In this heartfelt episode of Hidden Gifts of Last, the host welcomes Daniel, a remarkable young man from Uganda who shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity. Abandoned as a street child, Daniel found hope and purpose through his talent for soccer. With the support of a kind mentor, he pursued education and eventually founded Street Kids Uganda, a charity that feeds, clothes, and educates street children. Daniel talks about his current efforts to organize a Christmas party for the kids and his plans to buy land to create a self-sustaining farm and shelter for them. Despite limited resources and no external support, Daniel's unwavering dedication to helping vulnerable children shines throughout the conversation. Listeners are encouraged to support his mission through donations and spreading the word. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:11 Meet Daniel: A Story of Resilience 00:31 From Street Child to Soccer Talent 00:38 The Birth of Street Kids Uganda 01:27 Daniel's Daily Life and Mission 04:16 Challenges and Hopes for the Future 06:29 Spreading the Word and Seeking Support 12:30 Final Thoughts and How you can help. Street Kids Uganda Website: ⁠https://streetkidsinitiaveuganda.org/⁠ Donate Here: ⁠https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2U4JGAMP97LZW⁠

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, the host welcomes Barbara Wansbrough, author of the book 'Wild Things'. The book is a touching collection of letters to Barbara's late sister, intertwined with reflections on nature and her daily hikes. Barbara shares poignant stories about coping with her sister's illness and passing, the solace she found in hiking with her dog Bartleby, and the unexpected connections she made through memorial shrines along her trail. The discussion delves into themes of grief, loss, and spiritual connections, highlighting how nature and unexpected relationships can aid in processing sorrow. Barbara also reads a heartfelt letter from her book and shares anecdotes that resonate deeply with the host. The episode is filled with moments of vulnerability, reflections on family, and the power of nature to heal and connect. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:51 Barbara's Inspiration and Writing Journey 02:56 The Impact of Loss and Grief 05:28 Creating Memorials and Finding Solace 07:57 The Role of Nature and Companionship 10:58 Reflections on the Pandemic and Personal Loss 14:56 The Healing Power of Connection and Support 21:32 Navigating Grief During the Pandemic 29:46 Struggles with Oliver's Health 30:55 Coping with Parenting Challenges 31:50 The Power of Al-Anon 33:23 Reflections on Childhood and Parenting 36:17 The Healing Power of Writing 38:59 Book Launch and Events 41:16 A Magical Connection with a Stranger 54:24 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude https://www.instagram.com/wildthingsfragments/

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, hosts Heather and Julie welcome Tami Pitetti Sanders, who shares her transformative journey through grief after losing her father and dog. Tami discusses how these profound losses awakened unexpected spiritual gifts and led to a deeper connection with intuitive awareness, spirit, and healing. Once a physical therapist, Tami now helps others by channeling messages from loved ones and interpreting spiritual signs, providing comfort and insight to those dealing with loss. The hosts and Tami explore the validation of spiritual signs, the impact of grief on personal growth, and Tami's unique method of conducting spiritual readings through photos. Tami generously offers listeners a special rate for her readings if they mention the podcast. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:41 Tami's Early Intuition and Career 03:18 Traumatic Events and Career Shift 05:45 Loss and Spiritual Awakening 08:02 Signs and Symbols from the Afterlife 14:20 Embracing and Developing Spiritual Gifts 18:57 Sharing the Gift and Helping Others 32:02 Experiences with Mediumship and Readings 34:37 Dealing with Skepticism and Finding Support 42:10 The Importance of Signs and Messages from the Deceased 49:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Tami on Instagram @divinelensreadings Mention the podcast to receive a reading for $44

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode of The Hidden Gifts of Loss, Julie welcomes her wife Leslie to the podcast for the very first time. Together with co-host Heather, they explore a different kind of loss—one that came not from death, but from an unexpected medical complication. After a knee replacement surgery, Leslie experienced foot drop due to nerve damage, leading to excruciating pain, loss of mobility, and a long, uncertain recovery. She shares what it was like to wake up from surgery knowing immediately that something was wrong, and the months of intense nerve pain that followed. Heather joins the conversation with her own story of experiencing a similar surgical complication, offering unique understanding and solidarity. Together, they reflect on the ripple effects of this experience—from the anger and helplessness that come with watching a loved one suffer, to the surprising hidden gifts that slowly emerged: deeper presence, the rediscovery of simple joys, stronger community support, and the healing power of love and resilience. This conversation is a powerful reminder that loss takes many forms—not just death—and yet the journey through pain and limitation can still reveal gifts of transformation, connection, and renewed perspective. If you've ever faced an unexpected medical setback, or supported someone who has, you'll find comfort and strength in this honest dialogue.

