Hope for the Caregiver

Gracie was lying in bed. The surgeon had just been in to remove the stitches — but clearly, it was too early. A few minutes later, I came into the room. Gracie asked for help sitting up. She reached for my arm and started to pull herself upright. Then, the unthinkable happened. The wound suddenly split wide open — 10-12 inches long, four inches wide. It’s called dehiscence. I was instantly reminded why I studied music and not medicine. But there was no time to be queasy — Gracie needed me. I quickly summoned the nurses, who rushed in. I told them to urgently call the surgical team. Then I grabbed Gracie’s hand, helped her recline back on the bed, locked eyes with her and said: “Don’t look down.” As her breathing slowed, we began to sing: In my life, Lord, be glorified… Gracie softly changed the words: In my leg, Lord, be glorified today. The surgical team worked around us while she sang. They were stunned. So was I. She wasn’t thinking about tomorrow. Just: Be glorified in this. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 Caregiving comes at you fast. Take a minute and read my book, A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday!

When the surgeon told me Gracie would be in the hospital for three months, my mind raced: The kids are at school. I’ve got a job to hold down. Bills to pay. How am I supposed to hold this together for three months? Staring at the wall, I quietly muttered to myself: "I can’t do this for three months." The surgeon heard me. He gently placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "You're not going to do it for three months. You're going to do it for 24 hours." Then he pointed me to Jesus’ words: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34) That moment was more than 20 years ago. It still carries me. Caregiving often feels impossible when you try to take it all at once. But we were never asked to carry months or years — only today. Just today. By His grace. That’s the 24-Hour Rule. Caregiving comes at you fast - take a minute. Get A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday today!

Caregiving doesn’t just exhaust me — it exposes my broken thinking. In this episode, I share how total depravity clouds not only my actions but my thought process. Fatigue, frustration, fear, and sin distort judgment — even while I’m trying to advocate for the person I love. That’s why caregivers don’t just need rest — we need Christ to steady both our hands and our minds. I also share how this plays out in real conversations with doctors, staff, and decision makers: learning when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how the Holy Spirit helps caregivers respond wisely — even at 3AM when another crisis hits. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 Caregiving comes at you fast: Take a minute with A MINUTE FOR CAREGIVERS - When Every Day Feels Like Monday

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I walk through one of the most practical, personal, and painful issues every caregiver faces: worry. We explore what Jesus really meant in Matthew 6 when He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow…” — and I back the truck up to show how that entire section of Scripture ties together. This is not sentimental. It’s hard theology lived out in hospital rooms, operating rooms, and late-night caregiver prayers. I share some deeply personal stories from our ongoing four-month hospitalization: The moment when my wife’s surgical wound burst open unexpectedly — and how, even then, worship replaced panic as Gracie sang “In My Leg, Lord, Be Glorified” while medical teams worked. How my dad, near the end of his life, calmed my mother with four powerful words: “Because I know God.” The late-night “Code Gray” in the hospital — and how that inspired my idea of a “Code Grace” for caregivers who are emotionally unraveling. Why daily trust in God is like Tchaikovsky’s daily piano practice: if you skip it, everyone notices. We also look at Paul and Silas — bruised, bleeding, shackled — still singing hymns in a Philippian jail. That same peace that passes understanding remains available to us today, even in hospital rooms, financial stress, and medical crises. Worry is real. But so is the sovereignty of God. I challenge caregivers (and myself) to make the intentional choice to trust Christ today — and to leave tomorrow where it belongs: in His capable hands. If you're a caregiver weighed down by fear, this episode is for you.

