Lisa M. Kelsey, MFT

08/31/2026

Reflections Day 1906: Last night was a day I have been waiting for, for 1 year, 8 months and 6 days, welcome home to my daughter. Just as I type this and think about it I am filled with emotions of joy, gratefulness, happiness and peace. It has been a long journey and one I haven’t really shared with many and have not shared on social media. While I will not get into the details, I will share that estrangement is the hardest thing I have ever went through in my life. Not having my daughter with me for 1 year, 8 months and 6 days has been heartbreaking and beyond difficult. I am so happy that she has chosen to come back to our home. I look forward to so much, most of all her and I being together. I look forward to our reconnecting, rebuilding, learning, listening, processing, healing and talking through what may bother us. I look forward to creating new memories together, to laughing together, to watching shows we liked, and doing things together that we love. Thank you to my therapist, to my mom, to my brother, to my cousins and to all of my close friends for their support. Thank you to my people leader, to my direct reports and to my coworkers that supported me. Thank you to my gParents Club leads and gParents who supported me through this. There are so many families going through this and I send you compassion, love, patience and perseverance. If you have unconditional love for your child, let that help carry you through. To my daughter I love you and can’t wait to walk through the door to our home together. PS. I got the go ahead to post this from my daughter.

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07/04/2026

Reflections Day 1905: Today we visited 3 wineries and went out to dinner to Bottega. It was our first time at each winery and at Bottega. Our first winery was VGS Chateau Potelle. We loved the outdoor area, the set up and several of the wines. Our sommelier was the best. He shared stories of how the winery started and what VGS means, can you guess? It means Very Good S**t, we loved that story and Chardonnay and a few reds were Very Good S**t, lol. We bought a chardonnay and will definitely go back. This tasting took a bit longer and we were fine with that, but it led to calling the other wineries and shifting our times out. The wineries were able to accommodate, which we appreciated. Our second winery was Clif Family. It had a beautiful outdoor area, however our sommelier was not good. He didn't know about the wines, he wasn't engaged and worst of all the wines were not good. We had some bites as part of our pouring but they were sitting in the sun for awhile so we were a bit worried about eating them. Our third winery was Elizabeth Spencer. It had a great outdoor seating area, our sommelier was very sweet and we loved the Rosé. She shared about the story of the winery, a little about herself and a little about the wines. By then we had our fill of wine and were ready for dinner, although our reservation wasn't until 5. We got to Bottega and sat outside waiting for 5 pm and trying to be patient, you all know that was very hard for me. We loved our waiter and found out he started at Bottega when it opened up in 2008, his name was Michael and his mentor was Michael Chiarello. We loved hearing the stories he shared about Chef and the restaurant. Our favorite was the calamari, so tender and the special oil, garlic, parmesan spread for the fresh bread. We appreciated his generosity in answering our questions and the stories. It was a fun day filled with new memories with my mom, new places and wines to experience and some really nice people sharing the wines of Napa Valley.

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07/01/2026

Reflections Day 1904: My mom and I are at our annual Napa trip at the Vino Bello. We started this tradition the year my dad passed away as a time to be together and celebrate family. We have pool time, wine tasting, sometimes massages and definitely time for games (cards, SkipBo, Rummikub and some of our older games). Family and friends have joined us for the trip for pool time, overnights, and meals. Sharing this tradition with each other and our loved ones makes it even more special. The trip begins with a visit to the casino and this year we went to Cache Creek. My mom and I both left with more money than we started with and that is always a win. I may have also won a Major jackpot which was definitely exciting. Yesterday was a pool day and today was a wine tasting day. Today we visited 3 new wineries to us: Benessere, Rombauer and Markham. Our favorite wine was the Rombauer California Zinfandel. Each winery had gorgeous views and it was so much fun to go to wineries we've never been to. We had some yummy truffles at Benessere. We heard interesting and funny stories from the hosts at each winery. We laughed, we talked and we drank wine, what a great afternoon. I love having the opportunity to be with my mom and make new memories.

