Kimberly Wencl

I am a 56-year old wife and mother living in Minnesota. My life changed on 9-20-03 when my 20-year old daughter, Elizabeth, died very tragically, very suddenly, and very unexpectedly. My daughter's death set me on a path I could have never imagined for myself. And, I am still on that same path today, over seven years later. In 2009, I retired from my job in the business world of 35 years. I now write and speak at every opportunity, in addition to volunteering at my church and in my community. I have had my true stories published in these magazines: Midwest Caregiver 12/08; Angels on Earth 10/09; You Need Never Walk Alone, 3/10; Campus Firewatch 10/09. My story is also included in the book, True Stories of Messages From Beyond by Julie Aydlott & Friends. My website is entitled, Love Lives On. I am also a writer for the website Owning Pink. (http://owningpink.com),and I have been a guest writer for the website FemCentral (http://jenniferlshelton.com, and Triumph of the Spirit (http://bolstablog.com). In addition, I have done several pieces on TV and radio. You can reach me through http://kimwencl.com.

Articles:

Open to  hope

Celebrating a Daughter’s 30th Birthday, Without Her

I breathe a sigh of relief today… as I write this it is the last day of September, 2013. I love the September weather and the move to Fall. But […]

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Open to  hope

Deceased Offers a Gift for Grandpa

I was excited as I awoke early that Sunday morning. Today all of my plans and preparations would come full circle. In a short while we would begin to celebrate […]

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Open to  hope

Wake Me Up When September Ends

In a few short days, the month of September will be upon us.  As I type these words, I can physically feel my stomach flip-flopping and a knot beginning to […]

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Open to  hope

After Hospice Experience, Woman Volunteers

I had been thinking about becoming a hospice volunteer for a while.  It would come to me as a passing thought every now and then. I would consider it for […]

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Open to  hope

Butterflies Offers Sign from Beyond

We buried our 20-year old daughter, Elizabeth, on a bright, sunny, warm September day. If only that sun would break through the shock and disbelief of what that day brought.  […]

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Open to  hope

After Someone Dies, Can We Still Live in Joy?

It was September of 2003, and my daughter, Elizabeth, who had just turned 20, was beginning her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota.  During the early morning hours of […]

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Open to  hope

Bright Spots in the Midst of Pain

I was numb as I sat in the chair between my husband and my father. I could hear the funeral director talking. I could see his lips moving, but nothing […]

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Open to  hope

Deceased Daughter’s Recovered Letter is Invaluable to Mom

It was August 30, 2006, and there it was.  The article on fatal off-campus house fires was on the front page of that day’s edition of USA TODAY.  I had […]

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