“I found writing almost an unbelievably incredible way to deal with the grief. It was a way to channel my energy in a really productive way that ultimately led to this book that I’ve written. And it was therapeutic. It was really helpful for me in many ways.” — Glenn Hilemann

In this deeply moving episode of “Uncorking a Story,” we explore the poignant journey of Glenn Hilemann, who turned a heart-wrenching tragedy into a legacy of love and storytelling. Following the devastating loss of his parents in the East Troublesome fire of 2020, Glenn embarked on a path he never anticipated—writing a memoir that captures the essence of his parents’ lives, their love, and the indelible mark they left on him. Through our conversation, Glenn shares how writing became an unexpected sanctuary of grief processing, a medium for preserving cherished memories, and a bridge to understanding his parents’ lives more profoundly than ever before. This episode is not just a story about loss; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and immortalize our most treasured connections.

Meet Glenn Hileman

Glenn Hileman is the CEO of Highmark School Development and has spent over fifteen years living in Bountiful, Utah. His love of Grand Lake, Colorado led to him purchasing his parent’s home in 2020. His family is actively working to restore the property from the devastation of the East Troublesome Fire and, in doing so, they hope to honor the legacy of his parents. He joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about his memoir, “A Yellow House in the Mountains.”

Key Themes:

1. The Catalyst of Writing: Glenn Hilemann’s journey as an author began in the wake of a devastating fire that claimed his parents’ home and lives. The tragedy opened a path for him to write, capturing memories and stories of his parents to honor their legacy.
2. Writing as Therapy: Glenn discovered writing as a powerful medium for processing grief. The act of capturing his parents’ stories not only preserved their memory but also provided him a therapeutic outlet.
3. The Power of Shared Stories: Throughout the process, Glenn learned more about his parents’ lives through stories shared by relatives. This not only deepened his understanding of his parents but also the bonds within his family.
4. Creative Inspiration: Glenn’s creative journey was sparked unexpectedly through music, leading him to write a song that encapsulated his parents’ lives, demonstrating the unforeseen ways creativity can emerge.
5. The Challenge of Publication: Transitioning from manuscript to published book involved learning the intricacies of editing, design, and publication, highlighting the dedication required to bring a story to readers.
6. The Importance of Legacy: Beyond personal healing, Glenn’s work stands as a testament to his parents’ lives, offering insights and inspiration to others through the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
7. Future Endeavors: Glenn is contemplating a follow-up book focused on the recovery and restoration process post-fire, aiming to share lessons learned and the continued impact of his parents’ legacy.

Buy A Yellow House in the Mountains

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Vz05OE

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798988822806

Connect with Glenn

Website: https://yellowhouseinthemountains.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Yellow-House-in-the-Mountains/61555369857709/

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