The Healing Place Podcast: Cheryl Ilov – Being a FemiNinja: Forever Fit and Flexible Philosophies

Cheryl Ilov is an author, speaker, physical therapist, martial artist, dancer, and former chronic pain patient. She published the award-winning and best-selling book, ‘Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond’ in 2016.

I loved this soul-sister connection with Cheryl Ilov, author, physical therapist, martial artist, dancer, and former chronic pain patient as she joined me to discuss her personal journey and warrior work. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Cheryl’s insights on chronic pain recovery
  • her personal story of triumph and healing
  • the motivation behind her books Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond and The Reluctant Ninja: How A Middle-Aged Princess Became a Warrior Queen
  • her philosophies on using movement to heal, Pilates, holistic healing
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Cheryl Ilov is an author, speaker, physical therapist, martial artist, dancer, and former chronic pain patient. She published the award-winning and best-selling book, ‘Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond’ in 2016. With over 20 years’ experience as a physical therapist in private practice, she has helped thousands of clients recover from pain and injuries by integrating the science of physical therapy with the art of movement. She believes that everyone can enjoy vibrant health and vitality, at every stage of life. She is also a second-degree black belt in an ancient Japanese martial art called Ninpo Tai Jutsu. From her own experience of beginning her training at the tender young age of 47 and becoming her teacher’s first female black belt 10 years later, she discovered that there is an incredible amount of strength and power in each and every one of us, just waiting to be unleashed. “

** Visit Cheryl’s website: https://www.cherylilov.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Lois Hollis – Shameguilt Education and Counseling

Lois Hollis, RN BSN REV shifts our opinion on one of the most forbidden subjects, shame and guilt. Depression, anxiety, 30 years of migraine headaches, and pain were Lois’ way of life until she learned about the dangers of shame guilt.

This conversation with Lois Hollis, RN BSN REV, Shameguilt educator, counselor, filmmaker, and author, was intriguing and enlightening. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Lois’ insights on shameguilt vs. shame and guilt
  • her personal story of triumph and healing
  • the motivation behind her films I’m Good and Out of Discord into Harmony
  • her philosophies on healing anxiety, depression, and other disorders and illnesses
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Lois Hollis, RN BSN REV shifts our opinion on one of the most forbidden subjects, shame and guilt. Depression, anxiety, 30 years of migraine headaches, and pain were Lois’ way of life until she learned about the dangers of shame guilt. Her passion is to show the way to love ourselves and others by alleviating the suffering of shame guilt. She shares her 15 years’ experience as a ShameGuilt Educator, Counselor, Filmmaker to give an effective lasting way towards health, wellness, and spiritual maturity. Lois comes with a life-long background in health. She began as a Nurse’ Aide at 12 and continues today at 77. Lois is a trailblazer. She started by developing one of the first Kidney Hemodialysis centers in the United States. Today, Lois brings shame and guilt together as a new field of study.

She is the author of three books and a video on Soulspeaks, an original process that brings peace to our inner personalities. Her newest book, “Now is The Time,” contains her Light Language readings direct from her soul, that expand our spiritual development. Her new film “I’M Good” illustrates shame guilt trickery.”

** Visit Lois’ website: https://www.loishollis.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Beth Cavenaugh – Some Light at the End: the Gifts of Palliative and Hospice Care

Beth has supported hundreds of patients and their families at inpatient units, in the home setting, and behind the scenes in hospice care. Compassion, patient autonomy, and transparent communication are at the core of her care philosophy.

I feel blessed to have spent time with Beth Cavnaugh, certified hospice and palliative care nurse and author, engaging in an enlightening and heart-touching conversation. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Beth’s insights on honoring patient and family end-of-life wishes
  • her personal story of caring for her mother
  • the motivation for writing her book Some Light at the End: Your Bedside Guide for Peaceful Palliative and Hospice Care
  • her philosophies on at-home vs. in-center hospice care
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Beth Cavenaugh is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse and educator with over 14 years of experience in caring for terminally ill patients. She has been a registered nurse for over 24 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Creighton University. Beth has supported hundreds of patients and their families at inpatient units, in the home setting, and behind the scenes in hospice care. Compassion, patient autonomy, and transparent communication are at the core of her care philosophy.

Beth hopes to demystify death and dying so this powerful moment will be embraced as a normalized and celebrated life event. She continues to work in hospice and has a private reiki practice to support physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for adults and teens. Beth lives with her husband in Portland, oregon, where they have (almost)
successfully finished raising their three kids. Learn more at BethCavenaugh.com”

** Visit Beth’s website: https://www.bethcavenaugh.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Tryshe Dhevney – Sound Energy & the Healing Power of Our Own Voices

Tryshe Dhevney is a Sound Energy Expert, Author, International Speaker and Best-selling Sounds True Crystal Bowl Recording Artist. Honored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Tryshe has been acknowledged for her talent as an actor, director and praised for her musical compositions and collaborations.