Julie and Heather have a heartfelt conversation about why self-trust is so fragile and how we relearn it. They use real childhood examples — the parent who dismisses a crying child, the early years of being “moldable” — to show how messages like “your feelings are wrong” become internal rules. They trace how that programming affects adult relationships, decision making, and how we respond to red flags. Loss and caregiving features in the discussion as a catalyst for perspective shifts: walking through the grief of a loved one can create compassion for previous generations and accelerate reconnection to self. Heather and Julie describe oneness as the integration of 3D life and spirit — a state where you feel whole, present, and not attached to identities, thoughts, or other people's projections. The episode ends with a guided meditation by Heather — a visualized “forest of loss” that helps listeners shed inherited expectations, hear their inner voice, and whisper “I trust you — I hear you — I am home.” How to Use This Episode Listen to the guided meditation at the end when you're in a quiet, safe place. Journal after the episode: What small red flags have I noticed recently? What one tiny step can I celebrate today? Try the “feathers/clouds” technique when your mind gets noisy: place thoughts in a cloud and watch them pass. If this episode helped you, please: Subscribe to Hidden Gifts of Loss. Rate & review — it helps others find the show. Share the episode with someone who's relearning to trust themselves.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 2 of the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast with Julie and Heather. In this conversation, we explore the idea of oneness and how it shapes our experience of loss. What if nothing is ever truly lost? What if grief invites us to move beyond attachment and into deeper connection—with ourselves, with others, and with spirit? Heather shares her personal journey of integrating her “3D self” with her spirit self, and how this has shifted her perspective on identity, fear, and attachment. Together, we reflect on how losing someone—or even an identity—can shake us, yet also reconfigure us into a more connected way of being. We talk about the difference between attachment (rooted in fear) and connection (rooted in love), how to trust our inner knowing, and why grief can be a portal that reveals hidden gifts. Stay tuned until the end, where we introduce a closing reflection you can take with you: Loss transforms when we dare to look deeper. What hidden gift are you ready to unveil? What You'll Learn in This Episode: How oneness shifts our perspective on grief and loss The difference between attachment and connection Why we struggle to trust our inner knowing—and how to reclaim it How grief reshapes our identity and shows us new possibilities A preview of Heather's upcoming guided meditation to help deepen connection Resources & Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations on grief, healing, and hidden gifts. Share this episode with a friend who may need encouragement in their own journey through loss.

Welcome to Season Two of the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast! This season brings something special—host Julie Trainer is joined by her new co-host, Heather Mullen. Though neither of them can quite remember exactly how they first met (maybe through a mutual friend, maybe in an online community, or maybe across lifetimes!), the connection was instant and undeniable. In this episode, Julie and Heather talk about: How their friendship evolved into a co-hosting partnership. Why loss isn't limited to death—it can take many forms, from illness to life changes. The deep healing presence of animals and the surprising ways pets become medicine in our lives. Julie's newly published story about her beloved cat, Maxwell, and the hidden gift he left behind. Heather's reflections on her family dog as a gentle healer, absorbing and transforming the pain of those around him. How grief and love open us to hidden gifts like self-trust, intuition, and deeper connection with others. The power of trust and allow—living from love instead of fear. Toward the end, Julie and Heather share five possible podcast outros (with a lot of laughter) and invite listeners to vote for their favorite. ✨ Whether you've experienced the loss of a loved one, a pet, your health, or simply a shift in life as you knew it, this season is about exploring how loss cracks us open and reveals the hidden gifts waiting to emerge. Resources & Links Mentioned Join the Hidden Gifts of Loss Facebook Group to connect and share your reflections. Julie's first published story appears in Women Like Me: The Quiet Ones Who Saved Us (community book project) https://thequietoneswhosavedus.com/buy-book Amazon: https://a.co/d/6He69Wl We'd love to hear from you!Which of the five possible podcast outros resonated with you? Comment on Spotify, Apple, or in the Facebook group. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe so you don't miss the stories, the wisdom, and the light we'll uncover together this season.

