Elizabeth Olson of Thousand Oaks, California, shares a personal story of how she transformed herself from a glistening English rose to a fierce triathlon competitor, inspired by her father, energized by a new love interest and encouraged by friends.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Susan Seats of Oak Park talks about recording her dad's life stories and holding a living memorial to help him find meaning in his life before passing. At 74, her dad was active and adventurous, attending space camp and participating in a simulated flight to to the moon. But 10 years later, his health had declined, and he seemed to have lost enthusiasm for life. Susan was determined to help him see all that he had accomplished, so she connected him with a local life storytelling program and held a living memorial, where loved ones shared touching tributes. Her story about honoring the living and helping her dad transition peacefully by reflecting on a life well-lived is both heartfelt and inspirational.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Joanna Wullschleger of Camarillo, California, shares a story about perseverance, motherhood, caregiving and her journey through grief. The mother of twins and an adopted daughter, Joanna has outlived all her children and two husbands. She was a caregiver through her son’s battle with cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, and she helped her daughter and first husband through their cancer battles. Her ability to stay positive during this hard journey is astonishing, and her story about living in the present is truly worth listening to.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Christine Jeston of Oxnard, California, shares a story about her journey as a reluctant caregiver and how she came to forgive her estranged husband while taking care of him after his cancer diagnosis and eventual passing.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Johanna Frederics of Camarillo, California, takes us on her journey as a caregiver to her mother, and the peace she found after getting her own diagnosis and finding a path forward.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Ruth Siaki of Ventura, California, shares her personal journey from 9-year-old caregiver to her ailing parents to adult caregiver who makes a connection with a patient through music.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com

Michelle Rogers of Ventura, California, shares a story about how she became a kidney donor while encouraging her boyfriend to give the gift of life to his sister, Nancy Noble, who had chronic kidney disease and was about to start dialysis. Turns out, no one in the family was a match. But Michelle was. Find out what prompted her to follow through with her promise to do "anything" Nancy needs.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesfromtheheart.substack.com