A mother reflects on how Good Grief helped her family after the loss of their son, Luke Jaxon.

At Good Grief, we often say, “Grief has a home here—and so do you.” This testimonial from an alumni family reflects what it means to find connection, understanding, and community after the unimaginable loss of a child.

When Love and Loss Intertwine

“I knew from the very beginning that our Luke Jaxon was a special little boy. I just never imagined we’d only have 13 precious months with him. Despite every challenge he faced—even multiple brain surgeries—he was the happiest baby I have ever known.”

When Luke died, grief reshaped every part of family life. They searched for a way to hold their love and sorrow at the same time, something no parent imagines having to learn.

Finding the Missing Piece

For many grieving families, walking into a support center is one of the hardest first steps. But what this family discovered at Good Grief was exactly what their hearts had been needing: a place where their love for Luke was understood, honored, and welcomed.

“Finding Good Grief was the missing piece our family desperately needed. It has been sacred and healing to sit with other parents who have lost a child—people who truly understand our pain and our love.”

Good Grief’s mission is built on that very belief: no parent should face the loss of a child alone. Our peer support model reduces isolation, nurtures connection, and creates a safe place for caregivers to breathe again.

A Place Where Kids Can Be Kids

Grief touches every member of a family, including siblings whose worlds have changed in ways their peers may not understand. Through Good Grief’s Nights of Support, children meet others who have lived experiences similar to theirs, creating connections that can be life-changing.

“My children have also formed friendships with kids who carry similar losses, and those connections have meant everything.”

Friendship, play, and belonging remind grieving children that they are not alone and that their feelings have a place to land.

Nights of Support as an Anchor

“Our Nights of Support have become an anchor for us. Our daughter, Mary, absolutely lights up when she knows it’s a Good Grief night. I honestly don’t know where we would be today without the compassion, community, and strength this organization has given us.”

For this family, Good Grief is not just a program; it’s a companion to their grief.

Gratitude for the Community That Held Them

Even as families grow and change after loss, the door at Good Grief always remains open.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

Your Story Can Help Others
At Good Grief, every family carries a story of love, loss, and resilience. Sharing those stories helps others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

If you’re a current or alumni Good Grief family, we would be honored to hear your story.

Email us at social@good-grief.org to get started.

If you or someone you love is facing life after loss, Good Grief is here.
Our programs are free of charge, grounded in peer support, and built on the belief that no one should grieve alone.

Learn more: https://good-grief.org/nights-of-support/ 

Make a donation to support other families: https://good-grief.org/donate/

This story is shared with permission from Luke Jaxon’s family. It has been edited by the Good Grief team for clarity and length in order to better reflect their journey.