First, Brush Your Teeth

Send us some LOVE!

When Lisa Espinoza said goodbye to her son Chandler as he left for work on his BMX bike in December 2018, she had no idea that casual "I love you" would be their final exchange. Hours later, a call from the hospital began an 18-day journey that would end with the unthinkable—the loss of her vibrant, adventure-seeking 23-year-old son to catastrophic brain injuries.

Facing grief's crushing weight, Lisa made a remarkable choice. She began writing—first on CaringBridge to update loved ones during Chandler's hospitalization, then continuing daily for a full year after his death. This practice became both her lifeline and eventually her book, "First Brush Your Teeth: Grief and Hope in Real Time," offering readers a raw, unfiltered journey through early grief without the retrospective polish most memoirs contain.

Lisa's perspective on grief challenges conventional wisdom. She shares how her family has preserved Chandler's presence in their lives, speaking his name freely and naturally at gatherings. When her young granddaughter (whose middle name is Chandler) recently asked innocent questions about "fixing" the uncle she never met, it triggered another layer of grief—watching her children and grandchildren process this profound absence. Yet these painful moments coexist with Lisa's powerful message that joy remains possible even after devastating loss. Wearing a ring inscribed with "WWCD" (What Would Chandler Do), she reminds herself that truly honoring her son means embracing life rather than creating a mausoleum of grief.

Whether you're navigating your own grief journey or supporting someone who is, Lisa's compassionate wisdom offers a roadmap for putting one foot in front of the other. Start with the simplest self-care—brush your teeth, then perhaps get dressed, maybe take a walk. These small steps, taken day after day, become the path forward through unimaginable loss. Reach out to Lisa through her website for grief coaching or simply to connect with someone who truly understands.

Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
[e-mail]
Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve
Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve
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To Reach Lisa:
Website: 
First, Brush Your Teeth — Lisa Espinoza - Author, Coach, and Speaker

 
Credits: 
Music by Kevin MacLeod 

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve

The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.