Rising Stars: Meet Christine Hotchkiss

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Hotchkiss.

Hi Christine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In this thing we call life, there are many things we either do not understand or take for granted until something stops us in our tracks and changes our new norm.

December 2006 was the last year my life was to be “normal” as I had known it to be. That year was the last family trip, I would remember as we were. As usual, we had set up camp as hundreds of other dunners did for two weeks at the Imperial California Sand Dunes. Dust and sand everywhere, campfire set up, firewood stacked, coolers stacked outside, tables set up with snacks, and the sand toys parked. This place became a city all in itself with all the campers and off-road toys everywhere. One big sandbox of fun.

On the evening of December 31st, New Year’s Eve, as a family we decided to take our 4×4 truck and go watch the races that would take place nightly at the top of the dunes, otherwise referred to as Competition Hill. Unfortunately, we had an accident on the way and didn’t make it to competition hill. This accident changed the course of our lives with the passing of my 17-year-old daughter Nicole Marie. The days and years that have continued have been a journey of new paths, life chapters, discoveries, and celebrations in a way that honors life in its entirety.

In these years, I founded the non-profit, Remember Me Always, and created the podcast Stories of Hope. These both go hand in hand with giving hope and inspiring others that even though something different has happened to you, you don’t have to act differently or live life differently.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have heard many times how life is not meant to be difficult and yet, we come across difficulty often. This difficulty also includes having no answers to life’s pertinent questions. I’m not talking about the age-old questions of What is the purpose of life? but the inquiries to which we may never have answers. Those mysteries cause us to observe a new perspective with a changed heart.

Some of the struggles are learning a new norm and how to continue putting one foot in front of the other when you feel like falling apart. With each day there is a rollercoaster of emotion, perspective, and interpretation about life as a whole. In my journey, I learned not to look at what I don’t have but what experiences and opportunities I have had and be truly grateful for. On this journey, I have been able to assist others within their journey of loss or pain.

When we truly look at all the opportunities, people, and things that surround us there are many things to be grateful for, even the things we no longer have, because we would not be who we are had we not experienced the lives or situations. Yes, life has pain, tragedy, and unforeseen circumstances but it also has second changes, blessings, and opportunities.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With the founding of the non-profit Remember Me Always I have been able to assist others with providing in-the-moment necessities when putting a loved one to rest such as urns, wakes, keepsakes, plaques, and more. We give back to the local hospitals with snack baskets, put a “Tree of Angels” up at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital where both my daughter Nicole and I once volunteered.

This Tree of Angels holds the names of children who have passed away but are not forgotten. The fall fundraiser, My Fair Lady Dinner, and Sunset Cruise are where it is encouraged to dress up and enjoy the beautiful outdoors on a mini cruise at one of the selected lakes in Arizona.

On my podcast Stories of Hope, I have been able to share the journey and inspiring stories of individuals as well as give a voice to many community non-profit organizations in local cities and other countries. Stories of Hope has been an eye-opener and a blessing to many who are survivors, currently going through something, becoming an inspiration through unforeseen circumstances, and others who continue to show you can live after a tragedy.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The funny thing about life, we go to school and get an education, but that education is not one about surviving life’s real situations. All we can do is seek others who have walked a similar path and always find a way to be a better version of ourselves.

For many years before my daughter’s passing, I have been proactive in finding tools to assist me in getting through some of my toughest times, and in return, I have found myself to be one of those resources and inspirations for others. That is one of the greatest rewards in my journey.

Contact Info:

• Email: Christine@ChristineHotchkiss.com
• Website: https://www.christinehotchkiss.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azhugsnkisses/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp8sKtSB3XMw7hTGPa6EEHw