There's me on the right.
My good friend, Amy Tippins, asked me to use my first RockScar Love blog post to introduce myself and give you a peek into who I am. Actually, I’ll start with a story about how we met. Amy and I became connected through the world of organ donation and transplants. Although our lives have taken us down drastically different paths, we share similar thought patterns and personal style.
Growing up in the majestic mountain town of Durango, Colorado. I got married 2 months after my high school graduation at the delicate age of 18. As I reflect on life, as we all do, I see distinct blocks of time that mark phases of growth. At each point I made mistakes, learned lessons, and overcame obstacles I never thought possible.
Scars and My Quest for Peace
My posts will take you, our readers, on journey that involves an eclectic look at my experiences and my scars. I have both physical and emotional scars; I embrace them and frequently reflect upon each one. These scars help me to navigate my future in my quest for peace.
I’m the mother of 8 children; three were born with congenital heart defects. So, my kids and I share this common thread that has directed what I do in life. But, heart defects don’t define who I am.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed other people face and overcome unbelievable challenges. I’m looking forward to penning my experiences and sharing them with you. I hope you find something here and there that might help you handle the everyday issues we all face as well as any less common challenges.
A Day in the Life
Typically, I spend my day getting my daughters ready for school and making sure the three teens have supplied me with the information I’ll need to plan the week. This helps to ensure I’m not derailed by surprise cheerleading squad meetings, trips to the mall, and school projects.
While they attend school, I work on laying the foundation to further the mission of The Pediatric Heart Association. Each new day brings excitement and holds potential for great things. Although I do try to take some time for myself, such as getting a pedicure, pleasure reading, or visiting friends, my soul thrives on activities that can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Written by Catherine Grinnan @cathygrinnan
Catherine Grinnan your sassy everyday mother of 8, business woman and blogger living life at wharp speed. Catherine has a charity called Pediatric Heart Association that was formed because of the life experience of having 3 children born with Congenitial Heart Defect. Catherine and her daughter, Hannah, speak on a regular basis about heart disease, organ donation and how love can get you through anything. Catherine’s favorite past times are mani/pedis, her grandchildren, and learning new cheers that her 3 teenage daughters are practicing. You can contact Catherine through LinkedIN
[...] mocked and bullied me because of my illness. I’m not sure that I will ever fully heal from the invisible marks that experience left upon my inner being. Perhaps part of me will always feel like an outsider, [...]