I was captivated by this conversation and all that I learned as I chatted with Tryshe Dhevney, sound energy expert, author, international speaker, and best-selling Sounds True crystal singing bowl recording artist. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Tryshe’s insights on using our voices for healing
  • her personal story of healing
  • her sound healing recordings and demonstrations of notes/sounds
  • the gift of sound healing for spiritual as well as physical healing
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Tryshe Dhevney is a Sound Energy Expert, Author, International Speaker and Best-selling Sounds True Crystal Bowl Recording Artist. Honored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Tryshe has been acknowledged for her talent as an actor, director and praised for her musical compositions and collaborations. Today she is a repeat presenter offering prescriptive sound strategies with the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine Fellows and medical students.

Tryshe’s work and teaching have been inspired by her own personal healing journey from a potentially fatal illness to complete health. In May 2000, Tryshe’s doctors informed her that there was no longer anything they could do to treat her advanced hepatitis C and liver disease and advised her to get her affairs in order. Four months later, doctors were mystified when tests revealed she was disease-free. Tryshe had healed herself through the power of sound.

Today Tryshe is recognized as an authority in the field of harmonic and vocal sound healing. For over three decades, she has pioneered and refined her highly effective sound energy healing and toning technique called SoundShifting™.

Tryshe’s method for whole body transformation, inspires individuals to use their own voice to create wellbeing in their lives, and teaches simple techniques and attitudes that put health, wealth and wholeness within anyone’s grasp. In addition to developing her highly acclaimed SoundShifting™ technology, Tryshe has created the nationally recognized Life Scripting Process, combining traditional theatre, recovery therapy and spiritual disciplines to achieve living art for social change. Her innovative peer-to-peer approach to addiction, prevention and education has brought her to the national stage once again.

Her book, SOUNDShifting: Your Personal Guide to Self-Healing with Sound, shares her personal story and describes the tonal techniques that impacted her life, and the lives of many others.

Tryshe Dhevney is a dynamic and active teacher, healer and recording artist frequently featured at spiritual music festivals and conferences nationwide. She is also the creator of the Crystal SoundENERGY Practitioner™ Training series in Tucson, AZ. Where she lives with her husband of 25 years.”

** Visit Tryshe’s website: https://soundshifting.com/

Here is a link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Flashback-Girl-Lessons-Resilience-Survivor-ebook/dp/B08D7YLKGT

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Dr. Lise Deguire – Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor

Dr. Lise Deguire is a clinical psychologist. After being severely burned in a fire, she spent most of her childhood in the hospital, undergoing countless surgical procedures. She is the lone surviving child of gifted, unsettled and iconoclastic parents. She is the award-winning author of her debut book, Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor.

This was such a powerful and hope-filled conversation with Dr. Lise Deguire, clinical psychologist, blogger for Psychology Today, and award-winning author. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Dr. Lise’s insights on gratitude and thriving
  • her personal story of triumph
  • her award-winning memoir Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor
  • lessons on resilience through her GOALS MnM philosophies
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Dr. Lise Deguire is a clinical psychologist. After being severely burned in a fire, she spent most of her childhood in the hospital, undergoing countless surgical procedures. She is the lone surviving child of gifted, unsettled and iconoclastic parents. She is the award-winning author of her debut book, Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor.

Dr. Deguire attended Tufts University, graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University and is in solo practice in Pennington, New Jersey. Dr. Deguire has appeared on NPR, NBC, ABC, FOX, Sirius XM, and numerous podcasts. She is a blogger for Psychology Today, and has been featured in Thrive Global, Tiny Buddha, and The Elephant Journal. Dr. Deguire blogs about psychological resilience and is a national keynote speaker. She has over 12,000 social media followers on a variety of platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.”

** Visit Lise’s website: https://www.lisedeguire.com/

Here is a link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Flashback-Girl-Lessons-Resilience-Survivor-ebook/dp/B08D7YLKGT

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Glenn Head – Graphic Novel: Chartwell Manor; & the Relationship Between Trauma, Healing, and Art

Glenn Head was born in 1958 in Morristown, New Jersey, and began drawing comics when he was fourteen. In the early 1990s Head co-created (with cartoonist Kaz) and edited Snake Eyes, the Harvey-Award nominated cutting edge comix anthology series and he was a frequent contributor to the Fantagraphics’ comix anthology quarterly Zero Zero.

