Motherhood can often feel like it defines us entirely—especially when navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
In part 1 of this raw and honest episode, Hillary shares her journey of grappling with her identity beyond being “Mom” and finding a sense of self outside her primary caregiving role. Together, we explore the challenges of identity crises in motherhood, the emotional weight of balancing love and hardship, and the importance of rediscovering joy as a person first and a parent second.
Keep up with Hillary & Esme 🤍
Website: https://www.thecutesyndrome.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hillarysavoie/?hl=en
Substack: https://hillarysavoie.com
Find Heather and Jake’s Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio
FIND HEATHER & JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN ⬇️
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Connect with us on social media:
• Heather’s Instagram
• Jake’s Help from Heaven
• Jake’s Help from Heaven IG
• Facebook
• Our YouTube Channel
Keep scrolling for the episode transcript.
Checkout our other episodes
Losing a Son to Rare Disease: Parental Isolation & Grief
“When you’re a rare parent, it’s not just the disease—it’s the loneliness, the constant feeling that no one really gets it. And when your child is gone, that grief is even more complicated. Jack taught me so much. I want other parents to know they’re not alone.”
What It’s Like to Lose Your Best Friend at 18
“She was supposed to be here for the birthdays, the firsts, the little moments that feel big. But she’s not—and that’s the part that never stops hurting.”
Why I Quit My Job to Grieve My Parents’ Deaths
“I realized I’d never actually stopped to grieve. Not after losing my mom, my dad, or my marriage. So I quit my job and took a year to do it. That time changed everything—and now I’m helping others do the same.”