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A True Story of Hope Through Unimaginable Loss

Hope and Faith Continue to Bloom for Montecito Mudslide Survivor

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In her gripping new memoir, Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, Montecito mudslide survivor Kim Cantin traces her inspirational journey through unimaginable loss in hopes of helping others who are reeling from grief or trauma.

“I think my story might help others going through tough times,” Cantin said in a recent interview. “And so it became almost a passion project. It’s really about looking for the good, even in the darkest of times.”

In the early hours of January 9, 2018, heavy rainfall combined with deforestation from recent wildfires caused a series of mudflows northwest of Montecito. The incident was responsible for 23 deaths and caused $177 million in property damage. News of the mudslide that ravaged the unsuspecting community made national headlines. Among those headlines was the tragic story of the Cantin family.

Before the devastating slide reached their home, Kim and Dave Cantin, along with their children, Jack and Lauren, tried to escape in the middle of the night with their beloved dog. Separated during the impact, their fates were now out of their control. After waking up half-buried in a pile of mud, boulders, and debris that had carried her away from where her home once stood, Kim Cantin was all alone, unaware if any of her family had survived.

After being rescued that morning, she learned that her teen daughter miraculously had been found, buried alive, by search and rescue teams. When tragic news of her husband’s passing came, the gravity of her new reality was heavy to bear. But she held on to hope that her missing son would soon be found. What transpired in the devastating aftermath of the Cantin tragedy is a powerful 3 ½- year journey to find her son’s remains, fueled by love, faith, determination, unconventional support, and unexpected wisdom.

As the new family of two struggled to start anew, Cantin tells of the strength and wisdom her daughter, Lauren, embodies as a result of the tragedy. From organizing and performing for celebrity fundraisers for other mudslide victims to immersing herself in her art — singing — she has embraced her healing process in profound ways.

Cantin also recounts stories of the generous help she received from friends and community members, rescue professionals, intuitive mediums, and a university anthropology professor and students for the search and ultimate discovery of her son’s remains.

As Cantin affirms, “Now, I am aware of love coming to and through me more than ever before. I’m more present at the moment. Losing my son and husband, and meeting so many people who supported Lauren and me through our loss and during our search, opened me up to seeing and feeling more deeply.”

Where Yellow Flowers Bloom is a heartfelt testament to a mother’s love and a wife’s devotion in the midst of sudden loss and trauma, with an enlightened perspective on mortality. Through her patience, perseverance, and willingness to be open to help and to heal, she confirms love’s ability to connect and transcend beyond life.

About the Author

Kim Cantin enjoyed a 20-year career in sales and marketing leadership in medical devices working for a Fortune 500 company. She met her loving husband, Dave, at Johnson and Johnson, and they started a family with two great kids and their goofy dog. Later, Kim created her own successful marketing consulting firm and eventually worked as a senior director of marketing for Teleflex Urology. After the devastating mudslides of January 2018 and surviving the experience, she felt compelled to write her first book, Where Yellow Flowers Bloom, with the hope that it will help and inspire others. She is still an active member of the Santa Barbara community. When she isn’t spending time with her daughter, friends, or family, she is with her two pups.

For more information, please visit  kimcantin.com.

Available from Amazon

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Rog Willis

Husband, father to 3 kids, Papa to 2 grandkids. I love rock music (mostly), travel, and social media. I am currently a Manager at Dunkin Donuts so my wife Becky (previously owner of What U Talking Bout Willis) has been holding down my website for me. She has over 15 years experience online so I know you are in good hands.

3 thoughts on “A True Story of Hope Through Unimaginable Loss

  • This sounds really interesting

    Reply
  • For my granddaughter.

    Reply
  • Definitely a book I’d be interested in reading!

    Reply

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