115: Unbreakable Spirit: Loretta Carey's Journey of Resilience and Compassion

Previous Episode: 114: From Diagnosis to Transformation: Maggie Fisher's Journey with Cancer

Next Episode: 116: Losing a Twin with Tasha Cram

Welcome to Rock Your Shine: After you’ve been cracked wide open. On this show, I sit down with people from all over the world to hear their transformational stories on their deep grief and loss journeys.

Loretta has a remarkable story of such profound trauma and deep resilience that she's going to be sharing with us today. She is a mother of one grown son and four beautiful grandchildren. In her professional life, she is now retired, but she has been a certified nursing assistant since 1978. And she now volunteers her time at the Veronica Smith Center in Brighton, Massachusetts, working with the elderly.

For hobbies, Loretta enjoys baseball, football, hockey, and she loves to swim. Through these activities, she has discovered a sense of empowerment and a refreshing escape from life's challenges.

Join us as we dive deeper into Loretta's story, learning about the transformative power of resilience and the importance of finding purpose and strength in the face of adversity. Loretta's journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder that no matter what obstacles we encounter, it is within our capacity to rise above and redefine our lives.

Tune in to this captivating episode as we uncover the stories that shaped her, the lessons she has learned, and the wisdom she imparts to all who have the pleasure of hearing her speak.

**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources.

Listen in as we talk about:

[1:40] The start of her story in childhood and foster care

[3:45] Being sexually assaulted as a child

[7:55] Was she in therapy during these traumatic times?

[9:50] Quitting school and getting into drugs and alcohol

[11:45] Her life on the streets at 16

[16:05] Trying to get clean

[21:50] Rebuilding her life and insight into her faith

[27:35] Oracle reading by Susan

[28:55] Her outlook as formed by her experiences

[30:50] What is her truth

[34:45] CNAs and having patience with the elderly