In this Memorial Day episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I open up about one of the hardest—and most overlooked—struggles caregivers face: resentment. After more than 40 years in this journey, I’ve learned that it’s not just the physical exhaustion that wears us down—it’s the internal striving, the bitterness, and the sense of being forgotten. In this episode, I talk about: The difference between sleep and true rest Why striving leaves us drained and bitter A quote from my new book, A Caregiver’s Companion, and the hymn that goes with it How gratitude becomes the antidote to resentment And what one surprising verse in Matthew 1:6 reveals about God’s justice, memory, and hope for caregivers I also share a story from the hospital room—something small, but sacred—that brought the Gospel into sharp focus for me. If you're weary, grieving, or stuck in resentment, I hope this message will point you toward the rest only Christ can give.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I reflect on our 118-day (and counting) hospital journey as Gracie prepares for her 98th surgery. From surgical setbacks to worn-out mattresses, it’s been a long road—but not without unexpected laughter, grace, and even a surprising riff from Gracie that would’ve made James Brown smile. We dig into the importance of vigilance—not just physical, but spiritual and emotional. I share thoughts on situational awareness, the loss of basic decorum in our culture, and what it means to see and respond to the pain in others. Whether it's the young man who doesn't know how to hold a door or the weary soul behind the mop, we're called to be ready—to serve, to comfort, and to live alert to the needs around us. If you're a caregiver, or just someone trying to walk through this world without getting swallowed by it, this one's for you.

fter more than 110 days in the hospital and Gracie approaching her 98th surgery, this episode explores what real faith looks like in the trenches of caregiving. I share two jaw-dropping moments with Gracie—responses to a psychiatrist that left us all speechless—and unpack what it means to trust “El Roi,” the God who sees, even when our view is blocked by suffering, hospital walls, or exhaustion. We talk about the daily grind of hospital life, how caregivers can practice faithful stewardship of their minds and bodies, and yes—how even pancakes can test your resolve. I also share how Scripture, hymns, and daily devotional habits have carried me through this long stretch. If you’ve ever wondered how to find hope when the days blur together, or what caregiving looks like with 98 surgeries behind you, this is the one to hear. Faith in suffering, joy in hardship, and the daily resolve to keep walking—these aren’t theories. This is the day the Lord has made—even here. Includes reflections on: • Christian caregiving • Psalm 118 & the Hallel Psalms • Hospital survival strategies • Marriage and disability • Devotional insights for caregivers • Singing hymns through suffering • The joy of the Lord in hardship

As America reflected on Trump's first 100 days, Peter Rosenberger reflects on 100 straight days in the hospital with his wife Gracie—her 95th surgery behind them, and hard lessons ahead. With hospital humor and deep spiritual insight, he unpacks what it means to endure, produce, and even minister while suffering. From “code blues” to a “Code Grace,” this episode offers raw hope from the front lines of caregiving.

When Easter feels hollow, hospitals replace hymns, and loneliness crowds the heart — what anchors a caregiver’s soul? Peter Rosenberger, four-decade caregiver and radio host, takes listeners inside a brutal Holy Week spent between airports and operating rooms. Through Scripture, song, and hard-won wisdom, Peter challenges the sugar-coated faith peddled by today's culture, and calls believers back to the rugged, soul-saving hope of Christ’s resurrection. This isn’t sentiment. This is survival — anchored in the living Word, forged through suffering, and sung even when the wound is still open.

What do our final words say about the condition of our hearts? In this Easter episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I explore the last recorded words of public figures, saints, and martyrs—from David Cassidy to Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and what they reveal about fear, faith, and eternity. I also share personal moments from the hospital during Gracie’s 94th surgery—where suffering, humor, and holy ground often meet. From elevator conversations to bedside worship, this is a reflection on what it means to be present, to see people as they are, and to live anchored in the redemptive power of Christ. We talk about the weight of Easter, the legacy of words, and how a caregiver’s perspective can sharpen our focus on what truly matters. In a world full of noise, maybe the most powerful thing we can do is speak hope, listen carefully, and live in such a way that our words echo something eternal.

Caregiver fatigue is real—and it’s more than just exhaustion. In this episode, Peter Rosenberger shares powerful insights from 40+ years as a caregiver, including how to handle sleep deprivation, reduce stress, and pursue intentional rest—even from a hospital room. Learn practical tips (like how a $20 box fan helps), spiritual encouragement, and why one physical therapist prescribed something unexpected: sing three times a day.

