We have built a relationship that I hope serves as a strong foundation for our children. We work side by side, we communicate openly, and we ensure that Jesus remains a guiding light in our family. Kent and I strive to find humor in the midst of challenges, and while we’ve faced our share of heartbreaks, that humor has helped us cope. I have experienced moments of deep pain, and I know Kent has, too. But despite the struggles, he chooses me every day. His strength and gratitude for our family inspire me every day. I know we all express love in our unique ways, and I try to give my all in everything I do. I often think about how proud my grandmother would be of what we’re creating. In our family, we emphasize that we don’t have “his” and “mine,” only “ours.” Each day is a journey with our blended family, but the love that binds us is undeniable. Living alongside Kent fills me with a sense of joy and connection I’ve never known.
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Welcome to the Raven Root Apothecary!
The story of how The Raven Root came to be isn’t a simple one; it’s filled with emotional challenges that have deeply influenced how Kent and I navigate our life together. A few years ago, our lives were turned upside down in ways we never imagined, and through that experience, we learned how to rebuild and move forward, one step at a time. I discovered the transformative power of self-love, which allowed me to begin healing some old wounds I had carried for so long. Unexpectedly, I also found a profound love with Kent that has brought me a sense of peace and joy that I never thought possible. I learned the importance of letting go of my expectations and loving as if I had never been hurt before. For much of my life, I struggled with a feeling of not belonging. But now I understand that home isn’t a place; it’s a person. When people see Kent and me together, they can feel the love radiating between us.
In late 2023, we received some much-needed good news: my dad had beaten colon cancer. We knew the road to recovery would come with its challenges, but that little glimmer of hope meant the world to us. Just a short while earlier, I had lost my grandmother after her long battle with Alzheimer’s. That loss was deeply felt, and even though we grieved, it also felt like a relief to know she was finally at peace. Yet, even as we celebrate victories, we carry the weight of the empty space she left behind. Then came 2024, a year we hoped would be OUR year, filled with joy for our family and friends. But life handed us more challenges than we anticipated. We faced heartbreak through death, divorce proceedings, custody battles, and cancer. Just when it seemed like things might settle, my dad received another diagnosis: a serious liver cancer. Then, only weeks later, my mom was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer. It’s impossible to put into words the pain my parents have endured, and the battles ahead are daunting—not just for them, but for all of us as a family.
As we move forward into 2025, we know that the fight continues. The emotional toll of divorce is often underestimated; it has profoundly affected me, Kent, and our entire family. I can’t say I’m the same person I was last year or even a few months ago. My six kids mean everything to me, and when they’re not with me, I feel incomplete. Adjusting to a 50/50 custody arrangement is tough on everyone. The holidays don’t feel the same, even though we try to co-parent as harmoniously as possible. It’s exhausting for all of us; we’re just trying to be the best moms, dads, sons, daughters, partners, and employees we can be. When people ask how I keep a smile on my face and maintain a positive attitude, I’ll admit that I have many tear-stained days. What keeps me going is my faith. I trust that even when the world feels overwhelming, God is still with us. If it’s not good yet, then He’s not done—He makes all things beautiful in His own time.
Through all of these experiences and trials, The Raven Root was born. Our journey began with a desire to make healthier choices influenced by our experiences with Alzheimer’s and cancer genetics. This exploration led us to seek better options for our skin, recognizing it as the largest organ that absorbs so much. In a lighter moment, my family and I shared with my brother-in-law, the legacy of Hughes Ranch, that we would happily take all the less-desired cuts of beef because I had so many ideas brewing. While navigating logistics, I began night classes to earn my Naturopathy Practitioner License. After completing my coursework, I started experimenting with various recipes for soaps, lotions, balms, and much more. And now, here we are, excited to share our passion with you! Welcome to The Raven Root Apothecary! We’re so glad you’re here to join us on this journey.