In this deeply moving episode of Hidden Gifts of Loss, Julie welcomes Adrienne Bender—author of The Almost Miracle Years. Adrienne 's story is one of unimaginable heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, hope. Adrienne became a mother at just 17, putting herself through university while raising her son, and later building a career as a registered psychiatric nurse. What unfolded in the years to come would test every ounce of her strength. She shares openly about: Navigating early motherhood, education, and career while raising two children. Her daughter's AML leukemia diagnosis at age eight, and the grueling years of treatment, remission, relapse, and eventual loss to GVHD in 2018. Her son's battle with addiction, his near-miraculous recovery, return to school, and devastating death from fentanyl poisoning in 2023. Enduring the deaths of her father, grandfather, and uncle in quick succession—all while working full-time and being the caretaker for her family. How grief brought her to her knees but also gave her moments of grace, resilience, and miracles worth remembering. Why she wrote The Almost Miracle Years—a book about survival, the fleeting beauty of small victories, and finding joy in the darkest times. Adrienne 's journey is heartbreaking yet inspiring, reminding us that even when “the overall big picture is not good,” it is still possible to notice the hidden gifts—the small mercies, the fleeting rainbows in the storm. Learn more about Adrienne Bender and The Almost Miracle Years: https://a.co/d/7Ut8moz

In this episode of Hidden Gifts of Loss, Julie sits down with Jacqui Johnson, creator of The Magnificent Body Experience—a transformational 10-day program that invites women to reconnect with their bodies in unexpected and profound ways. Jacqui's journey into this sacred work began after the sudden loss of her beloved mother, Ronnie. What started as grief unfolded into a calling: to help women stop seeing their bodies as projects to conquer and instead honor them as cherished companions. Together, Julie and Jacqui explore: How the loss of Jacqui 's mother awakened her life's purpose. Why women struggle to accept compliments and live at odds with their bodies. The role of storytelling in healing, resilience, and creating safe spaces for transformation. How just 30 minutes a day for 10 days can shift how we see and inhabit our bodies. The unexpected ways grief gifts us clarity, courage, and connection. Jacqui 's story is one of legacy, love, and liberation. From her roots in Ghana to her decades-long career as a fashion designer, she now weaves together creativity, psychology, and deep compassion to guide women back to themselves. Whether you're navigating loss, longing for a deeper connection with your body, or simply seeking inspiration to embrace life fully—this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and hope. Learn more about Jacqui Johnson and The Magnificent Body Experience: (coming soon)

