. Lodging 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.
Bob and Susan Wathen
Bob and Susan Wathen's 18-year-old daughter Hannah died by suicide in May of 2015. The Wathens are blessed with two other daughters and four grandchildren. They have been involved in various ministries throughout the years, including several mission trips to Guatemala, college student ministry, and leading a While We're Waiting Support Group in their hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. They are anchored in hope and grieving with faith and have a passion to minister to other hurting moms and dads.
Kevin and Wendy Hammons
Kevin and Wendy Hammons are the dad and stepmom of Hayden, who died by suicide October 28th, 2018, just two weeks shy of his 17th birthday. Kevin and Wendy enjoy teaching their young adult Sunday school class, hunting, fishing, and spending time with their daughters and grandchildren. Their desire is to share the love of Jesus and the hope we have in Him with others While We’re Waiting. We hope to comfort and encourage others with the same comfort and encouragement we’ve been given. #HaydensHope John 16:33
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.