I feel so very grateful to have engaged is a profound and poetic conversation with Glenn Head, cartoonist and author, on his latest book release and its relevance in the trauma recovery arena. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Glenn’s insights on the art of drawing graphic novels
  • his philosophies on healing through art
  • his personal triumph over trauma journey
  • his latest book release of his graphic novel memoir Chartwell Manor
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Glenn Head was born in 1958 in Morristown, New Jersey, and began drawing comics when he was fourteen. In the early 1990s Head co-created (with cartoonist Kaz) and edited Snake Eyes, the Harvey-Award nominated cutting edge comix anthology series and he was a frequent contributor to the Fantagraphics’ comix anthology quarterly Zero Zero. From 2005 to 2010 Glenn edited and contributed to the Harvey and Eisner-nominated anthology HOTWIRE Comics and recently created his graphic epic, Chicago (2015).  He lives in New York City.”

** Visit Glenn’s website: http://glennohead.com/

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Kerri Hummingbird – Philosophies of a Soul Guide: Utilizing Energy Healing Strategies

Kerri Hummingbird Sami is a soul guide, shamanic healer, award-winning author and inspirational speaker. Kerri has over 20 years of experience in leading by inspiration, and a special passion for empowering women to be the artists of their lives.

I am blessed to have had the opportunity to engage in a soul connection and deep conversation with Kerri Hummingbird, soul guide, shamanic healer, award-winning author, and inspirational speaker. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Kerri’s insights on ancestral DNA and trauma
  • her philosophies on energy healing
  • her personal journey through transitions
  • the steps she utilizes for empowering and releasing
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Kerri Hummingbird Sami is a soul guide, shamanic healer, award-winning author and inspirational speaker. Kerri has over 20 years of experience in leading by inspiration, and a special passion for empowering women to be the artists of their lives. She mentors women to rewrite the story of their lives through inner transformation, connection to essence, remembrance of purpose, and realignment to authenticity and truth. She is certified in energy medicine by the Four Winds Light Body school, certified as a spiritual coach by the Artist of the Spirit Coach Training Program and HeatherAsh Amara, certified in empowerment and firewalk training by Sundoor, and certified as a Warrior Goddess Facilitator. She is the past President of the Austin Chapter of the International Association of Women (IAW). In 2014, The Indie Spiritual Book Awards conferred the honor of “Best in Category” to Awakening To Me: One Woman’s Journey To Self Love, and in 2015 it won Pinnacle Best in Category for Self-Help and National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Category for Spirituality. Her 2015 best-selling book From We To Me: Emerging Self After Divorce, reached #16 in the Divorce category on Amazon. Kerri lives with the love of her life, his two children, and her two teenage sons in the Austin area. She works with clients around the world.

Prior to her career as a Soul Guide, Ms. Hummingbird had a 20-year career as a technical and marketing communications consultant in both Silicon Valley and Austin high-tech communities. She has served in leadership since she began working, most notably serving on the Board of the Silicon Valley chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. She also inspired and led over 150 artists to open their studios to the public as the Executive Director of the non-profit Silicon Valley Open Studios in the Bay Area, California for several years in the early 2000s.”

** Visit Kerri’s website: https://kerrihummingbird.com/

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Amy Erickson – Documentary: Visceral – Transforming Trauma Though Theatre

Amy Erickson was inspired to create Visceral after working with the Community Resilience Initiative in Walla Walla in 2010.

Happy to have experienced another soul sister connection with Amy Erickson, director, film maker, trauma-survivor, social impact artist and communicator. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Amy’s insights on transforming trauma through theatre
  • her philosophies on recovery, healing modalities, and attachment injuries
  • her personal journey through trauma
  • her film including her recently released Visceral: Transforming Trauma Through Theatre
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Director, Amy Erickson, grew up near Detroit in the 60s in a family of singers. This, along with the music of Motown and Burt Bacharach blaring on her kitchen radio helped her learn to sing by ear. She also loved to dance and stared working at age 13 to take jazz lessons.  These, combined with her introduction to musical theatre as a child, nurtured Amy’s love of the performing arts. But in her 20s, the singing and dancing stopped due to the impact of early-childhood trauma. The physical and emotional pain kept her shut down. Then, in her 40s, she found the courage to perform in a musical theatre production and rediscovered the vitality she felt in her youth. This proved to be the first step of healing from PTS. Amy was inspired to create Visceral after working with the Community Resilience Initiative in Walla Walla in 2010. She also is trained as a traumatic-stress responder by First Aid Arts, Seattle, WA.

