Our Silent Angels' Testimonials
Sharon Ann:
Being a caregiver for my husband is something that I do because I love him. It is so natural. However, getting a break for a day was rejuvenating. I hope this foundation becomes well funded so many caregivers can have a day of respite.
This wish experience meant a great deal to me. It not only gave me time away from my responsibilities, but it gave me a total spa relaxation. Spending the day with my friend who is a widow gave me time to share things that only caregivers understand. My wish expectations were more than met! The quality of the facial and massage were outstanding as was the food. I was surprised that Louise met us at the hotel. The basket of gifts for my friend and me was another unexpected surprise..
Cheryl:
I often think about the amazing “Wish” Joy Thru Tears fulfilled for me. Life has gotten back to MY normal but I continued to bask in the wonder of and value of what you have shown me. I now understand the importance of self-care and my need to continue doing it on a regular basis. This will allow me to care better for my sons, my husband and the other individuals who need my help. It is easier to care for others when you are rested.
During my massage, my thoughts went to “how do I relax”? Then I started to think of all the things I needed to do (guilt). At the end of the massage those thoughts were gone.
The yummy charcuterie luncheon, sparkling apple cider and the wonderful time with my sweet niece definitely nurtured my body, soul and spirit and gave me great rest; one that I didn’t realize how badly I needed. I am truly grateful to you for this gift of Self Care!
Julie:
It actually felt pivotal -like I now have permission to spoil and give to myself. It sounds like the perfect thing to say, but it’s really true. The last several years, I have been intentionally cultivating self-compassion and replacing my inner self-critical voice with one of encouragement and kindness. True self-care starts there. I felt like my 24 hours of pampering was a reward and validation of all my inner work as well as my giving to others.
Last weekend was pivotal in another way as well – it put an exclamation mark on my life as a mom to Garrett and Ryan. They were everything to me. Mothering for me meant giving every ounce of myself to them (a bit off balance, but my heart is my heart), and it kills me inside to not be able to physically demonstrate it to them anymore. My mind knows that they are always with me in spirit, but my heart doesn’t want to live without them, without giving a part of myself to them. This feeling is so strong today – it just makes me cry.
Caregiving for anyone else isn’t quite the same, but it fulfills my desire to give back to others what I have learned along the way. It reminds me of how I gave as a mother, and maybe how I can continue to demonstrate my love for Ryan and Garrett.
So for me, caregiving is a continuance of my mothering, with proper boundaries of course. I think its a beautiful thing, and now my heart feels comforted.
Sharon Ann:
Being a caregiver for my husband is something that I do because I love him. It is so natural. However, getting a break for a day was rejuvenating. I hope this foundation becomes well funded so many caregivers can have a day of respite.
This wish experience meant a great deal to me. It not only gave me time away from my responsibilities, but it gave me a total spa relaxation. Spending the day with my friend who is a widow gave me time to share things that only caregivers understand. My wish expectations were more than met! The quality of the facial and massage were outstanding as was the food. I was surprised that Louise met us at the hotel. The basket of gifts for my friend and me was another unexpected surprise..
Cheryl:
I often think about the amazing “Wish” Joy Thru Tears fulfilled for me. Life has gotten back to MY normal but I continued to bask in the wonder of and value of what you have shown me. I now understand the importance of self-care and my need to continue doing it on a regular basis. This will allow me to care better for my sons, my husband and the other individuals who need my help. It is easier to care for others when you are rested.
During my massage, my thoughts went to “how do I relax”? Then I started to think of all the things I needed to do (guilt). At the end of the massage those thoughts were gone.
The yummy charcuterie luncheon, sparkling apple cider and the wonderful time with my sweet niece definitely nurtured my body, soul and spirit and gave me great rest; one that I didn’t realize how badly I needed. I am truly grateful to you for this gift of Self Care!
Julie:
It actually felt pivotal -like I now have permission to spoil and give to myself. It sounds like the perfect thing to say, but it’s really true. The last several years, I have been intentionally cultivating self-compassion and replacing my inner self-critical voice with one of encouragement and kindness. True self-care starts there. I felt like my 24 hours of pampering was a reward and validation of all my inner work as well as my giving to others.
Last weekend was pivotal in another way as well – it put an exclamation mark on my life as a mom to Garrett and Ryan. They were everything to me. Mothering for me meant giving every ounce of myself to them (a bit off balance, but my heart is my heart), and it kills me inside to not be able to physically demonstrate it to them anymore. My mind knows that they are always with me in spirit, but my heart doesn’t want to live without them, without giving a part of myself to them. This feeling is so strong today – it just makes me cry.
Caregiving for anyone else isn’t quite the same, but it fulfills my desire to give back to others what I have learned along the way. It reminds me of how I gave as a mother, and maybe how I can continue to demonstrate my love for Ryan and Garrett.
So for me, caregiving is a continuance of my mothering, with proper boundaries of course. I think its a beautiful thing, and now my heart feels comforted.
Keiry:
After you revealed that I would be receiving a Wish from Joy Thru Tears Foundation, it dawned on me that while giving away all of my time to care for others, I forgot to think about how I needed to care for myself. Big things! Not goals, but adventures. I’m always close by and available to anyone who needs me and although it gives me great satisfaction to meet the needs of others, I understand the importance of filling one’s own cup. Louises, your spark is inspiring! I look forward to this experience, and also to learning about your journey and how it led you to this.
Brianne:
Just being nominated for a Wish, let alone receiving the gift, meant the WORLD to me! 15 years of caregiving for others and I could not be more honored. What an amazing validation! This kind of work can be wild, fun, physically challenging & often times heartbreaking. Louise and Joy Thru Tears Foundation showed me how much value I have in this world! This weekend was so much more, than an experience of a lifetime! Every detail was planned perfectly and I will never forget it. I’m filled with gratitude.
