Grief doesn’t only follow death—it also shows up when life turns out very different than we imagined.

In this powerful Episode 53 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, host Teresa Reiniger sits down with writer, speaker, and photographer Michelle Lee Steiner to explore life with a hidden learning disability, the grief that comes with unmet expectations, and the resilience required to keep going when the world underestimates you.

Diagnosed in kindergarten and repeatedly told what she wouldn’t be able to do, Michelle shares how she learned to adapt, advocate for herself, and redefine success on her own terms. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone navigating invisible struggles, educational systems, grief outside of death, or the long journey toward self-acceptance.

Episode Highlights & Topics Discussed

● Living with a hidden learning disability and being misjudged because “you don’t look disabled”

● The grief of realizing life will look different than planned

● The power of parental advocacy, IEPs, and early intervention

● Redefining success beyond traditional expectations

● Finding strengths in writing, speaking, and creativity

● Why grief also comes from limitations, not just loss of life

● How community, grace, and customized support matter💬

MEMORABLE QUOTES

-“Grief doesn’t only follow death. It also comes when life looks very different than what we planned.” — Teresa

-“One of the first things I would tell them is not to give up.”— Michelle

-“Success doesn’t always come in a package that we expect.”— Michelle

-“There’s nothing wrong with being disabled—whether you can see it or you can’t.”— Michelle

-“We don’t want someone else to decide what’s going to happen with our kids.”— Teresa

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Hidden disabilities are real, even when they aren’t visible

● Grief can come from limitations, transitions, and unmet expectations

● Advocacy and customized support can change lives

● Resilience often grows through encouragement and community

● Success is not one-size-fits-all

📚 ANTHOLOGIES MENTIONED

Michelle Lee Steiner has been published in the following anthologies:

1. Tough Kids

2. Perfectly Imperfect

3. [Additional anthology mentioned earlier in the episode]

4. [Additional anthology mentioned earlier in the episode](Links are available on Michelle’s website and will be included in the show notes.)

🎧 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

● Anyone living with a hidden disability

● Parents, educators, and employers seeking understanding

● Listeners navigating grief outside of death

● People redefining success after life changes

📣 CALL TO ACTION

If Michelle’s story resonated with you:

● Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement

● Leave a review to support Female Voices: Life & Loss

● Explore the anthologies and resources mentioned

📬 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @steiner7250

🌐 Website: https://www.michellesmission.com/

💖 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

📩 Email: [email protected]

📘 Facebook: Female Voices: Life & Loss Podcast

📸 Instagram: @femalevoiceslifelosspodcast

🎵 TikTok: @femalevoiceslifeloss

🌐 Website: Female Voices: Life & Loss

🔔 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more women feel seen, supported, and less alone.