Derrick has a touching and informative story to share as a caregiver to his terminally ill parents.  Thinking he had to quit his job to provide care, created a lot of  stress. Through a co-worker, Derrick learned about applying for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). Derrick shares other golden nuggets of wisdom that can be helpful to anyone in a similar situation.  Biggest lesson….look for Joy!  Listen as Derrick shares a story you won't soon forget.

Valerie relays a touching story of growing up with an alcoholic parent and how that life was normal to her until she finally learned otherwise.  Now a strong, successful woman, she has a story to tell.  She believes recognizing problems, and finding caring, supportive people can help you achieve any goal.  She hopes to encourage people to reach out to others you suspect may need some help in life.  "It may take more than once, but you may impact that persons life in ways that cannot be measured."

Maria shares her experience of working in a senior living facility during the Covid 19 pandemic.  She describes the impact of the pandemic on the residents, and how the staff has developed new approaches to assure contact with families and friends.  Maria cares deeply for the residents and hearing her story reminds us there are good people working to assure our beloved seniors have excellent care.

The honesty Cathy shares about the difficulty of coping with the tragic, accidental death of her close friend is real.  She has learned the importance of talking about it, writing things down, and getting counseling.  She has learned to accept her grief, but tells us it is not always easy.  She wants others to know there are ways to cope.  Listen to Cathy share her story of loss, as she honors her friend who passed.

69 year old Don shares his message "to keep on going" after someone dear has passed.  Don lost two sons on two different occasions, both unexpected.  His belief that by going on with your life, you honor the person who has passed, is a message that may help others...and he sure hopes so.

You can hear in Robin's voice how the death of her teenage son through a tragic accident has affected her life.  In dealing with her grief, she found help with a compassionate support group for parents who have lost a child, appropriately named Compassionate Friends.  She hopes by sharing her lessons in coping with loss she can help someone else...and maybe that is you.

As Vicky shares her life with cerebral palsy, you hear a strong woman with an amazing attitude.   She believes disability challenges don't have "set limits", suggesting to think beyond what others may have said about that disability.  She recommends stretching those "limits" with your inner power and strength because "you never know what might be possible."  In addition, if you or someone you know encountering a physical disability would like to reach out to Vicky, she is available to be of help by contacting [email protected].

Cathy offers to share her story about donating a kidney to a dear friend.  She expresses how blessed she would feel if her story would help anyone in any way.  Cathy doesn't hide the discomfort of the surgical experience, or how the decision making process to be an organ donor can be hard.  She encourages others to consider donation, saying; "It is the best gift you can give."  Further, she says, "You don't have to be the most fit person in the room to be a candidate."  Listen for more great tidbits from Cathy as she shares her story with Joan.

If you know anyone that has been touched by a death by suicide, you will want to listen and share this podcast.  Lisa E. shares many pearls of wisdom as she describes how her brother's death by suicide, 23 years earlier impacted her life.  She describes how far she has come in her understanding of suicide and grief. 

Learn how a chance meeting at her brother's funeral offered an inspiring message she would hold onto for years to come.  Lisa's helpful messages of hope are meant for all.

Joan talks to Kelly about a common situation many of us are dealing with, aging parents.  When parents can no longer live alone safely or in a healthy manner, difficult decisions need to be made.  Kelly shares her experience and how she and her brother  included her mother to make the decision to choose assisted living. She describes how the three of them managed the transition, and how things have worked out.