#HASHTAG

#HASHTAG

EDITED BY DUSTIN O'REGAN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

For Winnetka resident KIM MELANCON, supporting Willow House is personal. After unexpectedly losing her 2-year-old son in 2003, she was looking for ways to support herself and her then 5-year-old daughter, Rachel. Thankfully, she found Willow House, a local nonprofit organization that provides no-cost bereavement services for children, teens, young adults, and parents who have lost a parent (spouse), child or sibling. The death of a parent, sibling, or other important person in a child’s life is one of the most frequently reported disruptive childhood experiences. Through Willow House, Melancon found the support she needed for herself and her young daughter. Such a loss makes children feel very alone and different, and Willow House’s Peer Support Groups provide children with a safe and compassionate space to express their feelings and interact with others who share a similar loss. After their first meeting, Rachel said to her Mom, “When can we come back? I love it here!” Those words were music to Melancon’s ears. Loss is very isolating, and the friendships made through Willow House help families get through dark times. Today, Melancon is giving back to Willow House as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary. A member of the organization’s commemorative gala committee, she is delighted to promote the services of and raise funds for Willow House. The 25th Anniversary Gala will be held Saturday, May 20 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Winnetka Community House. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit willowhouse. org/25thGala

# ON MY NIGHTSTAND

Here and Now and Then by Michael Chen. Mr. Chen tells a remarkable story about a man torn between two lives, one in the present and one in the future. The premise was fascinating and the story quick paced with great characters. The many twists and turns made it hard to put down.

#ON MY MOBILE

On my phone is NPR’s Fresh Air. I find listening to the stories of others very inspirational. Everyone faces obstacles throughout their life, and this show is a powerful reminder that we do not know what a person is going through and what they have overcome. It sheds light on the importance of living empathetically.

#IN MY EARBUDS

I love podcasts. I’m a dedicated listener of the Daily by The NY Times. Each episode delves deep into one current daily event. I’m also a fan of This American Life, which incorporates traditional journalism built around a plot—such as when they reported on putting a band together from musicians’ classified ads.