Keiry:
After you revealed that I would be receiving a Wish from Joy Thru Tears Foundation, it dawned on me that while giving away all of my time to care for others, I forgot to think about how I needed to care for myself. Big things! Not goals, but adventures. I’m always close by and available to anyone who needs me and although it gives me great satisfaction to meet the needs of others, I understand the importance of filling one’s own cup. Louises, your spark is inspiring! I look forward to this experience, and also to learning about your journey and how it led you to this.
Brianne:
Just being nominated for a Wish, let alone receiving the gift, meant the WORLD to me! 15 years of caregiving for others and I could not be more honored. What an amazing validation! This kind of work can be wild, fun, physically challenging & often times heartbreaking. Louise and Joy Thru Tears Foundation showed me how much value I have in this world! This weekend was so much more, than an experience of a lifetime! Every detail was planned perfectly and I will never forget it. I’m filled with gratitude.
TO THE WORLD YOU MAY BE ONE PERSON…
BUT TO ONE PERSON YOU MAY BE THE WORLD!!
Travis, a Puget Sound native, is a corporate lawyer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Travis is deeply committed to his community. In addition to serving on the Pierce County Library Foundation Board, he dedicates substantial time each year to help local nonprofits. This includes revising corporate governance documents, drafting applications for exemption from federal and state taxes, and other related services. When not practicing law, Travis loves spending time with his wife and four amazing children.
Amy Jahn brings a unique perspective to the Foundation as she has a 37-year-old son with Down Syndrome. She has been an advocate for people with disabilities for decades at both state and local levels. Amy co-founded Down Syndrome Community, a nonprofit support group for parents throughout the Northwest. She has recently retired from the Auburn Valley YMCA after managing Community Outreach, Member Enrichment and Event Planning. Amy has a degree in Business Finance and prior to her son’s birth, worked for the Bank of America in lending and Business Outreach.
Born in Renton, Washington, Jonathan grew up locally and graduated from Kentlake High School in 2019. He has worked in both the public and private accounting setting and is currently a Staff Accountant at Rauch Industries, Inc. Jonathan is confident that his attention to detail, organization, and knowledge gained from being in the field will be a strong asset to the Foundation. In his spare time, He is a licensed soccer referee and coaches for a local high school. Jonathan is looking forward to reaching as many lives as possible through the Foundation’s message.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Louise has been a native of Washington State for the past 37 years. She attended business college and the University of Ottawa, and her experience in the business world is extensive. Over the past 28 years she has built a very successful direct sales organization while raising her children Joshua and Leah.
She is founder and President of this non-profit organization and is currently writing a book called “The Gift of Great Sorrow”. This is a memoir of her journey raising her two children who were diagnosed with a terminal progressive illness at the age of six. Louise has many passions including volunteering for Make A Wish Foundation and the local food bank and she loves to travel around the world to understand and experience cultural diversity. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, entertaining, cooking, swimming, and has hiked several Caminos in Europe.
Born in North Hollywood, California, April graduated from North Park University in Chicago with a B.A. in English and a Psychology minor. She has lived in the Seattle area since 1978. April has been employed at the City of Renton for 20 years. She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, a position she has held since September 2005. She volunteers at her local church and feels called to help people as they encounter loss and grief. April is confident that her interpersonal, research and analytical skills will be an asset to Joy Thru Tears Foundation and their mission. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, scrapbooking and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter.
Daniel Wirth has been with the Red Cross since 2014 and has served as the Executive Director for the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the American Red Cross since January 2020. Prior to the Red Cross, Dan worked for the Peace Corps of the Dominican Republic and has also been a consultant for GrassrootSoccer in China, South Africa, El Salvador and Jamaica. Dan is an active member of Tacoma Rotary 8 and also volunteers with Tacoma Rescue Mission and Health and Hope Medical Outreach. Dan has a heart for people in all walks and situations of life and is excited to recognize and honor caregivers through the foundation.
Born in San Leandro, California, Rick has been in Washington State since 1977. He achieved his Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration at Argosy University in Seattle. In his 30+ years as an educator, Rick’s career includes roles as a Developmental Preschool Teacher, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Principal, and currently serves as a school district Director of Special Education, as well as a University Clinical Supervisor. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Harbor Connections, a children’s advocacy center in Grays Harbor, and previously served on the Board of Directors of Driftwood Players Theatre. Rick enjoys reading, music, sporting events, live theater and has been an Actor and Director in many theatrical plays. He is the father of 4 amazing adult children and 6 precious grandkids. He is a lifelong learner who supports children and adults in developing resiliency while they build their own positive relationships within families and community. He marvels at the synergy created when people work together to serve children and families. Dr. Bates’ is honored to serve the Joy Thru Tears Foundation as a Board Member.
“Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in areas of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.”
Luke is a talented multimedia specialist with over a decade of professional experience creating impactful content. He spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as an award-winning multimedia specialist and three years creating healthcare-related videos for active U.S. Military, veterans, and their families as a government contracted videographer.
Luke founded Moyer Production Co., specializing in content creation, photography, video production and graphic design services. He is always seeking to push creative boundaries.
He is a loving husband and a proud father to their precious daughter Maxine. They share their home with two furry companions. He is honored to serve on this board.
Angie has been an independent home care provider since 2001. Caring for her grandmother at a young age, Angie understands the value of people receiving care in their own homes. Her purpose is to support her clients in area of personal, physical, emotional, and social ways that can help them maintain dignity and independence. As a dog walker, Angie enjoys her time with her 4 footed furry clients. She volunteers at Camp Promise as a counselor and at various MDA events.