Looking for Glitter in the Muck

Caitlin Bangsund

Bonjour, I’m Caitlin

I’m not French, but I dream of going to Paris. And of a world where we find delight even in the hard moments of life. I would like to invite you to meet Marvellous Macey, my daughter. She is the girl I didn’t know I always needed.

Love is dangerous and beautiful. I write to understand it. And to unravel grief and search for hope. I want to encourage you to press on, one tiny step at a time. The tiny steps count.

About

From My Diary To Your Inbox

Someone once told me that I "reek of authenticity." While I'm not quite sure how to patent that fragrance, I can promise you this: I'll be showing up sporadically in your inbox with stories that will make you laugh, cry, and often sigh with relief because you'll think, "She does that too?!" or "Good, I'm not the only one," or even, "She's WAY worse than I am!"

And, always, I'll be the whisper that reminds you just how much the tiny steps DO count.

What Others Say

"I can honestly tell you that when I feel defeated or am struggling through something I think of you and all your family has overcome and I find so much positivity and inspiration. I feel like I should thank you for that - you are simply just a very bright light and as you say in your story - you were meant to have Macey as yours - you were built for it!!!!"

~DD

"Caitlin will be releasing a children's book soon that is not only based on my niece's incredible journey to date, but adds representation that is much needed in children's literature. Teacher and educator friends, you're going to want this in your library.”

~ LC

"Macey is a remarkable girl with a miraculous story.”

~ TH

"Thanks for the inspiration Caitlin. Our family thinks of all of you often and we talk about Macey a lot. Whenever the kids feel like things are too much, I just say, ‘Remember Macey -- if she can be strong, so can you’ and it always pulls them through. She is indeed an inspiration to so many - and as her courageous Mama, by sharing your writing, you help us find our way forward too.”

~SR

Blog

I Will Do A Lot For A Reward

by Caitlin Bangsund | Sep 27, 2020

Franks hot sauce and I go way back. Same with me and cookie dough (and pie, bread, or muffin dough too). I had a friend bring pie dough and pie filling in two separate bowls to a Christmas party once. Even if we were the only two weirdos who thought it was...

Can We Share The Hope And The Heavy?

by Caitlin Bangsund | Sep 24, 2020

I don’t just carry the trial and trauma of Macey’s fight in my heart. There was a day in September 2016, during active treatment, where I was able to articulate the heaviness of carrying other families' stories in my heart too. Macey was having treatment. She wasn’t...

So You Want To Be A Supermom?

by Caitlin Bangsund | Aug 21, 2020

First of all, if you’re just a regular mom, you ARE super. It’s dang hard at the best of times. Throw in loud, sticky, incessant interrupters who want screen time and give you grey hairs, and that takes the cake (and smashes it on the left side of your cheek). We ask...