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06/22/2026

Reflections Day 1903: I am so thankful for this past weekend and getting to experience so much joy with family and friends. On Friday I had a longtime friend that I've known since Kindergarten over and her daughter for dinner and games. It was so nice to spend time with them, catch up, reminisce, laugh, realize we have some special things in common and teach them the card game Skip Bo. We all won once and my friend won twice. They loved the game and we can't wait to get together again soon. Saturday we celebrated Father's Day with my brother, and my mom and I took him to Graton. It was their first time seeing the renovation and they were impressed and appreciated the new non-smoking area. I loved seeing them both win. I took a little loss and that was ok. Their smiles as they got bonus rounds on the slots was so fun. My brother hit 200 free games on one of the slots, we could not believe it. He even won on our way out of the casino. The absolute best part was being together. We are so blessed to have each other. We always value our time together as its precious to us. Last night was a little tough approaching Father's Day. I let the feelings come through and I remembered all of the best memories with my dad. I woke up and took a walk, worked out and got ready for the day. My mom and I went to the North Beach festival and we were both glad we went. We had a to die for crab sandwich and garlic crab fries. We looked at the booths, we stopped for music at one stage, not our style and hit another stage with great music. We enjoyed watching the people dance, many older and getting their dance on. A latin song came on and I was dancing in place and a lady came to pull me on the dance floor. It was so much fun to let loose and get my dance on. An older lady approached my mom and wanted her to dance but instead they chatted, she said I'm 84 how old are you. She had s***k, dance moves and was wearing red high heels, we said you go girl. An older man was trying to dance with her and my mom felt like he was creepy. The 84 year old grabbed another dance partner and the guy stood near me. One not so good thing about today: He was getting closer and looked me straight in the eye and took his finger and rubbed the tip of it down my arm with a slimy look on his face. I looked at him and said don't ever touch me again that was not ok and he smirked. It was creepy and disgusting. We walked away and I couldn't shake it and hoped the 84 year old woman would be ok. It took away from more music time in that area as I was grossed out. We explored a bit more and stopped in St. Peter and Paul's church and sat for a bit in Washington Square. It was a nice day and for the most part brought joy, minus that guy. I was proud of myself for speaking up and letting him know that wasn't ok. I was also proud of myself for going out for the day and enjoying time with my mom. We all have opportunities and choices. I try to seize each of them and try to make the best of each moment I'm given. Happy Father's day day, sending you a big hug and kiss.

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05/15/2026

Reflections Day 1902: The depression is so heavy and thick. It’s a pressure and weight on my shoulders, on my heart and on my chest. It takes away my motivation, it’s takes away my energy and it can take my joy. I know I have to ride through it but it is so hard to ride. Prior to my trip I felt it a bit but on my trip I’m so grateful I didn’t. I was busy, I was having fun, I was exploring, I was seeing new things, I was so enjoying time with my travel partner and depression was not with me. The moment I got back home I was hit by heavy jet lag. I felt like a freight train ran me over. I thought I had the flu. A few days of rest and I was back to myself from the jet lag. Then the depression hit me and it hit hard. I’ve felt this before in my life many times but each time when it hits it catches me off guard. I used to do everything I could to avoid it. Be really really busy and maybe it will go away, but that’s not how it works. I know I have to acknowledge I’m feeling it, process it, sit with it, reflect on it, move my body and put one foot in front of the other. I felt this heavy many times over the past year and 5 months in waves like an emotional roller coaster. Then a few months ago some things shifted and I was so grateful and blessed. Then 3 1/2 weeks ago something happened that shifted things back to how they were and the depression began. I have done all I can and been the true person I am throughout this time. I hope that is known and remembered. I hope each day that the shift that occurred a few months ago will occur again. I have hope and have unconditional love always.

05/03/2026

Reflections Day 1901: Feeling very grateful and blessed right now. I arrived home last night to a little surprise. A friend had surprised me with some roses to say thank you. The thoughtful note and roses were such a warm welcome home and so sweet. Her kind words warmed my heart. Today my mom and cousin picked me up and handed me a few cards. We went to see the Devil Wears Prada 2, such a cute movie and filmed in Milan, I said 2-3 times I was just there, that was fun. When I got home I opened the cards and they were thank you notes. The words were so heartfelt I almost got teary. They were thanking me for my generosity from a birthday trip for my cousin and gifts. Generosity comes right from my heart and knowing how much it meant to them, makes it even more special for my to give. I loved that they loved it. The note and flowers from my friend and the cards from my mom and cousin remind me of how grateful and blessed I am and are such feel good moments. Remember everyone deserves kindness, to be and feel blessed and to know you are loved. Thanks to my friend, to my mom and to my cousin for reminding me.

