On October 5th 2010, my son, SrA Daniel J Johnson was KIA in Afghanistan. Daniel was an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal aka bomb squad) Technician in the United State's Air Force. Since that day my calling has been to live my life in every way possible to honor the immeasurable sacrifice of my beloved son. For me, that means serving other families of the fallen, and the veterans who come home; honoring their incredible sacrifices by living a life worthy of all that has been given so generously. It also includes assisting others who are walking in grief to find hope, meaning and purpose following tragedy and loss.
I have discovered that joy and peace not only return after the most tragic and traumatic loss imaginable, but actually increase along with meaning and purpose through lessons learned in grief, and I now encourage and hope to inspire others who are learning to live with grief, through storytelling and public speaking.
Working with The Heroes Journey (THJ) as their Gold Star Ambassador, and Storytelling Coach are the most meaningful opportunities I have ever had to serve others. Three of my greatest heroes are Lt Col (Retired) Scott Mann, his amazing wife Monty Mann, co-founders of THJ, and my husband Michael Staudacher who is my biggest sounding board and North Star; keeping me grounded, focused and secure.
Before each deployment, after saying, "I love you", my son would tell me, "I'm going to save lives mom." As an EOD Tech, this was his mission. Now, as the last stanza of the poem In Flanders Fields directs us to, I am taking up his quarrel with the foe. Our foe is not currently the Taliban, as was his, but instead it is suicide in the aftermath of a disastrous end to that 20 years war. I am not disarming bombs to save lives, but I am dedicating my life to whatever it takes to fight that foe by bringing hope, inspiration, and healing to our wounded warfighters who came home and to the families of those who like my son, did not come home.
Having worked as an RN and a Social Worker for decades, in both criminal justice, drug court and as a director of a Women's Shelter in Madison, WI, I have extensive experience working with individuals who have been misunderstood, and disregarded as valuable members of our society. I have always been passionate about providing hope for people who don't experience much compassion from our society in general.
People who have taken the Oath and served our country, deserve the most appreciation, compassion and passion we can possibly give.
We can never repay them for their enormous sacrifices, but we can show them appreciation, offer them hope and healing and most of all, welcome them home with love.