Welcome to Hope for the Caregiver here on American Family Radio. This is Peter Rosenberger and I will be your host today through all things caregiver related. I've been a caregiver so long that the hospital Wi-Fi connects automatically. You know you've been a caregiver a long time when you call 911 and they say, Hey Peter, that's my life. I've been a caregiver so long my idea of vacation is waiting in the car during surgery. And even Siri whispers to me, bless your heart. We are still in Denver, in the hospital. And Gracie now has to go back into surgery on Monday or Tuesday. This left leg just does not want to heal up. This will be her 93rd and her 6th during this particular 10-week stretch we pulled. So yeah, I know a little bit about the journey. And I've learned a few things. I'm going to give you some practical things right now. Okay? Just some practical. We're going to get into some heavy stuff later on in the program. But I've got some practical things. One of them is when you're in an elevator. A couple of points in an elevator. For elevator etiquette. And it's not what you think. But it's... I always let ladies exit and enter the elevator before me. I hold the door and make sure they go in properly. I told one guy, there was a bunch of them, and this guy tried to go in. I said, no, you wait for me. I was raised in the South. I'll help the ladies, but I'm not going to help you. You're a grown man. I actually told him that on the elevator. I mean, I've spent a lot of time in the hospital. So these are things I observed. But a lot of people will line up in front of the elevator on the bottom floor. Now, why is that problematic? Why? Well, I'll tell you why. Because there are people going to be getting off that elevator, and they can't get off if there's some yahoo standing right in front of them. And I'm like, has it not occurred to you maybe to wait over to the side? Another thing is, don't be on speakerphone and having a conversation while on the elevator. I understand being on the phone. I'm often on Bluetooth, giving updates and so forth. But when I get on the elevator, I will tell whoever I'm talking to, I'm getting ready to get on the elevator. You keep talking, I'll listen. I got a buddy of mine I was talking to back in Montana. And I said, all right, I'm getting on the elevator. You talk, I'll listen. So he started asking me questions. And I'm like, you didn't understand the point. The point is, I'm getting on the elevator. I'm not going to talk. You talk, I'll listen. Well, what do you want me to talk about? Oh, for heaven's sakes. And so I just kind of, you know, but that's another thing. People get on the elevator and they got speakerphone going. And I'm like, I jump into the conversation sometimes, you know, figured it's there. It's a public conversation now. And then here's something else. And I'm not faulting you for this, but be aware that Be aware of a few things when you're walking into a hospital, into a corridor. Number one is if you're going around corners, drive in the right lane. Okay? Drive in the right lane. We're not in Great Britain. We're in America. Drive in the right lane. So hug the wall on your right side. So when you go around a corner, you're not doing like in NASCAR when you're getting way down low there. You got to go up a little high and come around because there's somebody else coming around that corner and they're driving in their right lane. I have been involved in many near collisions because people were hugging the left corner. Now, that may sound stupid to you, but you spend 10 weeks in a hospital, and then you come back and tell me what you think, okay? And this ain't my first 10 weeks in the hospital with Gracie. So these are things I observed that people are, this is a very big hospital, a lot of people, and everybody's busy, and I understand that. Here's another little...

In this powerful episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares hard-won insights from the trenches of nearly four decades as a caregiver—currently speaking from the hospital room where his wife Gracie just underwent her 92nd surgery. With humor, grit, and deep theological reflection, Peter walks listeners through what it means to endure—and even thrive—through suffering. From singing hymns “around midnight” like Paul and Silas, to holding the hand of a broken CNA just hours after surgery, this episode brings raw honesty and gospel truth to the forefront. Peter unpacks how the presence of God—not explanations—anchors caregivers through the storms of affliction. He also offers updates on Gracie’s extraordinary journey, his new Substack reflections, and a preview of his upcoming book, A Caregiver’s Companion: Daily Inspiration for Life’s Toughest Role. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do we trust Him or not?”—this episode is for you.

What comforts a caregiver when the pain won’t let up and the surgeries keep piling up—91 of them, to be exact? In this Hope for the Caregiver episode, Peter Rosenberger shares deeply personal reflections from Colorado, where his wife Gracie recently endured her 90th and 91st surgeries. From exhaustion and setbacks to faith and grit, Peter pulls back the curtain on life inside a hospital room—and the unshakable hope that sustains them both. His source of comfort? Words penned in 1563: "That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ." That truth, not a platitude, anchors the soul in the storm. But comfort isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about being better. Peter explores the real meaning of "comfort," tracing it back to its Latin roots: com forte—“with strength.” That strength doesn’t come from cruises, casseroles, or clichés but from a seasoned, sanctified faith forged over decades in the crucible of suffering. God isn't in the business of pampering; He's in the business of preparing. Finally, Peter tackles the cultural fog smothering the next generation. From fear-fueled climate doomsday talk to gender confusion, Peter asks a bold question: What happens when we obsess over carbon footprints but forget how to stand? His answer? Ground them in truth. Offer strength, not slogans. If you're wondering how to speak hope into a hopeless culture, this episode gives you the words and the witness to do it. For More Information, visit www.PeterRosenberger.com

