Melanie

Michele and I talk about her mother and grandmother and I wish we've could've been sitting on the porch watching the sunset, while chitty chatting. I saw an incredibly beautiful story that her mother had posted online, and I wanted her to share it with y'all. 

Marion  and I met in 2010. We both worked in downtown Nashville at Puckett's Restaurant.  A decade later, I still keep in touch with some of the people that I knew there. That's restaurant life for sure, but especially, that's Nashville.  As I write this, I am aware that the Nashville flood happened 10 years ago in May. The attitude of the city was a lot like it is now, even though I haven't lived there in almost four years. I know it to be true. The horrifying storm that tore North and  East Nashville apart, and killed several others in West Tennessee and Cookeville, brings so many emotions up for me, and even though at the time we recorded this, we are just rambling on, talking about teens, talking about mothers, babies, husbands, music and life, I will cherish this, because when I listen to it, I can feel the passage of time.  I can see young girl Marion sitting at the bar, eating a burger, laughing with that giant smile, and kindly way, and knowing way back then, she was good people.

In the first episode of Season 2, Robin talks to life coach and nurse, Stephanie Jackson.   It is not lost on me that today, as I read about the sentencing of movie producer Harvey Weinstein in Vanity Fair, it is a new era for victims of sexual assault.  Stephanie and I discuss how to navigate your life in the wake of predatory events, that pushed aside may set you on a different trajectory all together.  Although, the messages are important for teens and young women and men, the subject matter isn't appropriate for small children.

This week on Mother May I we talk to Zoe and her mother Stephanie.   Knowing how to let go of a strong mother daughter relationship and grab hold in a whole new way, is something we all hope for, something I hope for with my two girls who headed off to college a couple months ago. Discussing the ins and outs of finding  independence as a young person, in part by beginning college life on the other side of the country.  I spoke to someone the other day about college, and he said "sometimes the parent's don't want their kids to leave, just as much as the kids might be afraid to go far away." I don't begrudge someone for their choice to go to school close to their parents, or choose a different path other than college altogether, but I believe there are benefits and new perspectives to be had, which we won't see unless we let them take that leap. Thank you for listening and please subscribe and leave a review. If you would like to have a conversation on Mother May I and have a story that needs to be heard, please email me at [email protected].

Today on Mother May I, Louise talks about her mom and the beautiful world they have in common. Singing.  Something I can talk about all day long. Louise is an amazing musical theatre actress currently starring in the role of Olivia's mom, and she's really good at motherhood, taking time for self care and  working at her makeup biz! Don't forget the Karaoke nights with her husband Andrew, who I like to refer to as Prince Charming.  If you would like to check out Louise's Younique makeup site, you can find her at www. younique.products.com/LouiseGerhards or send her an email at [email protected]. 

Luke Yankee is the youngest son of the brilliant character actress, Eileen Heckart. It was such an honor to talk with him about his mom, his life growing up in Connecticut, his transition from actor to director and playwright, as well as keeping with the theme of Mother May I, a personal look into life with the Oscar winning, tough talking lady he called mama.   You may learn more about Luke's work at www.lukeyankee.com and find his memoir, Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing up with Eileen Heckart here! https://www.amazon.com/Just-Outside-Spotlight-Growing-Heckart/dp/0823078884 Please leave us a review on itunes and all the other platforms, and please let me know if you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it! [email protected]. https://www.facebook.com/mothermayIpodcast/ and join our facebook page for more information and episodes to come.

This is a story about the village of people who bring the light and love into adoption.  It's about Melanie's moms, and serendipity.  If you would like to share your story, please contact me at [email protected] or on the Mother May I Facebook page.

Alice was born and raised in Fort Worth Texas, the youngest of three daughters, only nine months older than her brother. The relationship with her mother Margaret was not an easy one, and only when she became a mother to three girls herself, did Alice's perspective change. We talk about forgiveness and what it takes to choose to evolve. Thank you for being patient with the little bit of feedback on this episode. Texas is a long way! This episode isn’t for younger kids.

I met Marley a few years ago at an open house of all places. We became friends as you do, instantly with some people. I wanted to share her story first as I knew it was a bittersweet,  beautiful one, and I knew she would be brave enough to share it.