In 2017, Amy received a WA state Artist Trust Grant for Artists’ Projects for Visceral, and an Artist Residency at the Jack Straw Cultural Center, Seattle. 

And yes, she still sings and dances! Since 2010 she’s performed in six musical productions, continues to sing with a community choir, and takes musical theatre dance classes. For her, movement, voice, and social engagement through the performing arts continue to be life-giving forces.”

** Visit Amy’s website: https://www.capacity4good.com/

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

The Healing Place Podcast: Carolyn Colleen – Living F.I.E.R.C.E; & Transforming Your Life Five Minutes at a Time

Carolyn is the founder of the FIERCE Network, an online program that helps women create life strategies that enables them to have the life they dream of—without sacrificing their families, careers, or lifestyles. She is also the author of F.I.E.R.C.E.: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time! 

Such a blessing to spend time with Carolyn Colleen, founder of FIERCE, mother of 3, author, international speaker, entrepreneur, and business strategist. Please join us as we discuss:

  • Carolyn’s insights on transforming your life in five minute increments
  • her philosophies on living a F.I.E.R.C.E. life
  • her personal journey of triumph over trauma
  • giving back to her support community
  • and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunesBlubrrySpotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch soundbites of our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

“Carolyn Colleen is a fierce mother of three children, author, international speaker, entrepreneur, and business strategist focused on helping others achieve their goals. 

Carolyn is the founder of the FIERCE Network, an online program that helps women create life strategies that enables them to have the life they dream of—without sacrificing their families, careers, or lifestyles. She is also the author of F.I.E.R.C.E.: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time! 

Carolyn is a consultant and thought leader for Case Western Reserve University as a leader within the Xchange approach, an initiative built upon a scientifically based, multi-disciplinary approach for leading and managing teams. In addition, she is currently publishing a second book focused on academic entrepreneurism and is the Executive Director of 1Life Fully Lived, a nonprofit organization that provides people of all backgrounds the tools to achieve success.

From standing in a food line at the Salvation Army to Ph.D candidate., Carolyn is avid about sharing her own life story and encouraging others to make changes that move them from fear to focusing on the pursuit of their passions.

carolyncolleen.com

@carolyncolleen

1lifefullylived.org

** Visit Carolyn’s website: https://www.carolyncolleen.com/

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

My Treasured Friend, My Hero, My Inspiration . . . My Mom

In July, 2019, I walked away from my mom and all of the drama of her addiction. I had finally hit the proverbial wall and said out loud, as I stood atop a mountain in Estes Park, Colorado, on a trip to visit my oldest son, “I’m done.”

In July, 2019, I walked away from my mom and all of the drama of her addiction. I had finally hit the proverbial wall and said out loud, as I stood atop a mountain in Estes Park, Colorado, on a trip to visit my oldest son, “I’m done.” Done with my role in our tumultuous co-dependent relationship, me being the cleaner-upper of messes, the “good girl”, the savior who would swoop in to save the day. Over and over and over. 

A very long 2+ months later, my phone would ring and, this time, for whatever reason, I felt compelled to answer. A sober, happy, different-sounding mom was on the other end. As a result, our relationship shifted, as she had done the work she needed to do in order to begin her healing and embrace sobriety.

That’s a blog piece for another day, however. Today, I want to share the joy of a week spent with my treasured friend, my hero, my inspiration . . . my mom!

This 85-year-old hopped on a flight and visited us for the first time since we moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in June 2020. She had fretted the trip, letting anticipatory anxiety get the better of her. So much so she ended up in the hospital, due to constipation, and in her words, “the worst pain I’ve ever experienced”, just days before her scheduled flight. However, she battled through and was determined to face her insecurities about travelling and boarded that southbound jet. 

And we had the time of our lives together! She has told me at least ten times since returning home only five days ago, “I cannot thank you enough for such an enjoyable time. It was heaven on earth.”

Because a picture says a thousand words and my inner-photographer tried to capture as many memories as possible, here is our momma/daughter island adventures tale, as told by my Facebook posts and smiles:

Day 1: She’s here! She’s here! My mom was nervous about traveling, but she loved it. Great flight and everyone was so kind and helpful. She sat next to a lady who lives on the island and my mom offered her a ride home via us. Lol! What a neat lady and now a new friend for all of us. Dropped her at her place in Shipyard and she invited us to dinner at her place this week. Only my mom makes a friend who lives on island during a 90 minute flight. She’s awesome! She’s sitting here telling me dirty jokes ?

   

Our first outing for this mom vacation trip . . . mass! ? For those of you who know her, this is not a surprise. Lol! ?

    

Picked M up from work after mass and we took GJ to see the sunset at Dolphin Head before heading home for a fabulous dinner ❤ Steaks on the grill, loaded baked potatoes, and roasted carrots, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. Mom was in foodie heaven.