Hope for the Caregiver is the nation’s leading broadcast for family caregivers, hosted by Peter Rosenberger. With four decades of experience as a caregiver to his wife, Gracie—who has undergone 90 surgeries and bilateral amputations—Peter provides practical insights, biblical wisdom, and much-needed humor for fellow caregivers. His approach is candid, often humorous, and always grounded in the reality of caregiving’s daily struggles and triumphs. In this episode, Peter shares an update on Gracie’s ongoing medical journey, including her recent surgeries to address severe orthopedic complications that have lasted decades. He describes the challenges of extended hospital stays, navigating the healthcare system, and the importance of advocating for loved ones. He also reflects on the importance of caregiver authority—standing firm in conversations with medical professionals while ensuring that a loved one’s needs are met. Amidst these serious topics, Peter brings his signature wit, recounting experiences in Aurora, Colorado, where he’s currently stationed during Gracie’s treatment. From navigating hospital hallways to dodging crime scenes and Canadian geese, he finds humor in the chaos, reminding caregivers that even in the darkest moments, laughter can be a lifeline. Additionally, Peter highlights the 20th anniversary of Standing with Hope, the prosthetic limb outreach he and Gracie founded to serve amputees in Africa. This ministry, along with the caregiver outreach, is a testament to their mission: sharing hope with the wounded and those who care for them. Through every challenge, Peter continues to encourage caregivers to stand strong, stay informed, and hold onto the hope that sustains them.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares an update from Denver, where his wife, Gracie, is recovering from her 89th surgery—an unexpected and grueling procedure that has required weeks in the ICU. Reflecting on his four-decade caregiving journey, Peter delves into the ever-evolving lessons of trust, peace, and endurance, particularly in the face of prolonged suffering. He challenges the often-glib encouragement to "just trust Jesus" by asking what that truly looks like in the trenches of caregiving. Through his personal reflections and a deep dive into the Gospel of John, Peter explores the profound nature of Christ’s peace and how it sustains caregivers when words of comfort from others fall short. A powerful moment in the episode comes from a street encounter with a troubled young woman fearing for her safety. In a brief yet meaningful conversation, Peter reminds her—and by extension, all caregivers—that she is worth protecting. This story underscores a vital theme: the importance of recognizing one’s own worth amidst the demands of caregiving. Peter also introduces his article on “discretionary valor,” urging caregivers to discern when to act and when to step back, ensuring they do not spread themselves too thin by rushing into every crisis. He emphasizes that caregivers, like soldiers, must learn the art of restraint to preserve their strength for the battles that matter most. The episode also features a discussion with author and trauma expert Sandra Allen Lovelace on the impact of trauma in caregiving and family estrangement. Together, they explore the necessity of recognizing and addressing trauma rather than ignoring or suppressing it. Peter ties these insights back to the mission of Standing with Hope, the nonprofit he and Gracie founded to provide prosthetic limbs to amputees in West Africa. As the episode closes, Peter reminds caregivers that healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is a process that requires intentionality, faith, and community. Through personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and practical wisdom, this episode offers a compelling message of hope and perseverance for those carrying the weight of caregiving.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares powerful insights on the importance of surrounding yourself with uplifting voices, particularly as a caregiver. Drawing from his own experiences and biblical wisdom, he encourages listeners to take inventory of the people influencing their lives—reminding them that while we can't change others, we can change who we allow into our hearts. Through humor, personal stories, and practical faith-based encouragement, Peter challenges caregivers to set boundaries, reject harmful criticism, and anchor their self-worth in God’s truth rather than the opinions of others. Peter also welcomes author Kathy Howard to discuss her book Deep Rooted: Growing Through the Gospel of John, addressing the widespread issue of biblical illiteracy and the urgent need for believers to engage deeply with Scripture. In addition, he shares exciting updates on Gracie’s music, his latest book projects, and reflections on caregiving while navigating his wife’s ongoing health journey. With a message of hope, faith, and perseverance, this episode offers practical encouragement for caregivers and anyone seeking to stand firm in the midst of life’s challenges. peterrosenberger.com

