This space provides an inside look at our past and journey towards a healing mindset—including moments that aren’t always so flattering.
Healing is hard and it isn’t linear, but it doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out on your own. From personal stories, to educational resources drawn from our favorite experts and own experiences, take what you need.
Living After the Aftermath
After sending Lilo to an in-patient program, their first 6 to 8 months were promising. They enjoyed canine therapy and had requested working with dogs in the past. They were also thriving academically and socially. But after the honeymoon phase ended, numerous shifts in the residency’s staffing led to a…
Gooned at 14
I was home from inpatient for just twenty hours before I was awoken in the middle of the night by my mother abruptly turning on the lights in my bedroom. She looked worried. I asked her what was going on, as my eyes were adjusting to the harsh light. She…
Letting Go, Loving Forever
“You don’t get it, Mom. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be alive.” Those words my child said to me were the wake-up call I needed. Lilo was refusing treatment and had no intention of returning to the hospital. They had no interest in group therapy…
What Comes After Happily Ever After?
Christmas has always been a special holiday for my family. Throughout the years, my husband Jeff and I embraced several special traditions, which evolved as we had children of our own. From good food and heartfelt movies to having a family friend dress up as Santa and deliver small presents…
Self Harm & Getting Help
Trigger warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety A note to readers: The National Library of Medicine notes that “suicidal ideations,” often called suicidal thoughts or ideas, is a broad term used to describe a range of contemplations, wishes, plans, and preoccupations with death and suicide. Passive suicidal thoughts occur when…
Finding Yourself on the Page
Looking back, I couldn’t ask for a better family than the one I was given. Spending time with people who can all laugh and have fun together is a great feeling, and I know I am incredibly lucky to have had that sense of camaraderie and nurturing upbringing as a…