Author Karyl Rickard balanced her professional career with family by working part-time during the early years of her children, Mark and Renee. Throughout her career, she viewed her dual roles of motherhood and career as the Lord’s missions.
During her life-long career as a leader in pediatric nutrition, she was a trailblazer who helped bridge clinical practice and academic scholarship to advance the field of pediatric nutrition. Her leadership advanced the nutritional care of critically ill children at Riley Hospital for Children and nationally.
Renee died suddenly at age 28. Initially, participation in the GriefShare* program assisted Karyl and Gene in dealing with the overwhelming loss of their daughter. As Karyl became more aware of the many ways that God cared for Renee in her short life, she wanted to share Renee’s extraordinary story in this book, Whispers from Heaven…Then she was gone. The journey was not only difficult but also encouraging as she experienced more fully the grace and goodness of God.
Now, Karyl and her husband, Gene, a chemist, enjoy active time at their cabin in the Rockies with family and friends. Both have a facilitating leadership role in small group Bible Studies and continue active involvement in church activities.
Karyl Rickard, PhD, RDN, FADA, FAND, Professor Emerita of Nutrition and Dietetics, Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, Indianapolis
*GriefShare is a national, thirteen-week program sponsored by local churches for those who have lost a loved one. Karyl volunteers as a Grief Share facilitator for this program.