I’m still standing, by the grace of God—and this is a story I never thought I’d be here to tell. In a remarkably short window, I lived through what feels like a lifetime of trials. It was a journey of sheer survival, but above all, it was a path Christ gave me the strength, hope, and determination to walk.

In 2022, at 49 years old, my life was upended in a single moment when I suffered a massive stroke, accompanied by 25 smaller strokes and double pneumonia. The aftermath touched every part of who I was. Cognitively, basic communication felt out of reach—forming a sentence, holding a thought, or reconciling double vision took immense energy. Rebuilding my speech and writing became a years-long process of daily work. While I still contend with word-finding and a subtle stutter, my short-term memory continues to strengthen through ongoing therapy and problem-solving.

As a previously strong-willed, Type A person who thrived on running at full speed and managing a dozen things at once, adapting to this slower pace was one of the hardest losses to carry. Multitasking doesn't come easily anymore, and I am learning to accept this new normal with grace. Yet alongside that frustration sits a profound truth: it is a complete miracle that I survived at all. I am deeply grateful for every capability I have today.

The storm didn't end with my recovery. Soon after, my brother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Following his diagnosis, I underwent heart surgery and a double mastectomy after testing positive for the same CHEK-2 cancer gene. During that same heavy season, my dad passed away—though I take comfort in knowing he reunited with my mom at the brightest star in the Big Dipper, right where they planned to meet. Amidst it all, I walked through a high-conflict divorce after 18 years of marriage, compounding the grief and testing my endurance.

Through every valley, my faith in Jesus Christ was my anchor. He carried me when I could not walk on my own, and He is the sole reason I am standing today—fully healed in spirit, fiercely independent, and back doing what I love.

That brings me back to the work that kept my spark alive. The HALO Clip™ was born out of that resilience, named in memory of my mom watching over me with her own halo. It began out of pure frustration with cheap, brittle clips that you’re lucky to get one season from, or clips that sandwich weakly between the bulb and socket, causing bulbs to come loose.

Instead, I re-engineered the concept into a patent-pending design that slides effortlessly over the bulb with one hand and ratchets securely around the socket. Light bulb exchanges become a breeze, installs stay perfectly aligned, and takedowns are faster than ever—keeping broken plastic out of landfills while shaving off valuable time so installers can keep more money in their pockets.

You spoke, I listened, and I kept refining—leading to our enhanced version, which is now the only HALO Clip™ we produce. While most clips are made overseas, I was adamant that ours be 100% Made in the USA with an ISO-certified manufacturer. That certified durability pays for itself on the ladder and saves considerable time season after season.

In closing, I love to get to know my customers! I am always open to receiving positive comments about my HALO Clip™, 4.25” HALO Stake, and 12” HALO Stake; constructive criticism to tweak my product line; and always open to receiving DMs for future product requests to help make your lighting installations and takedowns even better!

Wishing you a very happy holiday season, and praise the Good Lord, the reason for the season!

---- Stormy Skogg ☃️ ----