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, the host welcomes Patty Hunt, the host of the RV Life podcast. Patty shares her inspiring journey from being a teacher to RVing full-time with her husband until his illness changed their path. She speaks about living without regrets, handling loss, and the adventures and community spirit of the RV lifestyle. Patty also dives deeply into personal stories of handling the loss of loved ones, particularly her grandmother and parents, emphasizing the importance of discussing death openly. She highlights the emotional, spiritual, and therapeutic benefits of these conversations and the peace found in fulfilling the wishes of those who have passed. Patty promotes the idea of living fully and cherishing memories, making this episode a profound listen for those navigating grief and seeking to live a life without regrets. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Patty's RV Life Journey 05:35 Dealing with Loss and Grief 05:56 Early Experiences with Loss 09:32 Caring for Aging Parents 13:43 Final Conversations and Reflections 23:35 Navigating Conversations About Loss 24:03 Keeping Memories Alive for Children 24:43 Signs and Symbols from Loved Ones 26:51 Handling Funerals and Children's Grief 33:19 Living Life Without Regrets 40:54 The Importance of Surrender and Support 44:31 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Susan J. Schmitt Winchester is a distinguished innovative HR leader with over 36 years of corporate experience, and co-author of 'Healing at Work.' She is passionate about teaching people how to break through unconscious beliefs and patterns that lead to burnout, overwhelm, worry and stress in their workplaces and discover greater self-acceptance and fulfillment in both work and life. In this episode, Susan shares her incredible journey of overcoming personal trauma and professional challenges, including the devastating loss of her sister, Nancy, to cancer. She reveals how Nancy's passing and hidden family traumas shaped her mission to help others break through unconscious patterns that lead to workplace stress and burnout. Susan explains her transformative three-step process called 'Rapid Power Reclaim,' designed to help individuals manage emotional triggers at work through creating choice, elevating action, and celebrating and integrating new behaviors. The conversation highlights the profound connection between personal history and professional life, emphasizing the importance of emotional healing in achieving workplace fulfillment. You can learn more about Susan's work here: https://healingatwork.com/ and listen to her inspiring TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY8WhA045iE 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:51 A Serendipitous Meeting 01:20 Susan's Personal Story: The Loss of Her Sister 05:34 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 10:36 Writing and Healing: The Journey to the Book 18:10 Workplace Dynamics and Emotional Healing 25:59 Understanding Bumper Car Moments 26:18 Recognizing Emotional Triggers 27:17 Understanding Neuroplasticity 27:51 The Rapid Power Reclaim Process 29:41 Processing Emotions Through Somatic Practices 31:04 Elevate Action: Changing Old Behaviors 33:16 Celebrate and Integrate: Reinforcing New Patterns 35:43 Personal Stories of Emotional Management 43:46 The Power of Vulnerability and Sharing 46:39 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, host Julie interviews Josea Crossley, founder of the Dark Woods of Grief. Josea has over 20 years of experience working with grief and trauma through practices rooted in somatic therapy, attachment theory, deep nature connection, craniosacral therapy, shamanic study, Tibetan Buddhism, and yoga. The discussion delves into the transformative power of grief work, the importance of community support in healing, and the impact of societal and historical factors on our grieving processes. Josea also shares insights into her online and in-person programs that provide guidance and ritual spaces for individuals to safely navigate their grief, fostering a sense of belonging and healing. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of personal grief and collective trauma, emphasizing the need for communal grieving practices to achieve holistic well-being. Listeners can learn more about Josea's work here: https://www.instagram.com/darkwoodsofgrief/ https://www.facebook.com/darkwoodsofgrief/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/josea-crossley-0001622b/ https://darkwoodsofgrief.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Jo Crossley and Her Work 01:18 The Dark Woods of Grief: A Metaphor and Practice 01:58 Community and Grieving: The Importance of Not Being Alone 02:51 Cultural Practices and the Stigma Around Grief 06:26 The Impact of COVID-19 on Grief Support 13:26 The Role of Rituals in Grieving 17:15 Understanding Grief and Its Layers 17:41 Collective Grief in Society 18:00 Recognizing and Naming Grief 18:09 The Importance of Grief Skills 18:41 The Impact of Political Events on Grief 20:43 Historical and Systemic Roots of Grief 22:43 Personal and Ancestral Grief 27:40 The Role of Community in Grief 31:17 Upcoming Grief Support Programs 34:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this heartfelt episode, the host welcomes Catherine Severance Avery, a celebrated author and founder of Rest Restoration Ranch, a 40-acre sanctuary for first responders. Catherine shares deeply personal experiences of loss, from her mother's tragic accident to her husband's untimely death in a traffic collision caused by criminals fleeing a robbery. Remarkably, she highlights the intertwining of intuition and grief throughout her life, emphasizing the importance of addressing and processing emotions rather than suppressing them. Catherine's story underscores the challenges faced by first responders and their families, advocating for better mental health support and appreciation. Her dedication led her to establish a nonprofit offering retreats for first responders to recuperate in solitude. The episode delves into societal attitudes towards grief, major losses, and the invaluable role of intuition in navigating life's toughest moments. You can check out and support Kathryn's work here: https://www.respondertv.com/guests/kathryn-severns-aver/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:02 Catherine's Personal Grief Journey 02:19 Intuition and Closure 05:04 Struggles with Eating Disorders 06:39 Cultural Attitudes Towards Grief 09:00 Tools for Coping with Grief 14:26 Loss of a Nephew and Sister 24:51 Intuition and Family Losses 25:15 Tragic Loss of Husband 31:00 The Search Begins 32:44 The Realization 33:33 The Police Arrive 34:48 The Full Story Unfolds 35:55 Community Support and Acts of Service 36:47 Christmas Day Surprise 38:02 Turning Grief into Action 42:05 Starting a Nonprofit 46:21 Raising Awareness and Advocacy 48:39 The Cost of Incarceration vs. Victim Support 50:39 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of 'The Hidden Gifts of Loss' podcast, host Julie Trainer welcomes Roxanne Hanneman, the end of life doula who helped her process the grief of losing her mother. Julie shares how Roxanne's support and encouragement inspired her to start the podcast. They discuss the role and importance of end of life doulas, shared death experiences, and the power of talking about loss and grieving openly. The episode delves into personal stories, the emotional and mystical aspects of death, and the comforting signs from loved ones who have passed. It also touches on how society's views on death are evolving and the importance of holding space for those who are grieving. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:28 The Role and Impact of an End of Life Doula 04:25 Personal Stories of Loss and Grief 11:59 Shared Death Experiences and Their Significance 19:46 The Evolving Conversation Around Death 29:05 Experiencing the Angelic Realm 29:45 The Importance of Confidentiality 30:43 Training and Skills of an End of Life Doula 32:03 Creating a Sacred Space for Grief 32:48 Personal Experiences with Angels 35:44 Signs and Symbols from Loved Ones 39:10 The Healing Power of Grief 44:14 Synchronicities and Mediumship 52:34 Finding an End of Life Doula 53:34 Final Thoughts and Farewells

