I was 21 when my nephew, Jack, was born, and I never knew I could love someone so much. Not having my own children, I considered him partly mine (or mostly mine). He brought a special kind of light and beautiful compassion to the world and to the family.
Grief is painful. There is no way around it.
I have been the executive director of Michael's Place since the organization's beginning. For 22 years, our staff and volunteers have walked the journey of grief and loss with countless children, teens, and adults. We have witnessed the strength of the human spirit and the bonds of love that don't end when someone dies.
Joining our Challenge Team, Jack's Tribe, is one way you can walk beside our family. The challenge is 20 miles of your favorite exercise- walk, run, bike, kayak, swim, etc.- done in Jack's memory to support Michael's Place.
I walk my 20 miles in memory of Jack and in honor of my courageous sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Dan, and their children, Paige and Andy and Mitchell and Kaley, who have boldly faced each day since November 17, 2022, with continued love for Jack and for one another.
Thank you to all who join Jack's Tribe.
(Michael's Place ensures that children, families, and schools have access to essential programs and services for bereavement care while equipping the community with education and resources that foster compassion and confidence in bereavement responses. Please support the Michael's Place Challenge💙)
