When we lost our beloved daughter Erin to suicide, the pain was unimaginable. The grief was heavy, the questions endless, and the brokenness overwhelming. In those early days, it felt impossible to take another step forward. But through the depth of that heartbreak, God’s unwavering presence became our source of strength. Through His grace, we have been able to find hope and even joy again—not by forgetting the tragedy, but by leaning fully into our faith and embracing His plan, even though we can't understand it.
Leaning on God in the Darkness
The days after Erin’s passing were filled with tears, confusion, and cries to the Lord for answers we knew would never come. Yet, even in our pain, God reminded us of His promise:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
We held onto the truth that God was near, that He saw our suffering, and that He grieved with us. In the moments when we felt we couldn’t move forward, His love carried us. He reminded us that even in the darkest valley, He is our shepherd, guiding us through the shadows and faith became the foundation upon which we began to rebuild our lives (Psalm 23:4).
Finding Purpose in Erin’s Legacy
As parents, we knew Erin’s life was so much more than her final moments. She was a light in this world—a kind, compassionate soul who dreamed of helping others feel loved, accepted, and understood. Her loss left an unfillable void, but it also planted a seed in our hearts. We turned to God in prayer, asking Him to show us how to move forward. It was through those prayers that He revealed our purpose: to honor Erin’s life by creating something beautiful from the pain. That purpose became Erin’s Hope for Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to providing friendship, community, and support for children and young adults on the Autism spectrum who felt isolated or misunderstood. Through Erin’s Hope for Friends, we find comfort in knowing that even though we live in a broken world, God’s love has the power to heal and restore. Erin’s legacy now serves as a beacon of light for others who are struggling, and it brings hope to families who may feel like they have none.
Choosing Joy Through Faith
Joy after loss doesn’t come easily, nor does it mean the absence of pain. Instead, it’s about choosing to trust in God’s promises, even when life feels impossible. Choosing joy is an act of faith. It’s a decision to trust that God is working all things for good, even when we can’t see the full picture (Romans 8:28). Every step we take toward joy honors Erin’s memory and reflects the hope we have.
A Hope That Transcends Tragedy
Through our journey, we’ve learned that God can bring beauty from ashes. Erin’s passing will always be a source of deep sorrow, but it has also become a catalyst for something greater than ourselves. We have witnessed beauty rise from the ashes of tragedy and seen lives changed, connections formed, and hope restored. It’s a reminder that God’s plans are far greater than we can comprehend, and His love never fails.
Faith, Healing, and Erin’s Legacy
We will always miss Erin. There will always be moments of longing, of wishing we could hold her again, hear her laugh, or see her bright smile. But we know that this life is not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have the hope of eternity—of being reunited with Erin in Heaven, where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). In the meantime, we will continue to walk this journey of faith, honoring Erin’s life and trusting in God’s plan. If you are facing your own tragedy, we want you to know this: God is with you. He sees your pain, and He loves you beyond measure. Hold on to His promises. Lean into His grace. And trust that He is working in ways you cannot yet see.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
💛 In loving memory of Erin, whose life continues to bring hope and healing to others through the grace of God.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that you are never alone. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or seek support from your local church or community. Your life matters deeply!
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