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares deeply personal insights from decades of caregiving, including his ongoing journey with his wife, Gracie, who recently underwent another major surgery. Broadcasting from Denver, he reflects on the struggles caregivers face—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and emphasizes the importance of standing on solid ground amidst the chaos. Through scriptural wisdom, personal anecdotes, and hard-earned experience, Peter challenges caregivers to ask themselves, What do you believe? He discusses the necessity of sound theology in sustaining caregivers for the long haul and highlights the importance of anchoring faith in God’s unchanging grace. Peter also provides an update on Gracie’s recovery, sharing both the challenges and victories in her rehabilitation process. With humor and heartfelt reflection, he discusses the fear of pain, the need for self-care, and how caregivers can find strength in their faith. From practical advice to scriptural encouragement, this episode offers a powerful reminder that if He is Lord at all, He is Lord of all. Tune in for a dose of wisdom, encouragement, and a few good laughs along the way.

In this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, Peter Rosenberger shares an intimate look at life in the hospital with Gracie as she prepares for another major surgery. He discusses the challenges of acute caregiving, the comfort found in deep friendships, and the humor that sustains them through tough times. With reflections on faith, perseverance, and the importance of staying healthy as a caregiver, Peter also shares insights from Gracie’s latest blog post on chronic pain and her upcoming book. Plus, he explores the significance of prioritizing care and how caregivers can navigate difficult choices.

Caregiving is tough—but a little humor goes a long way! In this episode, I dive into the Caregiver FOG (Fear, Obligation, and Guilt), share a few hospital misadventures, and remind you why laughter is one of the best survival tools for caregivers. Plus, a chat with Gracie from her hospital room—where she somehow still finds ways to make fun of me after her 87th surgery. (I’m fine. Thanks for asking.) If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a good laugh to break the tension, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen now: HopeForTheCaregiver.com Segment Breakdowns: ⏳ (0:00) Welcome to the Show: If You’re Not a Caregiver Yet, Give It Time I kick things off with a simple truth: caregiving will find all of us eventually. When it does, you’ll need more than just patience—you’ll need perspective, peace, and preferably, a sense of humor. 😂 (02:00) The Wild World of Grocery Shopping in a High-Crime Area Nothing says “life on the road” like having to track down an employee just to get a bottle of laundry detergent. Welcome to city living, where even soap is under lock and key. And yes, I somehow turned this into a Trump impression. You’re welcome. 🌫️ (10:00) The Caregiver FOG: Why You Shouldn’t Use High Beams in a Storm Caregiving creates its own kind of fog—Fear, Obligation, and Guilt. What’s the best way to navigate it? Slow down, take the next right step, and quit trying to see 10 miles down the road. (Trust me, it’s just more fog.) 🎶 (20:00) Gracie Joins the Show: Post-Surgery Reflections & Viking Laughter Fresh out of her 87th operation, Gracie shares some raw thoughts on recovery, pain, and why I refuse to let her hold my hand during surgery. Spoiler: I like my fingers unbroken. ⛪ (30:00) When the Hospital Chaplain Misses a Very Important Detail A well-meaning chaplain stopped by and prayed for Gracie “from the top of her head to the tip of her toes.” Which would have been lovely—except that she’s a double amputee. A friendly reminder that reading the chart is always a good idea. 🐶 (35:00) Therapy Dogs, Prosthetics, and the Shaggy P.A. Gracie gets a visit from a giant English sheepdog named Darla, proving that sometimes, the best medicine is covered in fur. Also, I pitch my latest movie idea: The Shaggy P.A. (Disney, call me.) 🛠️ (40:00) Standing with Hope: Helping Amputees Walk Again We close out with an update on our prosthetic limb outreach, where inmates help build legs for amputees in Ghana. Because hope isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we stand on. (See what I did there?) Listen & Subscribe: 🌍 HopeForTheCaregiver.com 📩 Sign up for my newsletter 🎶 Check out Gracie’s music & our latest updates