Reflecting on Shantelle's triumphs

Episode 1 notes, commentary, and extras

Amazon has many admirers, but maybe none as zealous as the chronically ill and bed-bound. Despite her health challenges, my wife Becca still had a way to shop. When she could no longer move her arms or look at screens, I took over.

At this point we’ve assembled our own general store: A pile of various odd-shaped pillows in one corner, a rack of obscure supplements in another, and even a collection of the retailer’s first true love - impulse purchase books.

Our orders are routinely stacked by the door to Becca’s room, and I retrieve them when it doesn’t seem too disruptive to let a little light in. You can imagine my surprise last month when, among the “Prime”-covered boxes, I found a package with real, human handwriting on it.

It contained various inspirational notes, bracelets, and a pair of the softest, warmest socks you’ve ever touched. All from Shantelle, someone I had only recently met.

When I decided to start What Doesn’t Kill You, Shantelle was one of the first people I hoped to interview. I had to find out how she instinctively knew to reach out in that way. I’m very grateful that she accepted.

If you haven’t listened to her story yet, be sure to do so here. And, if you want to help give psych ward patients the same, moving gift that Becca and I received, try getting involved in Shantelle’s Christmas Socks for Hope project.

After listening to Shantelle and I’s conversation on repeat for a week, I wanted to share some reflections with you on how to stand tall in the face of What Doesn’t Kill You…