EP230 + EP231 | What I Learned from Raising 5 Teens
A tribute to my friend Sarah Turner (3/9/69-3/4/24)
Every week, I receive emails from you thanking me for my work and telling me how much something I’ve said or written has changed how you live. As a younger mom, the person I would email to say thank you was Sarah Turner.
Sarah was a significant figure in my life. Her blog was one of the first I ever read as a mom of young children. I found her way back in 2008 when I had 3 kids ages 8, 6, and 1.
Her approach to parenting resonated with me, particularly her emphasis on creating a warm and nurturing home environment, slowing down the pace of life, and embracing the simple joys of ordinary days.
Her writings and our friendship deeply influenced my parenting style—everything from what toys I bought (magna-tiles!), to how I decorated my home (black and white kitchen), to where we booked a beach vacation (Seaside, FL).
I was thrilled to discover after a few years of reading her blog, that Sarah lived in my hometown, just a few miles from my in-laws! So, a few years ago, during a visit to Ohio, we met for coffee and took our online friendship to the next level.
Over the years, Sarah provided me with invaluable guidance and support through long and thoughtful emails, especially during challenging times related to my teenage children.
In February 2022, I had the privilege of interviewing Sarah on the Balanced MomCast, a two-part episode devoted to the challenges of parenting teenagers. At the time of that recording, Sarah was in remission from an aggressive form of cancer.
Sarah generously shared her wisdom and experiences, even amidst the demands of parenting six children (one of them in active cancer treatment) as a single mother after a difficult divorce.
Sadly, a few months after our interview, her cancer returned.
Sarah passed away on March 4, 2024.
I know replays of past podcast episodes are not the most popular with listeners, but I could think of no better way to honor my friend Sarah Turner than to take the time to re-air our conversation.
In EP230/Part 1 (dropping 5/16) we discuss
What Sarah learned from raising 5 teens
What she knows she got right
In EP231/Part 2 (dropping 5/23) we discuss
what to do when your teen triggers your anger,
what you can look forward to in the college years,
one thing she wishes she would have done less of,
and we tackle the whole issue of technology and screens.
More about Sarah:
When Sarah’s first baby was placed in her arms she knew there was no place she wanted to be other than home with him every day.
Twenty-seven years, and five more babies later, (six children, ages 29-11), She felt the same until the day she died. She couldn’t imagine a more challenging, fulfilling, rewarding “job” than being a mom. She saw motherhood as a vocation and she knew she was blessed beyond measure
She loved ordinary days, good books, babies, cookies, and summer. Also deep conversations, simple meals, beautiful gardens, and a clutter-free home. She shared her journey through motherhood and life on her blog from 2008 to 2023.
In 2016 she was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer called Triple Negative. The cancer relapsed at the beginning of 2023. In the middle of all of that, she also endured the devastating and traumatic loss of her marriage. She was a survivor in the true sense of the word. She realized through suffering that we don't always choose the crosses we carry, but we do have a choice every day to see the good and the blessings in our lives despite the tragedies.
Sarah chose well.
I miss her. :(
May is a little crazy, so I won’t be sending an email next week. Hang in there. Summer is almost here.
Love,
Sandy