What would you do if the doctor told you your newborn son would be blind for the rest of his life? Or as a mom, finding out that your son was a heroin addict? Kristin Smedley & Mary Fran Bontempo had to answer the big questions in life when their children forced them to change direction, and shift all hopes and dreams. "This is a parent's worst nightmare, and I was living it." If you are a parent, this is a heartwarming episode on resilience, parenting, and learning to shine despite every setback possible. How these two souls found each other to do the work they do, it a gift from above. Authors of Brilliantly Resilient: Reset, Rise & Reveal Your Brilliance! Kristin and Mary Fran will make you laugh and cry at the same time. https://brilliantlyresilient.net/ About Kristin Smedley With two of her three children born blind,Kristin Smedley was thrown into a mother’s nightmare with her dreams for her sons’ futures torn apart. Determined that her boys would become productive, vital individuals, Kristin dove headfirst into uncharted waters to equip her sons with the skills and tools they needed to build successful, happy lives. Kristin partnered with Comcast to encourage and promote equipment for the visually impaired, testified before the FDA for legislation for better services for the blind, founded a non-profit for genetic disease research, delivered a TEDx talk centered on setting Extraordinary Expectations, and wrote a book showing both blind and sighted readers the possibilities that exist with imagination and determination. Kristin’s boundless energy and generous spirit allow her to carry her message of empowerment and hope to audiences beyond the blind community through her motivational speaking and programs. Find her at:www.kristinsmedley.com. About Mary Fran Bontempo Mary Fran Bontempois an award-winning 2-time TEDx speaker, author, humorist and podcast host who teaches audiences to uncover their brilliance and resilience 15 minutes at a time. A sought-after presenter, Mary Fran is author ofThe 15 Minute MasterandThe Woman’s Book of Dirty Words and co-founder of the Brilliantly Resilient LIVE show and podcast. Mary Fran proves small changes can create life-altering transformations, allowing individuals to be positive and successful in a rapidly changing world. A Huffington Post, Thrive Global contributor and columnist for numerous websites, Mary Fran created a life-affirming brand of wisdom and wit after meeting the challenge of her son’s heroin addiction. A frequent media guest and speaker for corporate, faith-based, and educational organizations, audiences of all ages delight in her empowering and entertaining message. Find her at:www.maryfranbontempo.com. Awakened Nation Host: Brad Szollose: Fueled by the passion to ignite game-changing conversations, award-winning author Brad Szollose created Awakened Nation—a podcast dedicated to deeper conversations with today's cutting edge entrepreneurs, idea makers and disruptors, bestselling authors, activists, healers, spiritual leaders, professional athletes, celebrities and rock stars...conversations that take a deep dive into the extraordinary. This podcast will challenge your beliefs and make you think. Think Art Bell meets Joe Rogan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/awakenednation/support