About

“It takes strength to make your way through grief, to grab hold of life and let it pull you forward.” ~Patti Davis

And when we allow life to pull us gently forward, unexpected miracles and people appear to help us in many ways. I’ve experienced a very deep, painful loss, and I found some amazing resources (people, books, guidance) that helped me move forward.

I’m Donna J Davis, and I live in Tucson, AZ, with my husband, Bill, and our two doggies, Dobby and Basil.

As a lifelong learner, writer, spiritual teacher, music lover, business consultant, wife, mother, doggie mama, personal growth junkie, dancer anytime great 80’s music plays, and a wanna-be beach dweller, I’ve reached the point where I’m comfortable with who I am.

Yet I am a completely different person today at 70 than I was in my 30s and even 50s. We all grow and change as we age, but some events rock us to our core.

An indescribable loss

In the summer of 2022, I learned that my then 28-year-old son, Liam, had cancer. (I had accepted my health history of cancer, but Liam was far too young to battle this disease.)

The picture on this page is of Liam and me in April 2019. His gift for my 65th birthday was a mom-son trip to Ocean Beach, CA (his favorite place). We had a fantastic time by the ocean, and I will cherish that trip forever.

I never could have imagined that a short three years later, I would hear that Liam had colorectal cancer that quickly advanced to Stage 4.

I nicknamed Liam “Sunshine” when he was young because that was his essence. As he grew up, his smile, sparkling eyes, caring heart, and infectious laugh always touched those around him.

The 11 months leading up to his passing in April 2023 were indescribably painful – both for him physically and me emotionally. He made the hard decision not to undergo chemotherapy as that would only extend his life – it would not save it. (And the treatment would have been brutal.) He went on home hospice that September.

He was my best friend, and my fondest memories are when we laughed so hard we snorted and couldn’t breathe. Unlike some losses, he and I had time for many, many long talks. We even binge-watched all seasons of “How to Get Away with Murder” (Viola Davis was one of his favorite actors).

Toward the end, we pulled out all the Disney movies he loved as a kid. He would watch a few minutes of them until he drifted off to sleep from the profound fatigue. It was so hard watching him suffer, but I was able to be right beside him.

Liam was a gifted writer and artist who encouraged me to do what I love – write. Liam wanted me to move forward and live my best life. This blog is one way to honor him. It also is a way to pay it forward to anyone struggling with grief and loss.

If you have lost a child, I hope that my journey and resources will help you navigate that extremely painful road. I’ll share on these pages how I was able to move forward.

Happiest person he knew

Liam used to say that I was the happiest person he knew. He said I should write a “Dear Abby” column because he appreciated my nuggets of wisdom (and that came from a millennial).

I look for the positive in everything (even when I can’t see it initially in hard situations). It took a long time before I could see anything positive about Liam getting cancer and dying so young.

I ask for guidance and look for lessons. Then, I take action (even small baby steps) to change my thinking, diet, or reactions.

I consciously choose to be happy and always to be grateful.

Since I don’t think there’s an opening for another “Dear Abby,” I’ll share what I’ve learned and hope you find my writing worth the read.

This blog isn’t about minimizing the painful losses or health struggles you have or have had. I empathize with whatever you are facing.

Additional perspectives and resources

As we age, we go through many experiences – some joyful, some heart-breaking, some fun; some push us far beyond what we think we can handle. What I’ll offer here are resources to help you look at all that happens as we age from another perspective.

I have gone from feeling like I was in a black hole I would never be able to climb out of to being at peace and creating a life I enjoy and love. I’ll share my journey on loss and grief to extend my virtual hand to help lift you.

Staying stuck in painful grief is not a healthy way to live. It ages all who travel that road. (The past two years took its toll on my health, but I am learning how to reverse that.)

So, while I’ll talk about loss and grief, I KNOW Liam did not want me to stay stuck grieving. Even though he is not physically here now, he wanted me to pursue my dreams. This was not the time to give up and wither away.

I’ll share what I’m reading and learning about controlling how fast you age (if you choose to make specific changes).

I’ll add information on how we can choose healthier ways to nurture all aspects of ourselves as we age.

Here are seven fundamental principles that I prioritize every day:

Life is short. Enjoy every moment and the people you love because you do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Don’t worry about the small stuff (and it’s ALL small stuff).
Trust The Universe/God/Source. We are constantly protected and guided – even when life seems to suck (and even when life events make it hard to trust in anything).
Go after your dreams no matter how old you are.
Make a difference – a smile, a compliment, a random act of kindness. These can change someone’s life – even if you don’t see the result.
Laugh! A big belly laugh is one of the best ways to heal.
Find something to be grateful for every day.

I’ll share lessons and resources that have helped clarify my purpose after Liam’s passing, express joy again, tap into more abundance, and improve my mind, body, and spirit.

You are in the right place if you’re ready to take even the smallest step to move forward while doing something good for your body, mind, and soul.

The resources, books, products, and apps I share are ones I use or have researched to help you live a more meaningful, joyful, and healthier life with those you love.

Thanks for reading! And if I can help in any way, please email me.