Faith, Family, and the Hard Conversations That Change Everything

Aging is not for the faint of heart and neither are the conversations that come with it. In this strong and honest episode of Walks with Mom, Kim and Karren sit down with Pastor Roy and Tish Times to talk about the realities of caring for aging parents, how it impacts marriage, and why preparation matters more than we think. Through powerful storytelling, humor, and lived experience, this conversation explores what really happens when aging parents need more support. From shifting family roles to the emotional weight it can place on relationships, Pastor Roy and Tish share what they have learned through their own journey of caring for loved ones. This episode dives into the tension many families feel but do not always talk about. The strain on marriages, the challenge of balancing responsibilities, and the importance of building emotional resilience before crisis hits. You will hear why planning ahead is not just practical but essential and how avoiding these conversations can lead to unnecessary stress and heartbreak. Faith plays a central role in this discussion as well. The group explores what it truly means to honor your parents in a healthy way, especially when relationships are complicated. With honesty and grace, Tish shares how boundaries, forgiveness, and intentional choices allowed her to navigate a difficult relationship with peace and without regret. There are also lighter moments that bring warmth to the conversation. Stories of holidays spent in care facilities, family traditions being reshaped, and the reality that sometimes love looks different than we expected. These moments remind us that even in challenging seasons, connection and meaning are still possible. At its core, this episode is about being prepared, staying connected, and choosing love even when it is hard. It is a conversation that encourages families to talk sooner, plan better, and support each other through every stage of life. Many families avoid conversations about aging until they are forced into decisions during a crisis. This episode highlights how proactive communication, shared understanding, and faith can transform a difficult season into one filled with intention, dignity, and even moments of joy. Guest Spotlight Tish and Pastor Roy Times met at Joy Center in El Paso, Texas, dated for two whirlwind weeks, got engaged, and married four months later. Thirty-plus years, three grown sons, and two-and-a-half grandbabies (one on the way) later, they're still each other's favorite people. Roy serves as the local pastor of Joy Center Phoenix, shepherding his community with the same steadiness he brought to a 13-year career as a government contractor and many years in sales and technology. Tish is an ordained minister of nearly 20 years and the CEO of Tish Times Sales Agency, where she helps high-achieving women build companies that scale beyond them. Together they bring the head and the heart — strategy and Scripture, candor and compassion — to every conversation. For speaking opportunities, podcast invitations, learn more, and contact us at: www.themakinglovepodcast.com Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care