It is usually not difficult for me to decide what to write to sort of 'sum up' my podcast each week. Normally, I feel a pull in a certain direction, something specific and special about the guest that I really want to highlight. This week, in my interview with Madrona's Dad, Ryan, however, I find myself struggling, not because I have nothing to write about, but because there is so much to choose from. I learned so much from Ryan and enjoyed so many aspects of our conversation. It feels impossible to narrow it down to one or two areas, but unfortunately, I must try.

Initially, Ryan and I talk about raising a child with significant developmental challenges and how he constantly worked to be Madrona's advocate. As Madrona ever so slowly made progress, her dad helped her to have a life filled with the same experiences her sisters had. Although many people may have underestimated nonverbal Madrona, her expressive, inquisitive face and quick laughter brought joy to all around her.

After Madrona's unexpected death, Ryan, like so many of us, struggled with how to continue to live without her. Ryan said he had to work on truly learning how to love himself. He had spent so much time as a dad focused on loving his children, he had really forgotten how to love himself.

Ryan has always been a spiritual person; he started participating in Native American sweat lodges at the age of 13. After Madrona's death, however, he began to feel even more in tune with nature. Trees looked even more beautiful. His sense of spirituality and oneness with the world grew in new ways.

Now, Ryan looks to share this knowledge with others through his website, theryanhartford.com and with his new podcast which can be accessed through his website as well. He has so much to offer those who are hurting and grieving. Ryan says he has been able to find courage and love in the darkness of pain. He now wants to help others who walk along this same path. 

(If you finish listening to his episode on my podcast and wish you could hear more of the two of us, listen to Episode 4 of his podcast. I honestly think he did a better job interviewing me that I did interviewing him!)