Shownotes Transcript
Episode 18: Celebrating Our Fathers - From Laughter to Heartache and Everything In Between
Welcome to The Mirror Project!
Hello and welcome to The Mirror Project! We’re your hosts, Alexandra and Christine, and we’re thrilled to have you with us. With Father's Day around the corner, today’s episode is all about our dads. From fun childhood memories to navigating the loss of a parent and dealing with chronic illness, this episode promises a mix of laughter, tears, and everything in between.
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Dads and Their Daughters
Memories from Childhood: Alexandra shares memories of building things with her dad, going to baseball games, and how he taught her to pack a suitcase. Christine shares Adventure Guides Camping Trips, fishing trips at sea, pool play at her grandparents, and the "Tetris” game of packing the car. Not forgetting the unforgettable moments of driving with ACDC's "Hells Bells" on repeat. Alexandra talks about how her dad's MBA journey meant he was away a lot and how the relationship was one thing when he started then it changed significantly by the time he finished.
Grief & Loss of a Father
Alexandra shares about the death of her father, James, who passed away at 58 from a heart attack on a day that started as normal. From a mundane errand run to a spirit circle where she felt otherworldly presences, the day took an unexpected turn. While sadness and disbelief were profound, anger never came. She finds comfort in believing he's on his next soul journey and in the signs she still receives from him. Sharing the most challenging moments, the support from loved ones, and how she has been caring for herself.
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A Father’s Health Journey
Christine shares her dad's battle with chronic Lyme disease and its impact on her family’s dynamics. The illness brought both challenges and moments that brought them closer, including major lifestyle changes. Highlighting the time when a treatment led to emergency open heart surgery. She discusses how her dad’s illness has reshaped her outlook on life and health. The following resources and support systems that have been invaluable for her father and support for family members.
Lyme Disease Resources
Documentaries
- The Quite Epidemic, https://www.thequietepidemic.com)
- Under Our Skin, https://underourskin.com/)
Books
- Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know by Fred Diamond
- Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons by Kris Newby
- Why Can't I Get Better? by Dr. Richard Horowitz
Information for individuals with Lyme and/or family supporters
- American Lyme Disease Foundation, https://aldf.com/)
- Lymedisease.org, https://www.lymedisease.org/)
- Project Lyme, https://projectlyme.org/resource/support-groups/)
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for joining us on this heartfelt episode about our fathers. We hope you found comfort, laughter, and maybe even a few tears. Cherish the time with your loved ones and remember those we've lost. Share your own stories with us on social media. Tune in next week as we explore the world of being misunderstood.
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