I first experienced a community of people rallying around me when my dad committed suicide. I was 25 and to be married to my college sweetheart, Daniel, three months later. My family, college friends and people from my hometown showed up in big ways to let me know I wasn’t alone. Still, I felt angry at God after losing my dad and it took me a long time to trust Him again.

Over the next several years my faith deepened, and my family grew. Daniel and I had a daughter, Madeline, and son, William. We lived as a happy family of four until William died after choking one day during lunch when he was two and a half. The love and support our family was shown, and is still shown to this day, has been invaluable.

Walking through the pain of losing a child can be extremely isolating. But God has provided such an amazing community of women around me, so I never feel alone. For that, I am forever grateful. Because of organ donation, William’a heart continues to beat in a sweet little girl named Ava. We have become really close with her family and have the honor of watching her grow up. A true gift from God that has provided tremendous healing.

While the events above reflect the tragedies in my life, I also have countless illustrations of how God has shaped my story and relentlessly continues to pursue my heart. The support I have received during the most challenging moments has been a true manifestation of God’s grace on Earth, and drives me to keep pursuing that same grace for others through Faithfully Restored and DFD. 

Daniel and I now live in Brentwood, TN with our two girls, Madeline and Annie.