The podcast continues to grow in ways I never imagined, and it means a lot that you’re here walking alongside me in this new chapter.
✨ Last Week’s Blog + Podcast News
This past week, I shared my first blog post here on Parade Deck! It was all about the quiet sacrifices that come with military life, the kind that slowly chip away at your identity as you’re constantly supporting someone else’s mission.
If you’ve lived or loved someone in the military, I hope it resonates. And if you listened to Episode 9 with Liz Davis, you’ll recognize the theme. It lined up perfectly with her story.
If you’ve already listened, please let me know what you thought! And if you haven’t yet, I really hope you’ll check it out. Our conversation didn’t feel like an interview, but more like two retired military spouses sharing truths that often go unspoken.
🎧 Episode 10: Melissa Thicklin
Now, onto this week’s episode, dropping Friday, July 4th!
Melissa is a friend I met through virtual volunteering with the nonprofit It’s a Military Life. She’s been following Hidden Chapters since the beginning and has been sharing with everyone since day one.
When I invited her to be a guest, she excitedly agreed, but truly didn’t believe she had much of a story to tell.
And that’s exactly why I started this podcast.
Because Melissa’s story is absolutely one of quiet courage, deep loss, and unexpected joy.
🕯 The Hidden Chapter She Shared
I didn’t know Melissa had a twin brother. What broke my heart was learning that she lost him. She describes it as losing a part of herself.
But what I didn’t expect… was the joy that Melissa found on the other side of her grief.
Grant, her twin, was the “the bubbly one.”
“I was the bad and mad one,” she joked.
But if you met her today, you’d never guess that. It’s like some of Grant’s light passed into her. Melissa now lives with gratitude and joy that is completely contagious. She’s focused on what matters most, and lives each day with intention and happiness.
It felt perfect to release this episode on July 4th, because that was Grant’s favorite holiday. I like to think he’d be proud to be remembered this way, through Melissa’s words, laughter, and joy.
🌿 Takeaways From Melissa’s Story
The bond between twins is unique, powerful, and unbreakable.
Grief is a personal, messy, lifelong journey, but it can also lead to growth.
Faith can be a steady anchor when everything else feels lost.
When we lose someone, we often become the thing they were for us.
Helping others is not just kindness, it’s healing.
Listening deeply is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Choosing joy doesn’t erase pain, but they can coexist.
Legacy isn’t about being remembered—it’s about how we love while we’re here.
Every story matters. Sharing it helps others feel seen, heard, and less alone.
🎧 Listen to Episode 10
“From Grief to Joy: Melissa’s Story of Becoming the Light after Loss”
Episode drops Friday, July 4th, 2025. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Want a preview: Here’s a short clip from Melissa’s interview:
🌊 Looking Ahead
Next week, I’ll be wrapping up Season 1 of Hidden Chapters. I can’t believe we are already here! After that, I’ll be unplugging for a few days, as I celebrate 19 years of marriage and head to the beach for some much needed rest and family time with my daughters.
While I’m away, a special pre-recorded episode will go live, and I’ll be posting a LISTENER SURVEY on my Hidden Chapters Facebook page and Hidden Chapters Instagram to hear your thoughts on Season 1 and what you’d love to hear in Season 2.
💬 Final Ask: Do You Know Someone With a Hidden Chapter?
In Season 2, I’d love to bring more men voices to the podcast. If you know a guy who’s lived through something powerful, and is ready to be real, reflect, and share, I’d love to hear from him.
Hidden Chapters Guest Link
Thanks for being here! Every episode, every message, every shared story, reminds me that we are never alone in the chapters we carry.
Until next chapter,
