Life does not always give us what we are expecting and can bring many challenges that make us question our ability to handle the pain. When my oldest son, Alex, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age seventeen after being hospitalized for nearly a month and then became addicted to drugs and alcohol, I wasn’t prepared for how to deal with what I would be up against over the next nine years and the fear, anxiety, and grief I would experience.  I faced terrifying realities when I almost lost him several times in his late teens and early twenties. When I received the call that is every parent's worst nightmare - that Alex had been found dead, I felt pain like I had never experienced before, and I had no idea how I would find a way to go on. In that moment, my life had forever changed.

In my journey through grief - grieving while Alex was alive - the loss of how he was and how things were prior to his mental illness and addiction - and then grieving the loss after he passed away, I discovered the power of love, mindset, and compassion.  

Today, I inspire others who are facing the pain and grief of having a child with mental illness/addiction or who have lost a child or other loved one.  I walk with them on their journey, helping them regain their natual emotional resilience and self love and find peace and purpose in their lives. I have developed a unique process called Peace Beyond the Pain, which provides holistic tools and strategies for navigating grief, loss, pain, hopelessness, overwhelm, fear, and guilt.

While everyone's grief is unique, you are not alone in your loss.  My heart goes out to you.