We have been following you on Instagram for a while and saw that you shared about your brother being diagnosed with Autism, our founder Merilyn also has a brother with Autism. Can you tell us what was it like for you growing up with a sibling that is Autistic? Ah thank you!!! Yes!! (How did you know I was going to answer the last question about my brother? ; ) ) First I want to send my love to her, her brother, and family, I understand what they've been through and it really takes a lot of teamwork as a family to help a brother, sibling, whoever it may be step through the challenges that autism presents. They say that it can make or break families, but I have to say it truly is a blessing. Luke wasn't supposed to live to see even age 5, but he is the strongest most stubborn little guy. I remember when he was little he would ask for stranger's wallets and keys *insert embarrassed "OMG" emoji here.* He also thought it was funny to pretend to be an animal in church and pick bugs out of a woman's perfectly styled hair. Everyone in the pews behind us were laughing!! Not to mention how he always tries to pick up a job as a busboy anytime we're at a restaurant- he loves clearing and waiting on tables! He's created so many hilarious memories, but scary ones too. I remember while growing up I'd hear the words "he's going down" which was the cue for my family that he had stopped breathing. This would happen randomly, at any time of day because his half-heart wouldn't be able to keep up. We'd run to grab the oxygen tank, and revive him. I remember having to homeschool for a couple years because he was so fragile, if we brought even a simple cold home it would send him to the hospital. Even still, it felt like we were always in the hospital. It's humbled me and honestly brought my family closer in so many ways.
What's your biggest fear? Honestly, drowning or not being able to breathe in some way or another, I love the beach and lake life. I grew up wakeboarding, but will never trust any large mysterious body of water. They're still discovering new creatures in the ocean, I mean come on haha. Oh! Also, being afraid I'm going to look back on my life when I'm old and be upset at what I didn't do or accomplish.
What superpower would you choose to have? Ooooo I love Wonder Woman! I have a tattoo inspired by her! This one is sooo hard. Either teleportation, flying, or ice powers. I don't know why, but I've always thought ice powers were cool!
What are your three favorite songs at the moment? If I Ain't Got You- Alicia Keys, La La Land- Bryce Vine, WIN- Jay Rock
What’s your favorite movie? Elf!! Cheesy, but I'm obsessed haha
Any current books you are reading?I wish I was a reader, but I'm not. I'm the kind of person who has to re-read a paragraph three times because I start daydreaming. I am thinking about eventually creating a cookbook, just tossing that out there hehe.Currently, everyone is quarantined, tell us what have you been doing with your time?
How did you manage your stay at home time? It's actually how I started the gardening. I have about 27 house plants I think too that includes a "living wall" lol. I'm obsessed! I unfortunately hit a lot of lows in the pandemic having to file for unemployment etc. Possibly the lowest point I've hit in my life thus far to be honest, but it turned into the biggest blessing in disguise. As for many of us, it's allowed for a re-evaluation on life and goals allowing the time to craft and achieve them.
If you had to give your younger self advice what would you say? Oh wow, this is a good one. I would tell myself to listen to my gut. That little voice in your head that tells you that you probably shouldn't ignore "those" signs. Trust me, your gut is basically 99.9% right so listen to it. ALSO, don't ever doubt yourself! If you want something in life, anything is possible, so go make it happen! Even some of the closest people to you may try to get you away from those dreams, don't listen to them.