In this heartfelt episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, host Julie Trainer sits down with Rosa Montaño to delve into the life and legacy of her late father, Isidro Montaño Hernández. Rosa recounts her father's incredible journey from Guadalajara, Mexico, to America, emphasizing his tenacity and bravery despite a challenging childhood marked by a serious injury and familial hardships. She shares poignant memories, including his determination to uproot and better himself despite his maimed appearance, his fluent English skills, and the sacrifices he made to support his family. The episode captures how Isidro's spirit influenced his family's values and ambitions, Rosa's reflections on rediscovered love letters, enduring legacy, and the poignant impact of his passing. Julie and Rosa also explore the emotional resonance of letters, cultural identity, and unseen spiritual guidance, concluding with Rosa's plans to honor her father's memory in a unique and touching way. 00:00 Introduction to the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast 00:35 Rosa's Father's Early Life and Challenges 02:27 Journey to America and Family Life 03:21 The Power of Letters and Family Memories 04:06 Rosa's Childhood and School Experiences 10:55 Embracing Heritage and Identity 12:38 Reflections on Father's Legacy and Passing 16:52 Final Moments and Hospital Struggles 36:04 Patient Advocacy Challenges 36:47 A Month in the ICU 38:27 The Final Days 46:17 A Father's Legacy 49:52 Returning Home 52:40 Honoring His Memory 01:01:15 Final Reflections

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, host Julie welcomes Rita Black, a clinical hypnotherapist renowned for her work in smoking cessation and weight loss. Rita shares her fascinating journey from a Hollywood screenwriter to a transformative hypnotherapist, inspired by personal struggles and the loss of her mother, who was a perfectionist and life-long weight struggler. The conversation delves into the impact of emotional eating, the creation of the Shift Weight Mastery process, the importance of finding peace and self-worth through weight loss, and how grief can be a catalyst for profound transformation. Both Julie and Rita reflect on how their parents' lives and deaths inspired their healing work. They also discuss how both Julie and Rita released significant amounts of weight through the Shift Weight Mastery process and how you can too! Link to Rita's free masterclass: https://shiftmonthlymasterymembership.mykajabi.com/shiftevergreenwebinar?rootabl=jtgoddess 00:00 Introduction to the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast 00:27 Meet Rita Black: Hypnotherapist and Author 01:07 Personal Transformation Journey 03:35 Rita's Background and Career Shift 05:16 Life in Los Angeles and Career Challenges 08:16 Discovering Hypnosis and Its Impact 16:16 Creating the Shift Weight Mastery Process 21:34 Overcoming Perfectionism 22:54 The Shift and Personal Loss 25:54 Honoring Parents and Ancestors 28:57 Creating a Community and Legacy 37:41 The Shift Program Details

