Resilient Spirits - The Courage to Heal (with Betty and Desirée Ford) - Part 2

The Joyful Flamingo

WARNING: The content in this episode contains information about someone's serious mental health struggles. If you are struggling yourself, please visit the support links in the show notes below.
Today's episode continues the conversation with Betty and Desirée Ford about their healing journey after a catastrophic car accident altered their lives in May of 2018. In this second part of the series we talk about the power of music in the hospital room, how Des re-trained her brain to make memories after experiencing traumatic brain damage, and the shifts that have happened in regards to self-image, relationships, careers, personal growth, and more. Today's show will leave you feeling an immense amount of pride for two people who you may not even know!
Time Stamps:
0:50 - Intro
2:35 - A recap of what Desirée's injuries looked like after her accident
3:40 - The healing power of music and the role it played in the hospital room
6:15 - When Des spoke for the first time after 4 months of no speech
11:35 - What the hardest part was for Des to swallow when she woke up from her coma and the surgeries that felt the most difficult
16:29 - Memories - what came back, and how Des had to learn how to create new ones amidst still struggling with her mental health
21:35 - How Des' relationships were affected and what they look like now
28:50 - Des' connection to herself and how her self-image and self-love transformed over the years
31:00 - How Des is using her beautiful body as a canvas
34:38 - The bittersweet feeling of being at the end of her surgery road
36:36 - How Des views the world now having gone through what she did
37:39 - Betty talks about her 'paling' as a caregiver and how her own personal growth journey came out of this tragic accident
40:30 - Life now!! Des chats about her job that lights her up as much as dance used to, and what plans she has for post secondary in the upcoming months
45:25 - Advice from the Ford women for the flock on how to live your most vibrant lives
Mental Health and Addiction Support Hotline in Ontario
1-866-531-2600
Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 9-8-8
Click here for other helplines and supports related to mental health and addictions in Canada
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The Joyful Flamingo Podcast is produced by jpvoiceovers.
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*DISCLAIMER*
Just a reminder, that I am not a medical or psychological professional. Each one of my episodes has been inspired by my own experience and journey through life and is brought to you through my own opinions and my own lens. Any suggestions or advice offered here do not substitute proper conversations with your own healthcare professionals for either your physical or mental wellbeing.