Why did I call my blog “Making Lemonade?” Well, last year ended pretty awfully and this year has started off pretty crappy with a cancer diagnosis in the midst of a global pandemic. Yes, life has dumped out a big-ass bucket of lemons into my life. This blog is my effort to take those lemons and turn them into something useful — like a big pitcher of ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day. But, I am getting ahead of myself. Let me start at the beginning . . .
2019 ended on a very sad note with my father passing away suddenly only five days before Christmas. We moved my mom and her dog to our house to figure out next steps since everyone was unprepared for my dad’s death. Despite the uncertainty around what would come next for my mom and how we would juggle her affairs in Utah while living in California, I had high hopes for 2020.
After 19 years as the California Director of Defenders of Wildlife, I left in February to launch my own advocacy consulting business. Earth Advocacy is my next chapter. I felt brave and proud (and a little scared) to take the leap from employee and state director of an amazing environmental group to solo business owner. I think some people thought I was a little nuts, but I would be disappointed in myself if I did not have the courage to take a chance on me.
Who knew 2020 was going to start off by punching me in the gut and then drop-kicking the entire planet? Shortly after leaving my job — you know, the one with paid sick leave, health care for my whole family, and a steady paycheck — I was diagnosed with triple positive invasive breast cancer (Estrogen Positive, Progesterone Positive, and HER-2 Positive). That was quickly followed by the onset of a global pandemic that has resulted in everyone — the high school student, the college student, the husband, my mom and myself — living and working at home under quarantine. Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up.
After hosting a pity party of one, I decided to launch this blog as part of my fight to nuke the cancer in my body, overcome the fear of the unknown, reclaim my health, and maintain my sanity. I thought to myself: when life hands you lemons, you could just whine about how sour they are or you can make something wonderful with them — like lemonade. I am choosing to make lemonade and I am inviting you all to come along with me.
Hopefully, my posts will keep folks informed about my progress to wellness, what I am thinking about and how I am feeling (so it’s therapy for me), and sow seeds of positivity during a time in which all of us are feeling anxious, fearful and unsure.
Making Lemonade 
Love the sunny lemon imagery. Spring blossoms always make me smile and the contrast of all this new seasonal life with the seriousness of what we’re all confronting right now seems particularly stark. You’re strength and wisdom give me hope. Take care, dear Kim. (Virtual) hugs to you.
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Correct email
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I am the journey with you always ❤️. Love you. Fighting with you and for you. Let us know what ever you need.
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We are your tribe my friend and are here for you and your family! We love and and know you’ve got this!
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I’m so sorry to learn of your unimaginable challenges and loss but sharing your diagnosis allows friends and family to pray and support you. It’s scary and there are dark lonely moments but all who know you love you and share in your fight to recovery. Blessings to you and your family.
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ALF was my life preserver. It sounds like the blog is yours. I’m up for riding shot-gun for you. Take care.
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You are one of the most powerful an fierce fighters I know. You have fought for wildlife for years. Now you can use that same drive to fight against this disease. I know along the way you will educate us all. You should remember it is okay to ask for help. Because as before, you are not in this fight alone. We are here for you. Luanne and Jeff
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Oh Kim, I am so sorry to hear this. But you are so strong and will pull through this. I have had a similar experience: leaving Defenders, mom had a stroke, died this January after four tough years and now this pandemic. Husband’s business is dead in the water at this point. I am still working consulting, but who knows if new business will be on its way in this state of affairs we live in. Peace to you. Cindy
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Oh Kim, first let me say I am so sorry about the loss of your dear Daddy. It seems that you never had a chance to grieve his loss and I hope the wonderful memories you shared together will help you through this difficult time and may his memory be for a blessing. I think it is terrific you are blogging and I love the title making lemonade. I try making lemonade out of lemons and I am sure through this journey you will find a lot. Your cancer news was so shocking and I am so sorry. You are a very strong woman and you will get through this with the love and support of your darling Chris & your family and friends. Now the virus to make life more challenging. In your theme you are lucky you have such a loving “container” in which to surround yourself as you go through this tough time. Thinking of you and glad you were so brave and open to let people in
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I am so happy you’ve taken on this project and that you’ve invited us all along to participate with you. There will be days when blogging will lift you up and set you free, and others when you’ll find it a daunting and difficult task. In both those times, it’ll be therapeutic and worthwhile and I can’t wait to read what your journals hold along the way. Love you dear friend. Sending hugs.
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We may be a state away but we are with you.
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Kim, you are such a brave soul and an inspiration in my life. Thanks for sharing your story with us and for doing so with a good dose of Kim D humor in the midst of all the craziness.
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Look up. The birds will bring your spirits up. They love you. So do I. You are a big part of the reason there are birds there when you look up.
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I love this.
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Kim, just learned about this from Maurice. I am saddened but very inspired by your attitude. What else would I expect? Brenda and I are here for you. If you need anything, just ask.
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