Some of the most meaningful conversations in our lives are the ones we do not know we need to have until time begins to narrow.

In this episode of The Change Effect, Noelle sits down with Yvonne Caputo, author of Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad, for a powerful conversation about family stories, parent-child relationships, end-of-life wishes, and the unexpected healing that can come when we meet someone with curiosity instead of expectation.

For many years, Yvonne’s relationship with her father was distant. Then one evening, he began telling her stories from his time as a B-24 navigator during World War II. What started as one story became a deeper path toward connection, trust, understanding, and eventually the conversations that helped Yvonne honor his wishes at the end of his life.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why listening to a parent’s stories can open the door to deeper understanding
• How curiosity can soften complicated family relationships
• The importance of having end-of-life conversations before a crisis
• How grief can hold both sorrow and sacred joy 

Yvonne also shares how the Five Wishes document helped guide meaningful conversations with her father, and why these discussions can become a profound gift for both parents and adult children.

This conversation is a reminder that it is never too late to ask, to listen, to understand, or to begin again.

Connect with Yvonne: 

Linkedin

Facebook

Books

Connect with Noelle:

Website: www.noellevan.com
Instagram: @noellevanbeyond

YouTube: @noellevanv

Linkedin noellev

Resources Mentioned: 

Flying with Dad by Yvonne Caputo

Dying with Dad by Yvonne Caputo

Five Wishes

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