  

Day 2: Mom slept until noon! Then spent the next hour reading her prayer book in the sun. Snuggled with her new best friend, Max. We watched NFL Red Zone and cheered on her favorite team, the Bengals. Then met our fabulous friends at Hickory Tavern for the Browns game. Mom chowed on spicy wings and told more dirty jokes ? Now we’re watching Pittsburgh and she’s happy to share the couch with Sammie. These dogs love her!

  

Day 3: This morning we hit a big sale at Belk where she picked out her birthday presents (it’s not until December but we decided we couldn’t pass up the sale). Then we ran to the Salty Dog for a sweatshirt and a bright yellow rain hat for her (pic to come). On to 2 grocery stores for her favorite drinks. And she asked to see the ocean so I took her to Islanders Beach. It’s quite a hike from the parking lot to the shore across a long pier but she did awesome. She thought the ocean breeze would blow her away though ? Perfect day on HHI at 72 degrees, breezy and blue skies ?

 

This one needed a post all on its own ? ? She wanted a yellow rain hat to match her yellow rain coat. Shopping at the Salty Dog and she mentioned it in line so I turned around and there it was on the shelf behind me! She is beyond adorable. I promised her we could sit outside in the sun and pray the rosary together. One happy momma. I’m treasuring every moment with her. But at the rate she’s going, she’ll outlive me!



Day 4: She’s sleeping in the sun in Maddie’s Salty Dog hoodie, holding her prayer book. She said “Don’t disturb me the rest of the day. This is wonderful.” So cute! ? She has said, “This is heaven on earth here” about 25 times ?☀? I’m so so happy to have her here.



My mom and the crazy boy are now BFFs. She’s in love with Max and he won’t leave her alone ? Look how he’s sitting on her lap!



I asked her what she wanted to watch tonight and she said “I’d love to watch Snow White”. So here we sit as she sings along to all the songs and tells the evil queen how horrible she is. This movie came out when my mom was 2 years old! Makes my heart happy to hear her giggling like a little kid as she watches ?



Mad and I took GJ shopping then for some evening sun at Dolphin Head. I told her she looks like Emperor Palpatine with the hood pulled up on Maddie’s hoodie. Lol!

 

Day 5: A morning GJ story (everyone who knows her calls her GJ for grandma Joann):
Jen and I made her coffee for her with her favorite Starbucks white chocolate mocha creamer and put it in a lighter cup as the big cup we had given her was too heavy. She read it out loud and asked, “Who is Karma?” Lol! So I explained, “Mom, Karma is the philosophy that whatever energy you put out into the world is the energy that comes back to you.” She thought about it then said, “Well, I think I have good karma”. Yes you do, Mom. Yes, you do ?

Photo is GJ explaining to the dogs why she’s not allowed to give them her pumpkin pie because “TT is mean and won’t let you eat pie” ?



My mom asked to play putt-putt then proceeded to impress us all! She beat me! ? Sinking putts like crazy! Hoping I’m rockin’ life like her at 85 ?

 

   

Today we took another huge step along the healing path. The Superior Environmental team spent 8 hours cleaning our ducts, installing new HEPA filters on both HVAC units, properly sealing all vents after repainting them, and spraying mold inhibitor chemicals in all duct work along with properly elevating the attic ducts. Two of the team members told me “it was really bad in there” and “this is going to help you so much”. My mom and I stayed outside in the backyard with the dogs and the crab most of the day while the work was completed. I took her for a little walking tour of our Spring Lake recreation area, too. She said, “I think this must be what heaven is like” ❤?☀

 

Day 6: She wanted to visit Harbor Town and the lighthouse. Mom/daughter Sea Pines tourist time. Took her to the Salty Dog and Shelter Cove for sunset, too. I love it that she’s wearing my hoodie. She fell even more in love with this island this evening ?☀??

  

 

  

   

She said, “I play Hearts on my computer every day.” I got you covered, girl! She’s set up on my laptop and one happy camper.



Snapchat is her new favorite thing! She made these videos for her great grandson, the adorable Landon ? Then she asked me to share them on Facebook so she can show her friends. If she ever figures out how to use Facebook ?

  

Day 8: Safe travels back to Cincy, my beautiful momma ❤ I love you so very much and will miss our island adventures together. Wow am I glad I looked at my emails at midnight to see your 5:41 PM flight was cancelled and we were able to get you on this early flight ?? Sending you off with love and hugs ??



I love you, Mom. And I am so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for travelling this healing journey with me.

Always and forever,
TT

#nevergiveup