My Story

For 48 years, I didn’t know how to effectively come alongside my grieving friends.

I was uncertain about what to say or do that would be helpful and not hurtful. Often I avoided my grieving friends – not because I didn’t care. I felt their loss so deeply. Tragically, it was my own discomfort that caused me to be unavailable. I didn’t know how to show up for the bereaved.

Can you relate?

It wasn’t until my devastating loss of burying a child – a young adult son, Jordan, that I began the sharp learning curve into my grief education.

Twelve days after Jordan’s wedding, I was thrown into the unimaginable task of planning his funeral. Life felt like a wasteland of profound disappointments and heartache. I didn’t see a way forward.

How did I survive ?

My friends – Hope Heroes – came alongside my family with prayer, empathy and compassion. By their example, they showed me how to care for the broken-hearted.

Now I want to pay it forward.

Let me guide you with the wisdom that was shared with me.

Choose to learn simple yet effective ideas for providing a safe place for your friends to heal.

There are 4 effective ways. Listen. Acknowledge. Pray. Patiently be Present.

You may be the only courageous friend who steps Into the pain of loss as a grief companion – Hope Hero. Don’t assume others are showing up for your grieving friend. Most people feel intimidated by grief so they
opt-out.

There is more at stake than you may think. Your empathy and compassion has a greater impact than you could imagine. Your kindness and intentionality has the power to be life-giving to your friend walking through grief.

Don’t wait till you feel ready. Take action and let’s connect. You have a beautiful and meaningful purpose. Be a Hope Hero!

My family. Missing my son spurs me on to bring hope to other grieving hearts.