You Will Find Yourself Again

Since my mom’s diagnosis of cancer, I always felt like I had lost pieces of myself. Since she passed away, I know for sure I have lost pieces of myself. I feel less motivated, I feel less joy, less excitement, and less gratitude for life itself. This journey has been a confusing one for me. Simple tasks become really, really …

My Mom Would Want Me to Keep Smiling

As many of you have seen through social media, my mother passed away on Wednesday, May 19th after a long, courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. We all knew my mom was going to pass soon, we were preparing to put her on hospice, so I knew it would happen soon and that she likely wouldn’t make it through the summer. …

Listen to Your Body & Mind—Give Yourself What You Need

This week, I am tired. Emotionally. Physically. Tired. My therapist told me I should journal after visits with my mom, to reflect on what I’m feeling. At this point, we are all tired. It is tiring to watch the strongest woman I know be so physically weak. It is tiring to talk and think about what’s happening to her 24/7. …

#DearCaroline on Mental Health Awareness Month

This week for #WarriorWednesday, Caroline McKeown was back with another #DearCaroline vlog for #mentalhealthawarenessmonth! She talks about how impactful it is to share your story with mental health and mental illness. Talking about mental illness helps stop the stigma, and what better time to spread awareness and start the conversation than Mental Health Awareness Month! If you would like to …

You Keep Showing Up—That’s Strength

You have good and bad days, but you keep showing up – that’s strength. These last few days with my mom has been an up and down rollercoaster. My mom made the tough, but right decision to stop treatment. Her body is weak. The chemo will likely do more harm than good. She doesn’t want to spend more time in …

The Pain Comes in Waves, But the Wave Will Pass

The pain comes in waves. Hold on and trust that this wave will pass. It has been a really hard week for my family. My mom has been in the hospital all week for various cancer-related issues and my cousin passed away after being on life support for a few days. It’s been hard to watch those around me hurting, …