The episode dives into the often unseen trauma caregivers carry, beginning with the shock of crisis and moving through the quiet, transformative moments of compassion, fear, and resilience. Meagan, together with Gina, explores how caregiving can be both wounding and healing, why setting capacity and boundaries matters, and how guilt, gratitude, and community shape the journey. Ultimately, it's a reminder that caregiving is an act of profound love that changes everyone involved — and that caregivers must also name and process their own trauma to truly heal.

"We have to process this trauma, release it. The other side of suffering is joy, you get to feel that extreme joy because you've seen the other side and how hard life can be." - Gina

Core points captured from this episode:

• Caregivers experience their own form of trauma, often overlooked, and must acknowledge it in order to heal in a healthy way.
• Capacity matters — caregivers should only give what they are able to give, based on their strengths, limitations, and support system.
• Intentional caregiving requires clear boundaries and communication, especially about what kind of support one can realistically provide.
• Guilt is common on both sides: caregivers may feel guilty for not showing up "enough," while patients may feel guilty for needing help or being unable to give back.
• Caregiving is an act of love without expectation of repayment — true support is given freely, not as a transaction.
• A caregiver's support system is essential, as caregiving affects the whole family and must be balanced with home responsibilities.
• Closure and post-traumatic care are vital, whether through rituals, celebration, grief work, or therapy, because trauma lingers if left unprocessed.
• Suffering is a universal human experience, and when met with compassion, it can lead to personal transformation, deeper connection, and a greater capacity for empathy.

About Gina Holtkamp:

Gina Holtkamp lives her faith through showing up wholeheartedly for her friends and family. She believes that stepping into the hardships of others and extending compassion to those in need is not a special role, but one we are all called to do. In her roles as a caregiver and supportive friend, she realized that carrying the weight of the traumas unfolding around her, often led to its own trauma that must be processed. She believes that an intentional approach to caregiving can keep not only the caregiver healthy and prevent burnout, but can help the relationship of the caregiver and person in need move beyond the trauma event. She loves celebrating those who have returned to health, and sometimes celebrating the lives of friends or family that have gone to heaven. Gina loves showing her three sons what faith looks like in action, and involves them in support roles while communicating about compassionate living and the heavy parts of life.

Connect with Meagan:

Apply for a prosthetic eye here: www.intheblinkltd.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaganoberle/