One week before what would have been Annie’s 32nd birthday, I found something unexpected tucked away in her old Gmail account. It was a piece she wrote in February of 2016 while flying back to college in Walla Walla, Washington, after being home on break. What began...
When Silence Feels Safer—but Hurts More In a recent conversation on the Grit ’n’ Grace podcast, my friend and writing coach Cheri Gregory and I talked about something every griever understands: silence. When someone we love is hurting, we often stay quiet because...
This was recorded in April of 2021. What would you do if the unthinkable happened? Where would you find the strength to endure? The Gordon family was confronted with that very challenge when their five-year-old son, Sawyer – known for his big blue eyes and...
Recently, I sat down and had an honest and open conversation with my friend and writing coach, Cheri Gregory! This is our second holiday season without our daughter Annie, and it hits differently this year. Last season was a total fog, but now? The grief feels...
How have you filled in these blanks? “Someday” when I don’t have to ___________, then I will _________. Like me, you might need more blanks! Having finally reached my "someday," while I'm enjoying the things I've been looking forward to, I often think back on those...
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word boundaries? My friend Leslie Newman asked this question in our writer's group, and she received a variety of answers. My answer was protection, both for the other person and me. ...
Join me on this 5-Day journey. Grief can feel so isolating, and my prayer is that what you find here reminds you that you are not alone. When you sign up, for the next 5 days, you’ll receive Comfort in the Silence — short reflections with Scripture, encouragement, and simple prompts to help you pause, remember, and rest. Take them at your own pace. Some days you may linger, and that’s perfectly okay. You'll also be subscribed to my email newsletter where I share encouragement and stories from this side of grief.
