69, I Did the Best I Could

As an only child who was born on her dad's 40th birthday, Dani spent 9 years with her best friend. Dani fondly recalls her dad, Bob, pulling her out of Kindergarten to watch track practice for the Indianapolis 500. Now, the race is a family staple and Dani looks forward to gathering with her uncles each May to watch.

After Bob passed, Dani had 3 more years with her mom, Linda. They spent most of those years battling Linda's cancer while grieving. Dani was by her mothers side when she left this Earth. She was then forced to navigate life as a Parentless twelve year old.

As a byproduct of being Parentless, Dani went to live with her Uncle Dick and Aunt Lila. As if losing one set of parents isn't enough, Dani would eventually experience the loss of her aunt and uncle by the time she was 27.

Dani discusses her family, kissing the bricks, divorce, heavy lifting, her job as a health coach, not having an emergency contact, and so much more.

Dani's Advice to her younger self:

"Sit in the sadness. It's not going to last forever, but it will feel a lot longer if you don't do it now."

Instagram: @lovexodani

Book Recommendation by Dani:

Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

This conversation was recorded in February 2022.

If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donate

Instagram: @grievingisbreathing
Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com

If you'd like to help donate to Tim Harris' project while becoming a part of the Parentless Podcast Patreon crew, visit here:

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Additional production and music by Ian Releford.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: parentlesspodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069
You are not alone.