Milkweed & Monarchs

Welcome back to Milkweed and Monarchs , where stories bloom with resilience and connection. I’m Dawn Klem, and today I’m inviting you into one of the most profound chapters of my nursing career—the moment I stepped into the role of a brain tumor navigator. This wasn’t just a job change. It was a soul-shifting experience that arrived late in my professional journey, yet left the deepest imprint. Fr...

The Fire Hydrant:  There are stories we tell because they make people laugh—and then there are stories we carry, quietly, because they remind us who we were and how far we’ve come. This one happens to be both. In today’s episode of Milkweed & Monarchs, I’m sharing a tale I’ve never been proud of, one that still makes me cringe and laugh in equal measure. It begins with an anxious sixteen-year-...

The Journey In this episode, we explore what it means to truly move forward—not just across miles, but through moments that shape us. It’s the story of letting go, reaching back, and learning to hold both joy and uncertainty in the same hand. From the quiet ache of change to the unexpected beauty found along the way, this is a reflection on resilience, belonging, and the invisible threads that car...

In this episode of Milkweed & Monarchs , I take you on a journey that begins on a quiet soybean farm in northern Ohio and winds through hospital corridors, hunting trails, and the sacred spaces of human connection. "The Hunter" is more than a story about one man's diagnosis—it's about dignity, purpose, and the heartbreaking choices we sometimes face in the face of loss. This one changed me, an...

This episode of Milkweed & Monarchs , titled "Divine Intervention," is an intimate and heartfelt reflection on friendship, redemption, and fate. Dawn Klem, the host, recounts her deep bond with a tight-knit group of friends from Hillsdale, Michigan, and the ways life inevitably pulled them in different directions. She shares a touching story of her attempt to reconnect with her old friends by...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Kate—a patient who became a friend, a fighter who defied expectations, and a presence that lingers long after she’s gone. Kate’s journey began in an elevator, where a simple exchange turned into an unforgettable connection. Months later, I found myself sitting across from her in a hospital room, delivering news no on...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to an unforgettable experience—the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500. For my husband, Craig, cars have always been more than just machines—they’re a passion, a lifelong fascination that started with childhood trips to stock car races and evolved into a love for Formula One and IndyCar. So when our daughters surprised h...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of how I unexpectedly became a runner—motivated not by personal ambition, but by the desire to encourage my daughters to embrace team sports. Growing up, I never considered myself an athlete. I was a cheerleader, but I always wished my mother had pushed me toward something more—perhaps cross country or track. When my da...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I dedicate this episode to the teachers who shape lives in ways they may never fully realize. Teachers often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Behind the scenes, they work tirelessly to guide, encourage, and uplift students, sometimes in ways that go unnoticed. But for me, three teachers stand out—three women who made a lasting im...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to a childhood moment that shaped my imagination and curiosity in unexpected ways. Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, I was surrounded by stories—ones my mother read to me, ones I saw on television, and ones I created in my own mind. Two stories in particular stuck with me: The Princess and the Pea and Family Affair . One...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a story about childhood, friendship, and the unexpected ways in which lost things find their way back to us. Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, my neighborhood was filled with adventure—blanket forts, backyard baseball, and long summer days spent with my best friend, Marianne. We did everything together, including playing with ou...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to the beginning of my journey in healthcare—the rigorous training that shaped me into the nurse I would become. At 19, fresh out of boot camp, I arrived at Great Lakes, Illinois, for hospital corpsman training. I had never cared for a patient before, never set foot in a hospital beyond my own childhood surgeries. But ove...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to the early days of parenthood—when my husband Craig and I brought our daughters home from Romania and began the journey of adoption. Adjusting to life as a family was filled with surprises, laughter, and plenty of learning curves. From navigating language barriers with a Romanian dictionary to figuring out meals that fe...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I reflect on the defining moments of my 45-year career in healthcare—moments that shaped my understanding of medicine, humanity, and the unexpected intersections of politics and patient care. Two events stand out: the AIDS epidemic, which marked the beginning of my career, and COVID-19, which brought it to a close. Both crises forced hea...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Jeanne—a leader, a mentor, and a woman whose wisdom shaped my understanding of healthcare and leadership. During my years at the Barron Center, I had the privilege of working alongside Jeanne, whose approach to leadership was both refreshing and impactful. She wasn’t just a director—she was a true guide, someone who...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Ed—a man whose infectious joy, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering support shaped my journey in ways I never expected. Ed was the first person I met at the Barron Center, and from the moment I sat down for my interview, I felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. He had a way of making everyone feel s...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Wanda—a dear friend, a mentor, and a woman whose resilience shaped my understanding of life, loss, and advocacy. Wanda’s journey was one of strength. Raised in the projects of Boston, she and her sister navigated hardship early, losing their father in middle school and watching their mother battle multiple sclerosis....

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to a milestone moment—the first anniversary of my daughters’ arrival in the United States. What started as a simple gathering quickly turned into something much bigger. Friends, colleagues, and an entire community came together to celebrate, filling our home with laughter, support, and unexpected surprises. My mother, eve...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share the story of Theona—a neighbor who became family, a mentor who shaped my perspective, and a woman whose simple, steadfast way of life left an unforgettable mark on mine. When Craig and I lived in North Yarmouth, Maine, Theona was more than just the woman next door. She was a true Mainer—resilient, resourceful, and deeply connecte...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share one of the most defining moments of my life—the day I became a mother. November 14th is our Gotcha Day, the anniversary of the day my husband and I brought our daughters home from Romania. Adoption is a journey filled with hope, uncertainty, and profound love, and ours was no exception. From navigating infertility treatments to f...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a story of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways in which people find each other. This episode centers on Bud and Mary—a couple whose journey began with a simple phone call and grew into a lifelong partnership. Bud, a pilot with Wings of Mercy, dedicated his life to helping patients reach medical care they otherwise couldn’t...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a lighthearted story about unexpected companionship, mystery, and the quirks of a mischievous pet. In the fall of 2014, I found myself navigating the bittersweet transition of becoming an empty nester. My youngest daughter had just left for college, and the house felt quieter than ever. That’s when fate—or perhaps sheer coinciden...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a story that brings together love, tradition, and the lasting impact of holiday memories. Christmas has always been a time of reflection for me, especially when I think about my mother, Betty. She adored the holiday, filling our home with warmth, decorations, and the kind of joy that made every Christmas feel magical. Even when l...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I take you back to one of my favorite times of the year—fall. Growing up in Michigan, I cherished the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the traditions that made autumn special. Halloween was a highlight, filled with simple joys—homemade popcorn balls, caramel apples, and the excitement of filling pillowcases with candy. It was a time b...

Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs . I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I continue the story of how I met my husband, Craig. In the last episode, I shared how I moved into his home, rearranged everything—including his dishes—and unknowingly set the stage for something unexpected. What started as a simple roommate arrangement soon evolved into something deeper. Craig, an engineer with long work hours, appreci...