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

Listening to the Heart-Whispers to Find my Why and Live a Life with Purpose (Part 3 of 3)

by Caitlin Bangsund | Aug 14, 2020

Is Your Why Hiding In ‘The Pause?’ It has always been in the pause and stillness that I have heard the whispers of my heart. There is such power in a pause — Pause to be more present. Pause to hear what your heart is whispering. Pause to find the ability to persevere...

From Childhood Cancer to Life Support: Looking for Hope in the Darkness – Part 2 of 3

by Caitlin Bangsund | Aug 4, 2020

Macey sits on a pedestal of authenticity and delight. Her best day is today. She reminds us to press on — to conquer — and she leaves a trail of magic in her wake. We are sometimes haunted by what was the scariest part of Macey’s cancer journey. In 2014, Macey was...

I Found Reasons to Keep Going (Treasures) in the Rubble and Gloom – Part 1 of 3

by Caitlin Bangsund | Jul 31, 2020

My daughter Macey is confetti and sequins.
She survived dark, gloomy shadows and came out as a glitzy gladiator who is equal parts fierceness and delight.
Her story is exceptional. So is she.