Making Lemonade with Whit + Kels

Alyson is a mom on a mission. After losing her son Stockton to suicide, she has made it a priority to make sure other teens and young adults don't go down the same road. Alyson has started a nonprofit in her sons honor, a yearly scholarship, and is spreading awareness about the LBGTQ community in Utah. Understanding, Love, and Empathy are some of Alyson's greatest qualities that we hear in this episode. She was accepting of her son and his journey, and did everything she could to help him feel like he had a safe place to be himself. Thank you Alyson for making such a difference in the lives of so many, and for helping us to learn more!
You can find Alyson at 
www.thepeculiar.org
www.standingforstockton.com 
The LDS source she mentioned is 
www.affirmation.org

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Elyse was a young mom when she learned her husband was addicted to drugs. She tells us about how devastated she was and how they tried to work through his addiction together. Ultimately they ended up divorced and Elyse tells us her side of the story..dealing with the court system, a custody battle, and where they are today. She is an inspiration when it comes to learning to be friends again with your ex, and learning to let things go. Thank you Elyse for sharing your story with us!

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Kayla is an incredible fighter. She has suffered with anxiety from the early age of three. She has a beautiful family with her husband, including an angel baby, Weston. Weston was born early with Trisomy 18, and even though he only lived for a few hours, he has changed the hearts of many. Kayla has fought through her anxiety, postpartum depression, and is sharing her story in hopes of helping others. We are so glad we were able to hear Kayla's story and we know you will love it as much as we did! 

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Cindy is a survivor of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.  She has battled PTSD since that tragic day.  She tells us about the small miracles that happened around her that day, and the days after.  As she spoke, I couldn’t help but try to imagine myself in her shoes, and how brave she had to have been in those horrific moments.  I am so proud of Cindy for being able to share her story of that day.  Cindy also has battled infertility.  She shares with us how she was able to grow her family, and I truly hope that the things she shares will give someone hope for their future.  It was such a pleasure to listen to Cindy talk.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!


XOXO - Whit + Kels

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***TRIGGER WARNING*** ADULT CONTENT, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND MOLESTATION ARE MENTIONED BETWEEN THE MINUTES OF 5:00-18:00 PLEASE AVOID THESE TIMES IF NECESSARY. 

Analise is a force to be reckoned with.  She tells about growing up in California and how a stranger lured her and her friend away from their sitter, and how her mom believed her story about this stranger, and it helped Analise to find her voice.   Analise goes on to tell about how finding her voice at such a young age, helped her later in life through one of her biggest trials.  She tells us about her path through infertility and adoption.  While we sat in awe listening to Analise talk, we couldn't help but think that she is a trail blazer.  She has opened doors for others to fight for what they believe to be right.  Not only has she been through so much in her life, she has nothing but positive things to say about her trials.  She truly is making the sweetest lemonade with her lemons.  We hope you enjoy this episode.

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Alyssa comes on the podcast and tells about living as a newlywed in Ethiopia, adopting 5 beautiful children, and then having  2 more children, biologically.  She talks about helping her husband through a  traumatic brain injury, their divorce, and what she is doing now.  She has had a whirlwind of a life, and hearing her tell her story was inspiring.   This conversation was so amazing to be a part of.  We are in awe of Alyssa, and the courage she has.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.  

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In this episode Hillary talks about being the daughter of parents who had an addiction to drugs and alcohol.  Unfortunately, substance abuse runs deep in her family.  She talks about how addiction can come from unresolved trauma.  She discusses the decisions she has made to stay away from addiction.  She is a huge advocate for therapy, and healing yourself.  We couldn't be more proud of her, and the cycles that she is breaking to be the wife, mother, and friend that she is today.  After you listen to her episode, show her some love by leaving a comment. 


Resources mentioned: 
Woman's Retreat House: 801-791-9084
Valley Camp Rehabilitation Center for men:
801-745-0821

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Angie is a mother of 2 amazing young boys with Autism.  She is also an ex-wife of an addict.  She talks about both of those situations, and the stepping stones she had to take to get her to where she is today.  She is an amazing person, whom we admire and adore.  The whole time she was talking I sat in awe of her strength.  We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

You can find Angie on Instagram @angieelwood
 
References made by Angie:
www.fightthenewdrug.org
www.saa-recovery.org
www.btr.org

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On this week's episode we have Amber and Jenna who are sharing such a unique and very special story with us.  Jenna lost her husband, Ryan in a horrific car accident, and then became a widow.  Ryan was Amber's ex-husband, and father of their daughter, Tayli.  They share with us how they come together for Tayli, and through all of their hardship's, they put Tayli first.  I couldn't love this episode more.  Leave a comment and show these 2 some love! ❤

Resources mentioned by Amber for Tayli's counseling was through Bear River Health Department .

Resources mentioned by Jenna for her Will and Power of attorney was Voyant Legal in Utah.
You can find Jenna on Instagram at @jennalindleyfrench

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Organ donation is something that is near and dear to our hearts, today we wanted to share more about organ donation, our experiences with it, and help spread awareness since it is organ donation awareness month. We understand that organ donation might not be for everyone, but we also know that knowledge is power. And with our own experiences, we didn't have a lot of knowledge. We hope you enjoy this episode, and please feel free to reach out to us anytime with any questions you may have. You can find us here:

@makinglemonade.podcast
Kels: @kbobka
@baineslegacy19
www.baineslegacy.com

Whit: @whithale
@taytaytough
www.taytaytough.org

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