April Engstrom: My Mom, 6th Generation Texan and the Glue of Our Family

Welcome to the Grief and Belief podcast, hosted by David Mickelson and Kori Andrews, where we share stories of hope. In this episode, we welcome April Engstrom, who shares her experience regarding the passing of her mother, Cheryl Anne McLane, who died in 2020 due to her seventh bout of cancer. April was connected to the show by a friend from an earlier interview, Mary Colton.

April introduces Cheryl as an optimistic, determined, six-generation Texan. Cheryl was an avid sportswoman and dedicated equestrian. She was so passionate about the sport of cowboy mounted shooting—a very "wild west" and "Texas" pursuit—that she started the first women’s division (CMSA). Over 23 years, Cheryl battled seven different cancers, miraculously beating six of them. April describes her mother’s faith, developed after converting to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as "extremely simple and beautiful," serving as her "anchor" and providing a perspective of eternity. Cheryl emphasized that her most important roles were being a mother and wife, and loving her Savior.

April discusses the "heavensent gift" of being able to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to spend the last five months of her mother’s life at her side. While grieving the loss of her "Wonder Woman" mother—the "glue" of the family—April shares how her mother’s simple faith ultimately strengthened her own belief in eternal families. April finds profound comfort and hope in a journal her mother kept, entitled "52 Lists for Happiness", which details Cheryl's reliance on her faith even during her terminal diagnosis, making it a "priceless gift" that continues to support April’s journey through grief.Resources: 52 Lists for Happiness

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