From Grief to Grace

YOU helped a grieving family find HOPE!

Julie never imagined her life would change in a single moment. After a tragic car crash, her daughter, Megan, was gone. Megan had been driving with her children, Wyatt and Chloe. Wyatt survived, but with severe internal injuries that would affect him for life. Chloe, too, carried scars—both visible injuries and invisible wounds that deepened with time. 

Suddenly, Julie was not only grieving her daughter—she was raising her grandchildren. Trauma and anxiety followed Wyatt and Chloe, especially around the holidays. Julie searched for ways to comfort them and help them navigate their grief and lingering fear. Nights were often restless, filled with nightmares and tears, and Megan’s absence felt heaviest when the world felt festive, but their hearts felt empty.  

All of a sudden, it hits them, and they miss their mama,” Julie shares. 

During this challenging season, Ken Haywald, Director of Thornwell’s Strengthening Families program, reached out. Ken had known Megan and her children from participating in a previous Strengthening Families cycle in 2020. When he learned of Megan’s passing, he was heartbroken—but he also knew Thornwell could once again walk alongside this family. YOUR generous support ensured this family didn’t have to face grief alone.  

Ken invited Julie, Wyatt, and Chloe to join the next Strengthening Families cycle. Julie said yes, hopeful they could heal together. “I felt like we could learn the same things and create a stronger bond,” she says. 

From the first session, Julie knew this was no ordinary class. Thornwell staff created a trauma-informed space where families could safely share, learn, and heal. Week by week, Wyatt and Chloe began to open up. Through guided activities, they learned practical tools to manage anxiety and PTSD—deep breathing, grounding exercises, and healthy ways to express complex emotions. 

Julie learned new parenting approaches while caring for her own grief, and the family found comfort in knowing they were not alone. Though the holidays remain difficult, the tools they gained have helped them face moments that once felt unbearable. 

Because of YOUR support of Thornwell’s Strengthening Families program, Julie and her grandchildren found connection, understanding, and hope when they needed it most. Loss remains part of their story—but with compassion, community, and support, this family is learning to move forward — together.