Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Lundgren
Tonya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My birth mother was convicted of murder. I was forced into and raised in foster care. Lifetime of abuse. Hit rock bottom and was making poor life choices. Ran away from my foster home life. Lived on the streets for a while.
Enrolled in college, started working and made better life choices.. I worked hard to get my life back together. Served an LDS mission. Married for 24 years. Have 5 wonderful kids. Studying to get into nursing school.
Fast forward to 2022. Had a series of strokes. Surgery gone wrong which resulted in unexpected open heart surgery and many complications. Spent 3 months in the hospital fighting for my life. Less than 1% chance of survival. Amputated thumb, permanently paralyzed diaphragm, permanent nerve damage in my legs which now resulted in lifelong disabilities. Had to learn to talk & walk again.
We’ve been blessed with many miracles.
I’ve had the opportunity to share my story through motivational speaking to various audiences including youth.
My goal is to instill hope in others who struggle with life challenges and trials. We can experience joy if we look for it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life long abuse
Lack of trust
Feelings of abandonment
Having to learn basic life skills
Learning to love and to be loved.
Helping others through similar trauma.
I could go on and on…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I was working for a company in customer service. Making sure patients of health care centers were happy with their stay/service.
I was let go when I was hospitalized.
I was enrolled in school when my health challenges came.
I’m a fighter. I’m proud that I have broken the cycle of abuse. I’m proud to be married to an amazing man. I’m proud that I’ve raised 5 kids to be outstanding members of society. Our oldest daughter is married & graduating from BYU in April. Our oldest son is a sophomore at BYU/pre med. Our younger son is serving an LDS mission in Baltimore. Our 17 year old daughter is an honor student. Our 13 year old is also an honor student.
What sets me apart?
I may have lived a life of brokenness. But I am unbeatable. I care deeply about others. I want to live the rest of my life helping others find joy through the storms of life.
Very active in the community. Taught special needs teenagers for 5 years. School play director. Youth basketball coach. Active in my church. Youth worker/teacher.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I haven’t really spent time in ‘finding’ a mentor. I’ve focused more on being an example to others and being a mentor and support for others in the community. I have a Facebook page where I share th miracles of life. 4.5k members have joined my page. I share the ugly moments as well as the joyful moments that uplift and inspire.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Tonya Journey (Miracles from Heaven)
