Kari was the first person (outside of my family) that I interviewed for The Just A Mom podcast.  I’ve known Kari for many years. She is the wife of my oldest son’s high school football coach. My son was very close to him, and his tragic and early death in 2017 rocked our community. 

Kari is one of the many parents who have called me over the past few years because her daughter was suicidal. was also an early encourager of the Just A Mom podcast.  Grief is a big part of her story as she lost her dad at a young age. Kari has chosen to use her pain and experience as a young widow to help others as a professional grief coach (https://karidriskell.com/). In our conversation Kari shares her daughter’s mental health journey and some of the ways losing her dad at such a young age impacted that.

Kari shared with me that her daughter is doing well.  She’s on track to graduate early, is working as a nanny and plans on getting a regular job in the fall. She’s driving, writing, reading, and gaming. AND Kari’s daughter still has depressive spells. I think this is just another reminder that for so many this is a life-long journey.