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05/01/2026

Reflections Day 1900: Day 5 of our cruise, port Genoa, however we took off to Milan. We bought train tickets prior to our trip to Milan and we all ready for our adventure. We got off the ship and the train station was supposed to be less than 10 minutes away. When my friend told me this we both laughed as Google Maps has been a challenge. It takes us one way and then the other and then we do our usual and ask. We see a metro sign but none for the train. We walk down a hill to a tunnel and finally see train sign. I can’t even make up how the navigation went. We follow the signs to gate 18. There are two sides to the track and we look at each other and say which one? Turns out one of them was an elevator lol. We are waiting on gate 18 and guess what it changes to 17 luckily it was right behind us. We get on the train and didn’t realize that not only do we have a seat number but we have a train number. We are asking and rushing and finally five our seats. I am sitting and the train is going backwards. After a few minutes h have to switch seats. We get to Milan and we know we are taking a taxi to Galleria Vittorio. Our taxi driver was great. He shared the sights as we were driving and dropped us off right by the Galleria and the Duomo. We walked through the Galleria and it was gorgeous. The details throughout are incredible. The same for the Duomo. We walked around the area browsing in shop windows and looking at souvenir shops. The taxi driver had recommended the restaurant Pizzeria Restaurante Sophia Loren. We wanted a Milanese traditional meal and the veal Milanese was to die for as well as the carbonara, both so good. Our original train ride was set to leave at 5:05. Earlier when we were at the train station in the morning we had asked if we wanted to leave earlier was our ticket changeable abd they said yes. An earlier train was at 4:05 and we were trying to catch that one. We didn’t make it however when we asked then if there were any other earlier trains they told us we can’t change our ticket, of course we can’t lol, guess that’s why we didn’t make it for that one. We did some more browsing in window shops and then took the train back. When we got off the train we exited a different way than we came in. This turned us around and we had about 25-30 minutes to get to the boat. After a quick pace and getting back to where we came from we made it back. A little stressful. After dinner we saw an incredible Arial show on the cruise. This couple was so strong and the moves they did both in the ground and in the air, wow! We tried a comedian but we weren’t laughing. Off to the casino. Looking forward to what and where the next day will take us.

04/28/2026

Reflections Day 1899: Cruise Day 4, docked in Corsica and we took a pool day. We needed to rest and relax and a pool day was the best plan. I got to the pool at 10 and found the perfect spot with the sun just right and watching the most recent Karate Kid movie. The sun pretty buses me with warmth, joy and I always feel recharged and energized after. My friend joined a little after 11 and we had a relaxing time. Lunch was at the pool with some salads with carne asada and pork from the taco bar yum. There was a saxophonist that played for a set and he was really good. Then the DJ played some really good old school R&B feel good songs, some took us way back. Next up was gelato but gelato was not open yet. Then I was headed to my massage and couldn’t wait for more relaxation. I got there early and rested in the relaxation room. It was so peaceful. I was the first one in the room and then it started to fill up. People were getting called to go get their massage
and I was still in the room. My appt was supposed to be 4:30 and now it was 4:45. Someone comes in and asks me if I’m ok and then this woman comes rushing in and frazzled. She says to me she went over with other client and will be right back. And then comes in looking for something and runs out again, then she comes in again with the guy and they are both looking for something. Now it’s 4:50 still she isn’t back. I am getting a really bad feeling at this point and no longer relaxed. Finally at 4:55 we are walking to the room. She is still scattered and her energy is off. I share how I got the massage and add one from the raffle. She looks confused and I ask her if she’s done it before and she said yes but I again didn’t get a good feeling. The rest for your head was high and she adjusted it. She started the massage and I’ve had a lot of massages and she didn’t know what she was doing. Finally I said to her something seemed wrong with the headrest as the cushion for your face was spreading out and I felt like my head might fall through. I said maybe u can just put my face on the table. Then I realized I wasn’t continuing and needed to see a manager. At first the person doing the massage was hesitant but she got the manager. I said I needed to speak to her in private. I told her everything and she apologized and wanted to make it up to me. Unfortunately we don’t have another day to do it. What a fiasco. It’s that lesson to listen to our gut. I knew at least 3 times that something didn’t feel right. I’m glad I spoke up abc listened to myself. Got ready and headed to Family Bingo. I was the big winner of Blackout and won a water bottle and luggage tag. It was fun and the caller was funny. Next up dinner, it was ok. Then we played Snowball Bingo for cash prizes. It was my first time using the bingo machines, lots of fun, no winners. Next up a magic show that I could not get into and gelato. Ended the night in the casino with a budget and time limit. I did well and won my money back that I gambled for tonight. Looking forward to tomorrow!

