Recorded on June 22, 2025, about a month or so after Elana was hospitalized in Florida for a few days with kidney and hemoglobin issues, which we went down to help her through. After a procedure to deal with the issue that was affecting the hemoglobin, she was released and as good as new, the “warrior” (Charlie’s term for her) that she is. 

Post-hospitalization and post-illness, in this conversation we discuss Elana's ongoing struggles with anxiety and the impact of isolation on her mental health, which may or may not be a result of her hospitalization and the toll it took on her physically and mentally. We talk about the affect on her social life and the importance of socializing in keeping depression at bay. We also talk about the role of medication in managing her anxiety and it’s impact as well. Elana reflects on her past, her relationships with family, her regret, and her desire to engage more with her community. Elana shares her insights on the importance of honesty in communication and self-advocacy. The conversation ends with a commitment from Elana to be more social and engage with the community, starting on the following Tuesday when Allan plays piano at Aviva and she’s on the schedule to recite her recently written poem, “Masks”, in which she will affirm her notion that she ‘has no secrets’. 

Larry’s soothing tune, “Fields of Green” is the right way to wrap things up. 

Instagram @allaboutmymotherinlaw