The ups and downs of life can happen all at once. I’m getting married to @toddjawesome next week and I’m so happy and excited about it. I’m also going through the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. In May, shortly after @toddjawesome and I got engaged my Dad was diagnosed with ALS. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the disease, it is terminal. ALS patients lose muscle function causing them to lose the ability to walk, move, talk, breathe and swallow. Watching my dad go through this is devastating. My parents have been married for almost 50 years. My mom has taken on the role of care taker for my dad who is more than twice her size. This has been overwhelmingly emotionally, physically and mentally draining for her. It has also taken an enormous toll on their financial situation. They’re using the retirement that my parents were meant to live off of for the rest of their lives leaving them in a horrible position. If you are able, please consider giving to the go fund me my sister and I set up for them. (Link in bio) Every dollar is a huge blessing. I am getting through this by cherishing every second I have with my Dad. This situation has opened us up to some beautiful, connecting moments that I don’t think I would have had otherwise. There truly is light in the darkest of times and soaking up that light when I can is getting me through. Concentrating on the good has always been a huge part of my message, and has never been more important for me. You don’t have to ignore the bad and push down painful feelings to see the good. Just like the ups and downs in life, they can exist at the same time.
The ups and downs of life can happen all at once. I’m getting married to @toddjawesome next week and I’m so happy and excited about it. I’m also going through the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. In May, shortly after @toddjawesome and I got engaged my Dad was diagnosed with ALS. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the disease, it is terminal. ALS patients lose muscle function causing them to lose the ability to walk, move, talk, breathe and swallow. Watching my dad go through this is devastating. My parents have been married for almost 50 years. My mom has taken on the role of care taker for my dad who is more than twice her size. This has been overwhelmingly emotionally, physically and mentally draining for her. It has also taken an enormous toll on their financial situation. They’re using the retirement that my parents were meant to live off of for the rest of their lives leaving them in a horrible position. If you are able, please consider giving to the go fund me my sister and I set up for them. (Link in bio) Every dollar is a huge blessing. I am getting through this by cherishing every second I have with my Dad. This situation has opened us up to some beautiful, connecting moments that I don’t think I would have had otherwise. There truly is light in the darkest of times and soaking up that light when I can is getting me through. Concentrating on the good has always been a huge part of my message, and has never been more important for me. You don’t have to ignore the bad and push down painful feelings to see the good. Just like the ups and downs in life, they can exist at the same time.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” My dad quoted those words to me as we sat in the ER Sunday night talking about Dickens. He was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a possible heart attack, which is a leading cause of death for ALS patients. We’re spending this Thanksgiving in the NNICU soaking up every minute with him, thankful that our family is still whole for now. I’m so thankful for @toddjawesome who slept on the ER floor while I stayed up all night with my dad so my mom could sleep. He has worked in the hospital Starbucks for days so I can sit with my parents and know he’s there when I need him. He has been my rock and emotional support through the hardest time of my life. I am so thankful for his love for me and my family. Our engagement and wedding were two of the happiest moments in my life. I’m so thankful we have those happy memories amidst the painful ones. I’m so thankful for my sister @_jfbender , her husband @on_a_bender_c and my incredible nieces and nephews. The importance of family has never been more palpable and I have never been more thankful for their presence. I’m so thankful for our best friends, @leebot64 and @whitneygreene and the love, support and fun they bring to our lives. I hope anyone who reads this will be reminded to never take your loved ones for granted, to never forget that the best and worst of times can exist together and to always look for beauty in times of sadness.
04/06/55-01/02/25 Our hearts are broken. I will always miss him. Every time I hear a song he played, every time I see Snoopy, hear a dad joke or watch a movie we quoted together my heart will ache. I was so lucky to have him as my dad and to have known his love. There is truly no one else like him. There is relief that he is no longer suffering. But the void left in my heart without him will never be filled. . Thank you to everyone who loved and supported us through this excruciating process and gave to the GoFundMe. Your love and generosity means the world.
04/06/55-01/02/25 Our hearts are broken. I will always miss him. Every time I hear a song he played, every time I see Snoopy, hear a dad joke or watch a movie we quoted together my heart will ache. I was so lucky to have him as my dad and to have known his love. There is truly no one else like him. There is relief that he is no longer suffering. But the void left in my heart without him will never be filled. . Thank you to everyone who loved and supported us through this excruciating process and gave to the GoFundMe. Your love and generosity means the world.
04/06/55-01/02/25 Our hearts are broken. I will always miss him. Every time I hear a song he played, every time I see Snoopy, hear a dad joke or watch a movie we quoted together my heart will ache. I was so lucky to have him as my dad and to have known his love. There is truly no one else like him. There is relief that he is no longer suffering. But the void left in my heart without him will never be filled. . Thank you to everyone who loved and supported us through this excruciating process and gave to the GoFundMe. Your love and generosity means the world.
💔 “This movie made me grieve, never having had what I wanted to have at the time I needed it.” 💔 🎥 The Substance (2024) didn’t just mess with us—it held up a mirror. In this raw and unfiltered bonus episode, Natalie shares her journey through self-worth, body image struggles, and the brutal reality of society’s obsession with “Beauty.” 🔥 From childhood insecurities to navigating the toxic pressures of the entertainment industry, and even uncovering the dark side of fitness competitions, Natalie dives into how the movie unearthed deep, unresolved fears about aging, worth, and identity. 💡 What to expect: The societal cost of “pretty privilege” The heartbreak of chasing an unattainable ideal The empowering (and terrifying) message The Substance delivers about self-acceptance ✨ If you’ve ever felt trapped by society’s standards or wrestled with your sense of worth, this conversation will hit hard. 👉 Full video exclusively on our Patreon (link in bio). Don’t miss Natalie’s closing message—it’s one we all need to hear. 💬 . .. … …. #TheSubstance #DemMoore #Horror #HorrorMovies #beauty
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
“Let me be the first one congratulate…us.” This week’s hottest movie is… Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. (and we are joined by Todd’s WIFE @nataliereneekirk). This movie has everything: outrageous musical numbers, fire-spewing pianos, Russian heartthrob singers, and elves—yes, elves. If you love catchy songs with a side of quirky romance, you’ll adore the over the top songs that make Eurovision so special and a murder to epic that Josh Hartnett had to be involved. Listen now: Linktr.ee/RomancingThePod What did you all think about our episode on Eurovision? . .. … …. #Podcast #moviePodcast #ComedyPodcast #Movie #RomancingComedy #ComedyPodcast #Romance #RomanticMovie #Eurovision #WillFerrell #RachelMcAdams #DanStevens #PierceBrosnan
