038: Keeping the Faith, Living in the Moment, and Growing #PiersenStrong with Tim Eaker

When a parent drops off their child at daycare, getting a phone call during the day is rarely a good thing. And for Tim Eaker, it was life-changing.

On Valentine’s Day in 2014, Tim received a call from daycare that his son could not breathe and was headed to the hospital in an ambulance. After a few weeks in the ICU, Piersen’s medical team broke the news that his son Piersen had been shaken at the daycare, which caused massive brain damage and ultimately led to a cerebral palsy diagnosis.

This event caused Piersen’s brain to go without oxygen for roughly 7 minutes, leading to all his current disabilities that require around-the-clock care.

I’m so thankful that Tim was generous enough with his time to share his perspective as a dad walking beside his son with disabilities originating from abuse and to spread awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome and the enormous impact it can have on a child’s life.

Tim has been coaching and mentoring for 25 years, and his two sons give him the motivation and willingness to share his story with the hope that he can make the path a little easier for those walking a similar journey.

Tim reminds us of how important it is to take a break, step back in moments of need, be kind to each other, and live in the moment. And above all else, to have faith and stay #PiersenStrong.

Key Takeaways with Tim Eaker

• What Shaken Baby Syndrome is and the impact it’s had on his family.
• How to deal and cope with challenges caused by actions out of our control.
• The challenges of being a single parent to a child with severe disabilities.
• The importance of staying present, letting go of the ‘what ifs’.
• How faith can guide and help you through difficult moments.
• The impact that Piersen is having on others in a world where true kindness is getting harder to find.
• Navigating life after abuse, and why he’s so passionate about spreading awareness.
• Tim’s mindset on making an impact for today instead of dwelling on the past.

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/38.

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