After surviving the Ellicott City flood that took her fiancé, Joe, Heather returns to share what came next — the quiet, unseen battle of grief. In this deeply personal episode, she recalls the day of Joe’s funeral, the moment she saw him for the last time, and the decision to begin healing. Through counseling, the unwavering support of her twin sister, Holly, and family, and the love of her soul dog, Aviendha, Heather begins to find her way forward. This is the story of learning to live again — not despite loss, but because of love.

• Follow Heather Owens on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/heatherlowens⁠

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🎙️ Episode 1: The Night the Floodwaters Came

✨ Episode Summary

The Night the Floodwaters Came is a raw, first-person account of survival during the 2016 Ellicott City flood—a night when life changed in an instant. This powerful story captures loss, resilience, and the moment that sparked a lifelong journey of healing and advocacy.

• The reality of surviving a life-altering natural disaster.

• How resilience can be born out of tragedy.

• Why sharing our stories can lead to healing and advocacy.

• Follow Heather Owens on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heatherlowens

• Listen to more episodes of I Grabbed the Branch: https://open.spotify.com/show/4P5Owb0dslN2X8U6Ia1bQJ?si=ZdT4C9nfTmGRwOBhxi7Gbg

If this story resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and leave a review—it helps the message of resilience reach even more people.

In this clip, I take you back to the night the floodwaters swallowed Ellicott City. Swept into the raging current, I fought to keep my head above water—searching desperately for Joe while clinging to a branch that became my lifeline.

Every second was a battle: against the current, against fear, and against the heartbreak of not knowing if he made it out. Climbing up the hill that night was more than survival—it was the first step on a journey I never asked for but one I continue to walk every day.

🎙️ I Grabbed the Branch
📅 Episode 1 premieres October 1
🔗 Listen on Spotify

#PodcastLaunch #Resilience #IGTB #FloodSurvivor #Storytelling #MentalHealth #Hope

Episode Zero of I Grabbed the Branch sets the stage by sharing the personal story and meaning behind the podcast’s name. It explains why resilience, survival, and holding on through life’s storms are at the heart of every conversation to come.

A first glimpse into I Grabbed the Branch — a podcast about resilience, survival, and the moments that change everything. This teaser sets the tone for the stories, reflections, and hope to come. 🌿