In this episode of the Sendy Mom podcast, host Becky Brouwer has a conversation with her good friend, Gretchen Hymas. They explore themes of family dynamics, the challenges of growing up in a large family, the importance of acceptance and trust in parenting, and the journey of navigating grief after the loss of a child. Gretchen shares her experiences of raising independent children, and learning what matters most. The conversation emphasizes the significance of love, support, and resilience in motherhood, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys with authenticity and hope.💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚👉🏼https://www.instagram.com/sendy.mom/👉🏼https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566350172042👉🏼https://youtu.be/5wuul-wQnZY👉🏼https://sendymom.com/2025/02/17/discovering-what-truly-matters-with-gretchen-hymas-feb-17-2025/What you’ll Hear:♛ Being a Sendy mom is about trying new things and embracing adventures.♛ Growing up in a large family comes with unique challenges and responsibilities.♛ Parenting involves accepting children for who they are and supporting their choices.♛ Grief can change perspectives on what truly matters in life.♛ It's important to praise effort over outcome in children's achievements.♛ Building strong relationships with children requires open communication and trust.♛ Traveling can provide valuable life experiences and broaden perspectives.♛ Lessons learned from parenting can be passed down to future generations.♛ It's never too late to start over and make positive changes in life.♛ Embracing imperfections and being real is essential in motherhood.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:19 Family Dynamics and Upbringing04:59 Childhood Experiences and Lessons Learned07:21 Parenting Philosophy and Challenges09:35 Commercial Cleaning: Teaching Children to Help Out10:57 Forming Relationships of Trust with Your Children12:50 Teaching Important Lessons in Effort to Your Children15:06 Raising 15 Children15:37 Reflections on Life and Legacy20:39 When a Child Passes Away - McQuen Hymas26:22 Midway28:46 On Being a Grandparent31:23 Dreams of Travel During Retirement32:32 Navigating Judgment and Societal Expectations36:50 The Importance of Trust and Support38:33 Learning to Listen and Let Go40:34 Why is Gretchen Sendy?: According to her Children42:54 The Things That Matter Most48:49 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahThe Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine RiversLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GramsWounded Warrior ProjectInternational Women’s Day LuncheonSendy Mom Scuba Certification InformationMeet my Guest:Meet Gretchen Hymas, my good friend and neighbor. Gretchen is spunky and a little irreverent. I love her quirky sense of humor and deep spirituality. She is thoughtful and embodies what it means to be a minister. She is completely loyal to her family and friends. I have witnessed the fierce love she has for her children and you’ll hear it from her in this episode. Beware if you get on her bad side or hurt one of her children. You will feel her fire! She doesn’t put up with unkindness. The way she accepts reality and moves forward makes her a Sendy Mom. I am grateful to know her and you will be too.

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