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts and Loss podcast, host Julie interviews Karen DeBonis about her book 'Growth', which chronicles her family's journey through her son's diagnosis and battle with a brain tumor. Karen discusses the challenges of advocating for her son's health amidst medical gaslighting and the personal growth she experienced from being timid to a stronger advocate. Karen's insights into parenting a child with a brain injury, the ongoing journey of personal empowerment, and her collaboration with her son's psychologist to teach advocacy are explored. The episode touches on the emotional and practical struggles faced by parents and writers, offering advice on speaking up, personal growth, and the perseverance required in writing memoirs. Karen's story is an inspiring testament to resilience and advocacy. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:42 Karen's Journey: From Timidity to Strength 04:48 The Diagnosis and Medical Struggles 06:27 Overcoming Medical Gaslighting 14:16 Matthew's Current Life and Reflections 16:16 The Surgery and Long-Term Recovery 21:20 Increased Awareness and Novel Treatments for Brain Tumors 21:41 Challenges in Diagnosing Brain Tumors 22:47 The Journey of Writing a Book 23:34 The Importance of Writing Communities 26:26 Advice for Parents and Writers 31:55 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers 33:31 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, host Julie welcomes Penny Bingham, the author of 'A Gift of Grace'. Penny shares her seven-year journey caring for her husband, who lived with Lewy body dementia. Through her story, Penny reveals how she transitioned into an advocate for dementia care, studying the disease to better support her husband and eventually becoming an educator for Dementia Australia. Penny discusses the challenges and subtle beginnings of Lewy body dementia, the importance of social support, and how the journey transformed her life. The episode highlights the resilience, new connections, and advocacy work that emerged from Penny's deeply personal experience with loss. 00:00 Introduction to the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast 00:26 Meet Penny Bingham: A Journey of Dementia Advocacy 02:22 The Diagnosis and Initial Struggles 04:49 Becoming an Educator and Advocate 08:51 Understanding Dementia and Providing Support 18:07 Personal Reflections and Writing a Memoir 26:10 Parting Words and Future Plans

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, host Julie welcomes Trina Schmidt, a licensed therapist and life coach, who shares her inspirational journey from an unhealthy marriage to empowering women through conscious partnerships. Trina discusses her personal struggles with self-love, depression, and finding her true self, as well as her transformation through meditation, energy healing, and setting boundaries. The conversation dives deep into the importance of self-awareness, managing thoughts, and the power of visualization and action in creating fulfilling relationships. Trina also talks about her initiative, 'Time in Tuesdays,' which helps women prioritize themselves and find inner peace after major life changes such as divorce. 00:00 Introduction to the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast 00:13 Meet Trina Schmidt: A Journey of Self-Discovery 01:52 The Quest for Self-Love and Awareness 04:56 Challenges and Growth in a New Country 12:31 Finding Home Within 14:39 Empowering Women Through Coaching 29:39 The Power of Community and Support 37:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, Cheryl Marita, a hospice nurse with 57 years of experience, shares her profound insights on how loss can transform us. Marita discusses her book 'Touching the Veil: End of Life Stories through the Eyes of a Hospice Nurse,' which took 10 years to write and was recognized as a finalist for the New Mexico Arizona Book Awards. The conversation covers the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care, the importance of being present, and the valuable lessons Marita has learned from her patients. She also explores the significance of planning and communication in end-of-life scenarios, along with touching stories that reveal the hidden gifts found in loss and the preciousness of life. Cheryl says: "I published "Touching the Veil: End of Life Stories through the Eyes of a Nurse" in 2022. It took me 10 years, hundreds of revisions. I didn't know how to write in 2012, so I had to go back to college and earn my Certificate of Creative Writing at Santa Fe Community College. I think the spirits of my patients pushed hard to get the book written. I realized I have lived a privileged life. Being with hundreds of people at their bedside as they died, being with their families is far different than the accepted death denial of our culture. The spirits of my patients kept pushing me to share our stories. The book has been well received, and now it's a finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona 2024 Book Awards! In 2016, when I retired from nursing leadership full time, I had the opportunity to start a palliative care program in our local hospital. Palliative Care is what many of our elders need yet few know about. To bring that information to readers, I began a weekly blog on my website, morselsofmarita. It's free and has had great reviews from over 800 readers." 00:00 Introduction to the Hidden Gifts of Loss Podcast 01:53 Cheryl Marita's Journey and Book 03:17 Experiences and Lessons from Hospice Work 10:50 The Profound Story of Bob 18:51 The Transition from Hospice to Palliative Care 23:40 The Importance of End-of-Life Planning 26:29 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts