Change is inevitable, but… Change is an inevitable part of any journey, and it’s with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Abby and Elise. Abby has left us to pursue an exciting new position at a local museum, and Elise is moving on to new opportunities. While we will miss them both, we are […]
New Beginnings: How to Embrace Change and Strengthen Your Caregiving Team Read More »
Old Friends and New Memories It was one of those perfect summer evenings when the air was just perfect—warm with a gentle breeze reminiscent of a simpler time–a more innocent time. Mikelle, Liz, and I decided in May to get these tickets at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion for a beach-like concert featuring the legendary sounds of
Catching a Wave at Levitt Pavilion with the Ladies Read More »
Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and coming together as a community. It represents the freedom and independence that we all cherish. I think Mikelle embodies the true spirit of community, resilience, and the American desire and opportunities to achieve your dreams. For many years, our family has celebrated Denver’s 3rd of July
Independence Day with Mikelle: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience Read More »
Celebrating Mikelle’s Birthday in the Shadows of Her Grandma’s Home This summer, Mikelle celebrated her birthday at the home of her brother Kasey and his wife Allison, once her beloved Grandma’s house for sixty-two years. Although it marked the second birthday without her Grandma, gathering friends in the revitalized backyard breathed new life into the celebration.
A Tale of Two Celebrations: Mikelle’s Memorable Birthday Bash Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
It Starts By Listening to the Dream Mikelle Learned’s story is a testament to the transformative power of home ownership, particularly for individuals navigating life with disabilities. Despite facing challenges, Mikelle’s journey illuminates the possibilities that Section 8 assistance offers in achieving this dream. In 2004, Mikelle let her community and her family know she
Embracing the Beauty of Home Ownership Through Section 8 Read More »
Most of us experience a conflicting relationship with time. Time continues to be both the adversary and the giver of great gifts. As the world speeds up, our relationship with time becomes more conflicted–especially as we grow older, especially if we are caregivers and people who have lived experience with disability. Many of us operated
Nuturing a Loving Relationship with Time Read More »
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »
Is the aging caregiver crisis just around the corner? Her passing set in motion a cascade of decisions that triggered deep thought about my passing and preparation for when, as one of my fellow special needs parents says, “We fall off our perch.” The Problem. In the U.S. today, there are nearly one million households
Will the Pioneer Generation become the Generation in Crisis? Read More »
A Beautiful Gift Arrives In the fall of 1983, I lived in a nice-sized three-bedroom home in a southwestern suburb of Denver. My father, a general residential contractor, had built many homes in the neighborhood. My then-husband and I purchased this house in 1979 while I was pregnant with my son, Kasey. It was
Shining Beautiful at 40! Read More »
