When I started writing my column, “What’s Possible,” a month ago, I asked readers to share their own life-changing experiences.
I’m not surprised to see there are amazing and inspiring things happening right here in the Dayton area.
Today I’m sharing the stories of two local women who followed their hearts during a challenging time and found a way to help other people and themselves.
Deep love of animals blossoms into career
Dear Daryn: As I was preparing to "retire" from my government job (I had been informed my position was being eliminated), I felt panicked about my future. In this challenging economy, would a 60-year-old woman be in high demand for employment?
I searched my mind for a passion to follow and realized that my love of animals could be a new focus for my life.
I had loved my golden retriever puppy, Princess Isabella Hope, from the moment she smiled at me. But like many dogs, she suffered from allergies. Veterinarians performed numerous tests and treated her symptoms, but a real cure eluded us.
Seeing my sweet dog in pain motivated me to research natural remedies to ease her discomfort. Three years ago, I started consulting by phone with a pet nutritionist in California, and Belle’s road to recovery began. I found diet and supplements that immediately improved her health.
Using these principles of nutrition and wellness, I decided to develop holistic items that enhance my dog’s life and hopefully help other dogs.
On July 22, I launched www.HappyDogGoodies. etsy.com on Etsy, a marketplace for handmade and homemade items.
I make things like fabric collars made of soft breathable cotton with a sachet of dried lavender sewn into the neckband. Lavender is safe and gentle, antibacterial, anti-itch and calming, I learned.
My Aaahhh Aromatherapy dog bandanas seem to help my Princess sleep more soundly, stay calm during thunderstorms and ward off her skin problems. I’ve also developed low-fat dog cookies made with wholesome and organic ingredients (no wheat, corn or soy).
Since our launch a few months ago, HappyDogGoodies has served canine customers in six states. And a portion of every sale goes to an animal rescue organization.
I know now my goal is to make every dog a Happy Dog.
— Tricia Huls, Dayton
Dear Tricia: I can relate to your story so much. Losing my job was also a wonderful opportunity to start a whole new chapter. I'm also an animal lover: a three-legged cat, a rescued four-legged dog and three chickens!
So, thank you for the great way you are creating and giving back for our furry and feathered friends. And, thanks for showing all of us that it’s never too late to make a difference! Such great inspiration!
— Daryn
Unexpectedly making a difference
Dear Daryn: I have known for 11 years that I am living an inspired life through my career, but sometimes we all need a reminder.
Here’s a story that helps me remember that — and that keeps me focused on a daily life that I hope serves others and that always gives me more than I give.
I am a registered nurse who delivers the Nurse Family Partnership through the Help Me Grow Brighter Futures program in Dayton. I visit low-income pregnant women as well as moms and their children in their homes.
This program is nationally recognized and is based on more than 15 years of evidence-based research.
Dealing with an empty nest is a challenging time in anyone’s life, but it’s been a roller coaster of emotions for me. My 20-year-old son has been in college for over a year and plays football at Ohio Northern University.
My son and I were unable to share his 20th birthday as he was too busy with studying and football. I was feeling blue because for the first time I wasn’t making his favorite dinner or cake. I felt sorry for myself the entire day.
I arrived to my client’s home feeling low. She lives in a small home with her mother and several brothers and sisters.
Her young brother met me at the door and announced that this day was his birthday. He was excited because he was going to the store after I left.
The visit went as planned, and I left the home. On my way out, I found the young boy sitting outside, his head between his knees.
Not crying, he said, “I don’t get to go to the store.” He said all he wanted for his birthday was a bag of chips.
My heart broke and of course I planned to go get that bag of chips.
But then I realized I had a piece of chocolate cake in my car that I had meant to eat with my lunch that day. I am a chocoholic and can’t believe that on this day I hadn’t eaten that piece of cake!
I gave the boy a hug and the cake. I told him I appreciated how much he helped me with my frequent visits and what a good boy he always was when I was in the home.
The quiet boy cried and so did I. He said he had never had a birthday cake on his birthday.
As I drove away with tears streaming down my face, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the boy eating the cake with chocolate frosting all over his face. He smiled and waved.
I realized that if I couldn’t share my son’s birthday that I had been meant to be there for another young boy, who needed me and my cake.
I believe God put me there for the boy and for myself. Even on the days when I feel like I might not make a difference in my clients’ lives, I make a difference for others through the grace and guidance of our Lord.
— Jennifer Jones, Dayton
Dear Jennifer: Yours aren't the only tears in your story. I had wet splashes coming down my cheeks as I was reading. Thank you for sharing. You remind me that we need to talk more about reinvention, about creating that next chapter of our lives.
Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as moms re-creating how they give and nurture once the kids grow up.
On a sweet note, I’m a freak for birthday cake, so I get the great joy you brought that special boy on his birthday. Thank you for the important work you do with these moms and the joy you spread. I know your son must be so proud.
— Daryn
Share your inspirational stories
Keep these stories of hope and encouragement coming.
If you have a story to tell, please write to me at Life@DaytonDailyNews.com
Please include your name, hometown and a phone number where you can be reached. Please also include “What’s Possible” in the subject line.
Daryn’s column will return to the Dayton Daily News next Sunday, and you can always find her stories of hope and encouragement online at DarynKagan.com.
Daryn Kagan is the creator and host of DarynKagan.com, an online community that features a daily Web cast of inspirational stories that show what is possible. The former CNN anchor and news reporter is the author of “What’s Possible! 50 True Stories of People Who Dared To Dream They Could Make a Difference.”
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