This dynamite couple met on Match. What drew Cindy to Greg was his drive for life. He had so many careers. He was a sharp shooter for the special forces in the Army. He was a pilot and an ER doctor. He was the medical director for many companies but loved being the medical director and trainer over the California state parks. He taught so many life guards and EMT’s setting in motion protocols that would save thousands of lives. He had an enthusiasm for life that drew Cindy to him. They traveled and had adventures together. She’s so grateful for the time they had together. She misses him so much but tries to remember the good to stay positive. He influenced so many for good🥼🚑♥️

Kim and Todd Olsen are not strangers to loss and grief. As a young mom, Kim lost her husband and 4 year old in a car accident. Then 11 years ago Todd and Kim lost their US Marine son, Nigel, who was serving in Afghanistan. They said, “He died doing what he loved.” Nigel was so patriotic as a young boy. He asked his Dad to put in a flag pole in the backyard so that he could fly the flag. Nigel always wanted military costumes for Halloween. He joined the Marine Corp right out of high school. He dreamed of serving his country his whole life. Kim and Todd share sweet and tender experiences about their son who was always kind and always giving. They remind us that we need to “realize grief..you can’t go around it you have to go through it” and that “remembering the blessings” along with family and beliefs help in healing. Thank you for your service Nigel K. Olsen🎖🐻

I love how Latin America celebrates the Day of the Dead and how they remember their loved ones, honor them and invite them back. It’s been a bit of a hard month and I have needed my Dad. I have felt him and seen him in the little white butterflies that have been on my path. We need each other. We are not alone in our grief or anxiety or depression. Please reach out. I also share about a sweet little girl and the video of her with her Grandpa bears. Priceless!!🐻💙🤎

Donna and Denise became more like sisters rather than friends after their firefighter husbands died. Mike (Denise) and Joe (Donna) were two out of 15 of the firefighters of Engine 54 Ladder 4 Battalion 9 on shift that day. As these women talk about their husbands you can feel their deep love and grief they have. They find comfort knowing their guys are watching over them. Donna and Denise also share how their pain doesn’t diminish but that you need to let people in. They are each others ropes. Calling to check in even in the middle of the night. They share some sweet advice about making peace and being kind. On a personal note…. I love these dear women and will forever be connected to them🤗♥️🐻

Open to Hope’s Dr. Heidi Horsley interviewed me and Dave Turner on her show in NYC. Dave lost 15 of his firefighter brothers in the 9/11 attacks. He’s talks of what helps him cope with such a big loss. 20 years later faith, prayer and talking it out still help in healing. “It’s a tough ride but you can get through it,” he said. We also talk about our connection in getting Carrie Bears in the arms of the FDNY families. I share a new children’s book I just put together called “Heroes of 9/11”. A tribute to the true heroes who saved so many. A book for a new generation to help them never forget.🚒💙🐻♥️🇺🇸

Elna Berlin was a great mom. To her kids and the neighborhood. Her husband was a truck driver so she was on her own a bit raising the kids. She loved holidays and birthdays and made everyone feel special. She loved the color red and loved coke and after collecting a room full and more of Coca Cola memorabilia she became the COKE LADY. If you google KSL Coke lady you can view a few segments about this great lady. She left a legacy of love and connection. “Laugh, smile and have a Coke.”

Marti’s first loss was at age eight when her childhood friend died of cancer. Her younger brother, Mark, died while fixing their mom’s car. She later lost her father in law, Dad and Mom all in less than six months. Because of all she has gone through she has a huge, empathetic heart. Her wisdom in suggesting to feel the loss in your own timing and to let them know you love them is so helpful and important in a grief journey. “It’s hard but you can do it,” she reminds us all💛💪🏻

Tricia’s dad died at the end of her high school year. She was a senior. Pancreatic cancer was the culprit that took her dad, Gordon, in just a few short months after being diagnosed. Gordon was a happy, funny guy. Maybe a bit of a goofball. He was always smiling 😃

Tricia’s mom’s health was not great either. Kidney issues and blood clots took affect. She was the stricter parent, full of strength and goodness. Rosemary taught Tricia to always “kill others with kindness”. Both parents worked hard and passed that hard work ethic example down for generations to come.

Tricia now lives in the home she grew up in and misses her parents every day💛

David Glen Rees was a really young 74 year old. He worked hard and enjoyed life. He owned a farm and an electronics store that included video rentals back in the day. Sheryl was the middle of his three daughters. He taught them to work hard and to enjoy whatever they were doing. He taught them that “this needs to be done before the fun.” He was a great teacher. He loved milk and thought it would cure any ailment. Sheryl’s dad was so healthy until he got Covid. He rarely even took a Tylenol. He thought he would be fine. Sheryl would have talked about different things had she known it would be her last conversation with her Dad. After he was put on a ventilator, it was just a matter of time that Covid would take his life. She had a sweet experience the day after that helped her know it was his time to go. 💔😢

Even before she was born, Carla was always called Toot. She met Mike and his twin brother Pat when they lived in the same neighborhood growing up. Mike’s twin died while they were in college. Toot said that they were married at an early age likely because, “The person that was always beside him was gone and he needed to fill that void.” Later they would name their son Pat to honor Mike’s twin. Mike and Toot were soulmates. They were married for 45 years! “We were just destined to work through whatever we needed to work through.” It never crossed her mind that they would need to work through cancer. When they heard that news they were numb. Mike started treatments right away and really thought he’d beat it but pancreatic cancer had been inside him for 15 years without him knowing and took his life in 4 short months. In grief, Toot says to just say something. A touch or a hug or a phone call means so much. In thinking about Mike, Toot remembers the song she had played at his funeral by Garth Brooks “I could have missed the pain, but i’da had to miss The Dance.” She treasures all the time she had with her Mike.

Toot’s mom, age 95, died this last year during the pandemic. “It was gut wrenching not to be with her and seeing her through the window just so frightened. She didn’t understand why we had left her alone.” It broke Toot’s heart. Despite all of the pain Toot continues to give back to others ...to laugh and to live.