Encore: Juice of Joy

Transcript

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Welcome back to take care of time, the tales and exhales of caregivers. The podcast where we dive into the lives of caregivers and their loved ones, they support sharing their struggles, trials, and they're incredible stories that emerge. I'm your host, Beverly Nance. And today we continue with our autism stories for autism awareness acceptance month. Our last story took us on a journey. I have a life of a woman named Lisa after her son Ethan was diagnosed. We followed her highs and lows and how she triumphed in the end. By starting your own business and following her newfound passion. We now bring you this heartwarming story. Titled juice of joy. And mother and sons journey. Um, uh, Uh, Our story begins in a small cozy kitchen of Nicole and her son, Travis. Nicole is a single mother and she discovered early on that Travis Has a unique fascination with fruits and their vibrant colors This fascination wasn't just about visuals, Travis, who was non-verbal had an exceptional ability to blend flavors. Creating delightful juices. That brought a smell to anyone, lucky enough to taste them. Nicole recognizing her son's passion and talent envisioned a future. Where Travis could share his joy with the world. And so with determination and love, they embarked on the journey to start their own juice business. But before their first juice was poured in a cup before the inception of juice of joy. And before Nicole became a mother to Travis, her life was a tapestry of experiences that shaped her into a resilient, compassionate individual. She is today. Nicole grew up in a small town nestled between rolling Hills, vast orchards. Where the community was close-knit. And the rhythm of life was dictated by the seasons. Her parents own a small bakery known for miles around for it's warm, inviting atmosphere and delectable treats. From a young age, Nicole was immersed in the rule of entrepreneurship witnessing firsthand the hard work dedication. And heart, it takes to run a business. After high school, Nicole venture, beyond her town to pursue a degree in environmental science. College was a time of exploration, not just academically, but personally. She volunteered at community gardens, participate in cleanup drives and joined environmental clubs. All of which deepened her appreciation for the planet and her commitment to a sustainable living. Post-graduation Nicole embarked on a journey that would further shape her outlook on life. She traveled to various parts of the world volunteering with organizations focused on environmental conservation, and community development These experiences expose her to diverse cultures and universal challenges. And joys of human existence. It was during this time that Nicole developed a profound understanding of the impact of collective action and the importance of nurturing both the earth and its inhabitants. Upon returning home. Nicole chatters her passion and experiences into a career in environmental advocacy, working with local nonprofits to promote sustainable. Practices and educate the community on the importance of environmental stewardship. Her hard work was fulfilling yet something within her yearned for more direct connection to the earth at its bounty It was during a sabbatical taken to reflect on her path and future that Nicole discovered her love for the art of juicing. She began experimenting with flavors and techniques using fresh locally sourced, fruits, and vegetables. What started as a personal hobby quickly grew into a passion. one you dreamed a sharing with others. Then life as life does took an unexpected turn. Nicole found out she was pregnant. The news was, I surprised that bought a mixture of emotions. But above all, it bought clarity. Nicole realized that she wanted to create something lasting. Something. That would not only be a Testament to her journey and values, but also a legacy for her child. Travis's arrival was a catalyst. Nicole needed. Her experiences as a mother, coupled with her background in environmental science and her entrepreneurial spirit. Laid the foundation for. Juice of joy. Together with Travis. She embarked on a new chapter. One where past experiences and her hopes for the future would merge to create something beautiful. Sustainable. Joyful. Travis, his father. Keith. Was it a chapter from Nicole's past marked by love learning, and eventually letting go. Uh, Keith was a fellow environmental advocate. Nicole met during her travels, their paths crossed. Your eyes met. At a community project in south America. Where they shared a passion for sustainability. And a venture sparked a connection that quickly blossomed into a deep romantic relationship. They traveled together. Working on various projects and dreaming up plans for the future, they combine their load. For the environment, but their desire to make a positive impact on the world. However. As their journeys progress. It became evident that their visions of the future we're diverging. Nicole felt a strong pull towards her roots and desire to start a project of her own that would allow her to settle down and contribute to her community. Keith on the other hand was drawn to a more nomadic global projects that require constant travel and a level of uncertainty. Nicole, no longer found the feeling. The decision to part ways was mutual and steeped in a deep understanding and respect. For each other's dreams and aspirations. They remained friends. Cherish the time they had together and the lessons learned from each other. Not long after their separation. Nicole discovered that she was pregnant with Travis. Keith committed to his projects overseas and understanding of Nicole's strong desire to raise Travis in her own town, supported her decision. He remained in touch and involved from a distance. Respecting Nicole's independence and her wishes to be a primary caregiver for Travis. Keith's role in Travis life was that of a positive figure. Albeit one that was not physically present due to his commitments and his mutual agreement with Nicole. On how to best raise Travis. in a Stable nurturing environment. The early days were not without challenges. Nicole affectionately known to her friends as Nikki. How'd you navigate the complexities of starting a business. From permits to equipment. All while ensuring Travis felt supported and engaged. For Travis, the busing environment of the farmer's market and the sensory overload could be overwhelming, but together they found their rhythm, turning these challenges into opportunities for growth. The small, stand at the local farmer's market aptly named juice for joy cookie became a community favorite. The vibrant colors of their juices each named after a joyful moment, like. Sunrise smile or giggles in a glass bottle, a unique brightness to the market. And for the regular customers, it was more than just juice that captivated their hearts. It was the infectious joy. Travis radiated as he handed over each cup and the evident bond between the mother and son United in their mission to spread happiness. Nicole and Travis journey is a Testament to the power of love, resilience, and the belief in one's ability, regardless of the challenges faced their story. Isn't all about starting a business. It's about creating a space where differences are celebrated, where each sip of juice is a reminder of the beauty and the diversity and the joy and connection. It's about a mother's love for her son. And the overwhelming need to leave a legacy. As we wrap up today's episode. Let's take with us the essence of juice of joy. This remember that sometimes the most extraordinary stories and successes come from the simplest acts of love, understanding and shared passion. Thank you for tuning in to take care of time. Join us next week. For more tales and Exhales of caregivers. Are you interested in learning more about autism? We recommend autism speaks a leading autism advocacy organization offering comprehensive resources, research updates. And support for individuals with autism and their families. We also recommend the centers for disease control and prevention. They provide reliable information about autism spectrum disorder, including statistics, diagnosis, and treatment options. Additionally, we recommend national Institute for neurological disorders and stroke. They offer in-depth information about the latest research and scientific advancements related to autism and other neurological disorders. We also recommend the autism society, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism, through advocacy, support and education. Their website provides valuable resources and information for individuals and families affected by autism. Our favorite one yet is your local autism support groups and organizations. Many communities have local support groups and organizations that offer workshops, seminars, and resources for individuals and families affected by autism. These groups. Can provide valuable support and connect you with others who understand your experiences. By accessing information from reputable sources, you can gain a better understanding of autism and access resources to support individuals with autism and their families. Please note this episode as all our episodes, feature reenactments and dramatize details. While in most cases, the exact verbatim dialogue may not be known. All dramatizations are grounded in research to respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals involved names, and some identifying details have been changed. Do you have an interesting caregiver story that you would like to have told? Please email podcast@takecaretime.com we would love to hear from you. To next week, take care. Um, uh, Uh,