In February 2022, I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend, Sarah Turner, on the Balanced MomCast, a two-part episode devoted to the challenges of parenting teenagers. At the time of the recording, Sarah was in remission from an aggressive cancer, but sadly, a few months later, the cancer returned, and she passed away on March 4, 2024.

Sarah was a significant figure in my life. Her blog was one of the first I ever read as a parent of young children. Her approach to parenting resonated with me, particularly her emphasis on creating a warm and nurturing home environment, slowing down the pace of life, and embracing the simple joys of ordinary days. Her writings and our friendship deeply influenced my parenting style.

Unbeknownst to me when I first started reading her blog, Sarah lived in my hometown, just a few miles from my in-laws. A few years ago, during a visit to Ohio, we met for coffee and took our online friendship to the next level.

Over the years, Sarah provided me with invaluable guidance and support through long and thoughtful emails, especially during challenging times related to my teenage children. I was thrilled when she agreed to be a guest on my podcast in 2022. Sarah generously shared her wisdom and experiences, even amidst the demands of parenting six children as a single mother after a difficult divorce.

I know replays of past podcast episodes are not the most popular with listeners, but I could think of no better way to honor my friend Sarah Turner than to take the time to re-air our conversation. 

What we discussed in Part 2

• what to do when your teen triggers your anger,
• what you can look forward to in the college years,
• one thing she wishes she would have done less of,
• and we tackle the whole issue of technology and screens.

More about Sarah adapted from her blog about page:

When Sarah’s first baby was placed in her arms she knew there was no place she wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty-seven years, and five more babies later, (six children, ages 29-11), She felt the same until the day she died. She couldn’t imagine a more challenging, fulfilling, rewarding “job” than being a mom. She saw motherhood as a vocation and she knew she was blessed beyond measure.

She loved ordinary days, good books, babies, cookies, and summer. Also deep conversations, simple meals, beautiful gardens, and a clutter-free home. She shared her journey through motherhood and life on her blog from 2008 to 2024.

In 2016 she was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer called Triple Negative.  The cancer relapsed at the beginning of 2023.  During this time, she also endured the devastating and traumatic loss of her marriage. She was a survivor in the true sense of the word.  She realized through suffering that we don’t always choose the crosses we carry, but we do have a choice every day to see the good and the blessings in our lives despite the tragedies. 

She chose well.

LINKS (Some may be affiliates)

From this episode:

Read Abbey’s tribute to her mom here.

From every episode: 

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Blog post and graphics by Sophia Lebano

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