272 | Tiny Cradle, Eternal Impact (Part Two) with Ashley Opliger Artwork

While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

This is a podcast FOR bereaved parents BY bereaved parents. Join your host, Jill Sullivan, as she talks with parents who have lost children of all ages to all types of circumstances. This is a podcast of stories ... stories of devastating loss and grief and heartbreak and struggle ... and stories of hope and healing and faith, and yes, even joy. Underlying every conversation will be the hope we have in Jesus Christ, which makes it possible to not just survive the loss of a child, but to live well while we're waiting to see them again in Heaven one day. Visit our website at www.WhileWereWaiting.org for more information about our nonprofit ministry to bereaved parents.

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While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

272 | Tiny Cradle, Eternal Impact (Part Two) with Ashley Opliger

September 10, 2025 • While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss • Episode 272

"The cradle is a temporary comfort—but the eternal comfort comes from the hope of the gospel.” ~Ashley Opliger

In this second half of my conversation with Ashley Opliger, she takes us back to the day of Bridget’s birth and describes the tender moments she and her family shared with their tiny daughter, who weighed just 13 ounces. Ashley shares how her mother’s handmade cradle gave Bridget dignity and allowed their family precious time to hold, cherish, and photograph her.

What began as one simple cradle has now grown into Bridget’s Cradles, a ministry that has donated more than 250,000 cradles and keepsakes to grieving families in over 1,600 hospitals across all 50 states. Ashley also talks about her book, Cradled in Hope, written as a conversation between two moms, and the scriptures that have grounded her heart through the losses of both her daughter and her dad.

Ashley's story is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of unimaginable pain, God is faithful to bring comfort, purpose, and the hope of Heaven with our children.

Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Ashley.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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Jill Sullivan

Host