At six months pregnant with her third child, Ashley received a phone call that would forever change the path of her life and the lives of her children.

Her husband, a Naval officer, died in a tragic scuba diving accident.

Heartbroken, pregnant, and alone with their kids on the Island of Hawaii, she summoned every ounce of grit and sheer determination to figured out how to move forward.

Not only did she move through the greatest adversity she’s been through, but she also grew from it. And turned this tragedy into triumph.

I could not think of a better person to interview to kick off this month of ‘No Thanks’ November. Ashley talks about the legacy her husband left with them of living a life with no bucket list. And how inspiring, moving, and motivating that can be.

Her book ‘Always Coming Back Home’, launched this year, and she’s already received recognition and awards for it.

If you’re going through a time of grief or extreme doubt, please listen to Ashley’s story. I hope you’re encouraged by her strength and courage.

More About the Guest

Ashley is a mom, a widow, a speaker, and author of the memoir, ‘Always Coming Home: An Emotional Tale of Love, Adventure, Tragedy, and Hope’.

Her experience in turning tragedy into triumph and living a life with no bucket list compelled her to write about her experiences.

She created the Stay Gold for Brian J. Bugge Scuba Diving Scholarship, which supports funding for military veterans to participate in therapeutic scuba diving.

We talk about

• The Hallmark movie-style romance that joined her and her husband together.
• The day that everything changed for her when she got the call that her husband had passed away
• What she did to move forward with her kids
• What it really means to live a life with no bucket list
• How she’s honoring his memory in living a life with no bucket list

I’m truly honored to be able to bring you Ashely’s story. 

Links & Resources

Book: Always Coming Back Home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley.bugge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybuggexo

Blog: https://www.ashleybugge.com

More about the Gotcha Mama Podcast:

The Gotcha Mama Podcast is where we share honest stories of the joys and struggles of mom-life with young kids.

Each week host Amanda Bennett interviews a mom about topics ranging from awkwardly making mom friends, to chasing BIG dreams and finding purpose, to managing crippling anxiety and depression. You’ll hear stories from moms like you with the purpose to inspire, encourage, and entertain you.

We understand that motherhood can be lonely and make you doubt yourself. The Gotcha Mama Podcast exists to let you know that you are not alone as a busy mom of young kiddos, no matter what you’re dealing with.

The show is all about tearing down our insecurities as moms by honestly sharing our stories and a little of what we’ve learned along the way.

We believe it’s a whole lot better riding the rollercoaster of motherhood together!

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