04/28/2026

Reflections Day 1898: Cruise day 3 in Marseille! We started the day off sleeping in a little and having breakfast at the buffet. Had a cinnamon roll, yum! We headed off the ship on a cruise shuttle to drop us off right at the port. On our way to the port we got stopped in front of one of those bridges where it splits in the middle and goes up. I had never seen one of those, super cool. We got dropped off right in front of Cathedral de la Major. It was gorgeous inside and out. I had said that it would be great if the hop on hop off bus was right there and guess what it was. We stood in line for a while and were grateful to not have to find the stop like in Barcelona. We waited for the next one to come to be on the top. This one didn’t have headphones so that was a bit of a bummer. It brought us by the coast with beautiful waters and views. Then we started to trek up to Notre Dame de la Garde. It was gorgeous high up on the mountain. The bus was working it to get up and I joked with my friend it’s like the little engine that could accept this was a double decker. They stopped and then you had to hike up the hill. We decided not to as we could do another loop. I wanted to but also wanted to see what else we’d see. Turned out there was only one other stop we wanted to get off and explore. We looked at shops and had gelato and then decided we would go back up and see Notre Dame. We went to the stop and waited like 45 minutes only to face the bus drive right by us and not stop. My friend and I in unison said “What the F or Are you going kidding me or both as we were so upset!” We were so angry and shocked. Now there wasn’t enough time to go as we also had to get back to the port where the shuttle was. We went to the next stop and finally a bus came by and started to stop then waved at us and said no and pointed to the next bus. We were again so upset. Here we were just trying to get back now and be done with the town. We got back to where we started and spoke to the manager. He apologized but it didn’t do anything at that point. We were glad to get back to ship and I rested my eyes on that ride. There were a few shops right by our ship and I found a cute souvenir. We decided to eat at a different restaurant that night as we were hungry earlier. My favorite was the French onion soup and caramel tart. We then headed to the casino to wait for it to open. Our plan was to be there for a little while then see some shows but didn’t make it out. Neither of us were big winners but my friend hit some bonuses so that was fun and we played some machines I’ve never played. Fun day and some drama. Tomorrow we are taking a day on the ship, we both can’t wait.

04/26/2026

Reflections Day 1897: Today was Day 2 of our cruise. Our first port was Mallorca. We had an excursion set up to visit the Caves of Drach. The caves were absolutely incredible. The tour guide shared how it can take many years for each of the formations to occur. I took so many pictures and it captured some of it but there is nothing like being there in person. The tour ended with a live classical music performance with the musicians on a boat that was lit up in the cave. They played beautifully and the moment was magical. We left there and went to a beach where a band was marching and the people, energy and vibe was so fun. There were little shops and a farmers market. We only had 15 minutes there and wished we could stay longer. Next up was our nap, my friend and I knocked out on the ride to the Pearl Factory. We got a tour and had time for shopping. The story of the factory and how they make the pearls was really interesting. They are known in Mallorca for pearls. We headed back to the ship and had a yummy lunch. Next up time listening to a live band at the pool. Sun and live music, perfect afternoon. Next up we thought we’d check the casino. The night before lost more than won. Today was different. I was hitting bonuses and then more than doubled my roulette winnings. I left while I was ahead. On the cruise you get to bring one bottle of wine per person so it was time to open that bottle. My friend and I blinked cheers and headed to dinner. Much better meal tonight, crab corn chowder, beef tenderloin and blueberry cobbler. Thumbs up for dinner! We checked out the shops and they watched a live show that while entertaining we both weren’t able to follow what was going on. We laughed a lot. There were great costumes and sets, some good singing. Next up was the live band which were so much fun. We ended the night at the club, you know me. My first request was Bliw the Whistle and he played it right away, yay! Then he went downhill for awhile and then he came back with a bunch of good songs. We had a lot of fun. Look forward to tomorrow in Marseilles.