S2E26: You Will be Ok - a 17 year-old's story of Growth, Strength and Perspective with Marly Coons

This week on The Show Me the Way Podcast, I had the absolute joy of interviewing one of my youngest guests — my niece, Marly Coons — and wow, does she bring wisdom beyond her years.

At just 17, Marly has already walked through experiences that have shaped her perspective in powerful ways. When she was young, her parents divorced. At first, life felt fairly routine with joint custody. After several years and many experiences later, her parents attempted to reunite, but when that chapter definitively closed, life shifted. Marly began living full-time with her mom, seeing her dad and brother about once a week.

Through it all, Marly has maintained strong, loving relationships with both of her parents. She openly acknowledges that she and her brother are very different, but she values the bond they share and the unique connection they’ve built over the years.

One of the things that stood out most in our conversation is Marly’s maturity. She admits she has often felt older than her age, but she now sees that as a gift. It’s helped shape her resilience, her perspective, and her deep understanding that hard seasons don’t last forever.

Marly carries a strong work ethic — something she proudly attributes to her mom. Throughout high school, she's balanced multiple jobs, sports, friendships, family commitments, and somehow even managed to make it so she'll earn her associate's degree alongside her high school diploma in the spring! Her drive is undeniable.

After graduation, she’s excited to attend Ohio State University alongside her best friend — a new chapter she’s stepping into with confidence and big goals.

One especially touching moment from our conversation was when Marly shared about a recent English paper she wrote. In it, she reflected on how much she looks up to her cousin Nathan and the strength he’s shown through difficult times. Watching him navigate challenges has given her perspective and reminded her that we are capable of more than we realize. That shift in thinking — choosing to see things just a little differently — can truly change everything.

Marly’s advice is simple but powerful:

Remind the people you love — especially children — that they can count on others. That even when life looks different than planned, it will be okay. Stability doesn’t always mean things stay the same; sometimes it means knowing you’re supported no matter what.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that strength isn’t about avoiding hard things — it’s about growing through them. And sometimes the most profound wisdom comes from the youngest voices.

I’m so proud of the woman Marly is becoming, and I know you’ll walk away from this conversation encouraged and inspired. 💛