Caring with a Big Loving Heart

Some people light up an entire room with their presence. They are the ones who bring love and laughter wherever they go. One interaction with them is unforgettable. People who make the most of life inspire everyone else to do the same. Our talk today celebrates the contagiously energetic life of Evelyn Charrisse McRae.

Welcome to Living with Heart Disease, a Heart of a Giant production. Is it possible to live a longer quality of life after a heart disease diagnosis? Listen to the patients, support systems, and care providers who have resolved to become healthier. Join host Somaneh Bouba as we share the challenges and triumphs. Discover what it really means to survive and thrive with a heart condition.

Today’s main guests are Jazmine McRae, and Tawana James (daughter and sister-in-law, respectively), who cared with a big loving heart for our dearly missed Evelyn Charrisse McRae. The two women transparently share their thoughts about being caretakers in the heart disease journey. Evelyn Charrisse McRae mostly went by the name “Charrisse”, so that’s the name used in today’s show as Jazmine and Tawana talk about where the caretaker role fits into their relationships with Charrisse.

Despite sharing tales of emergency hospital visits, Jazmine and Tawana never forget to mention how determined Charrisse was to make the most of life. Charrisse had a will to enjoy life. Everyone could feel that energy. Bouba felt the same way when meeting Charrisse for the first time. He appreciated her positive energy and independence. In this conversation, everyone shares the lessons they learned from witnessing Charrisse live a full life.

More family and friends share their thoughts as a live audience. Everyone reminisces about their memories with Charisse, whether hilarious or heartfelt. As everyone gathers, they encourage each other to embrace both joy and grief. Learn their approaches to managing self-care as caretakers, communicating with patients, and making crucial decisions about the caretaker in emergency moments.

It’s an honor to share Charisse’s story and the story of those who loved and helped her. Listen as we explore the perspective of the loving family and friends in a patient’s support system. Enjoy this friendly gathering to celebrate a life well lived.

Timestamps:

[01:51] - Bouba talks about the first day he met our dearly missed Evelyn Charrisse McRae.

[05:37] - Tawana James, Charrisse’s sister-in-law, explains how she ended up living with Charrisse as a caregiver. Tawana says Charrisse brought life to her home.

[11:03] - Jazmine McRae, Charrisse’s daughter, funnily recalls her mom’s will to enjoy an independent life.

[15:11] - How can caretakers manage their self-care?

[19:58] - Jazmine and Tawana talk about Charrisse being a dog-lover.

[25:26] - What was “family life” like with Charrisse?

[31:25] - Jazmine helped organize her family and friends to do a walk in honor of her mother.

[38:34] - Everyone reminisces about the medical professionals who build a personal connection with patients.

[43:32] - Jazmine and Tawana talk about how they kept in touch with Charrisse to check on her emotional and physical condition.

[50:25] - Charrisse’s family recalls the final moments they shared. What are their different experiences of the same event?

[01:00:31] - Everyone lifts their voice in song.

[01:03:00] - Jazmine and Tawana express their thoughts about making decisions as the caretaker. They also talk about how Charrisse still shows up in their life today.

[01:11:23] - Why is it important to allow children to see grief be expressed?

[01:13:30] - Charrisse’s close family, friends, and support system exchange their memories of the lively person they all loved.

[01:42:55] - Live your best life, and leave your legacy.

Links/ Resources:

Heart of a Giant
Heart of a Giant Foundation (HGF)
Heart of a Giant on Heart-Failure.Net

Jazmine McRae

Tawana James