37, Wheelchair Junkie

By age 23, Emily Smith was ushered swiftly into the worst club on the planet.

When Emily was a toddler in California, her life was happy with her mom and dad. Her dad got a great job in Pennsylvania, and the family moved. Lori had a turning point and after that she was unable to give Emily much motherly love and compassion. Over the years, she struggled with addiction and mental health, and eventually Mark made the decision to be a single father and care for Emily on his own.

Mark Eugene Smith was a prolific writer and was better known in some circles as Wheelchair Junkie. He had a great passion for power chairs and helping others looking to change their lives by accessing this great technology. He has books available on Amazon and a blog - please visit the links below! You HAVE to meet Mark.

Emily spent many of her years as a caregiver to her parents, and this has followed her into her career. She's currently a MSW student and is looking forward to working in the grief/trauma field after she graduates.

The rest of Emily's interview is available to everyone for free here:

https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcast

Recommended Resources:

https://www.thedinnerparty.org/
https://modernloss.com/

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk


Emily has created a support group for Young Grievers ages 18-30 experiencing the loss of a parent or parental figure. Contact her via Instagram or contact Parentless Podcast.

Instagram: @griefbyemily

Emily's Blog: https://transitionalwritings.wordpress.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Fast-Selected-Madman-WheelchairJunkie-com/dp/0595321984/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mark+e.+smith+wheelchairjunkie&qid=1616872562&sr=8-1

Mark's Blog site: https://powerchairdiaries.com/

Poem: Open thy heart by Mark E. Smith

This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.

Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.

Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share?

Email: parentlesspodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @parentlesspodcast
Voicemail: 623.396.6069

You are not alone.