How You Can Support Someone Through Loss

Today is one of those days that feels heavier than most. Our Jack Owen would have been three today. Three years of giggles, milestones, and love that we never got to experience in the way we had hoped. Grief is an ever-changing journey, one that doesn’t follow a straight path or a timeline. Some days, the weight of it feels a little lighter, and others—like today—it sits deep in our chests.

Everyone's story of trauma, grief, and loss is unique. I am going to be pulling from our experience with the loss of our baby in the 17th week of pregnancy. We found out our son had no heartbeat on February 10th, 2022. I labored and gave birth on February 16th, 2022. Just two months after learning about Emma Claire's TSC diagnosis, this felt overwhelming—like we were drowning. We were grieving for Emma Claire and for Jack, but we had to keep going and get Emma Claire into all the therapies, TSC Specialists, and diagnostic tests. Our friends and family wanted to support us, but often, knowing how to help someone who is grieving can feel uncertain. You may have found yourself wondering, What do I say? What do I do? How can I help? The truth is, there’s no perfect way to take away someone’s pain, but there are countless ways to show up and offer comfort.

Ways to Support Someone Through Loss

💛 Say Their Name – One of the most comforting things is hearing Jack’s name. A simple “I was thinking of Jack today” means the world. Don’t be afraid to mention their loved one—it doesn’t bring up the pain, it reminds us they’re remembered.

🤍 Hold Space Without Fixing – There’s nothing you can say to make grief disappear, but just being present is enough. “I’m here for you,” “I love you,” or even just sitting in silence can be more meaningful than trying to find the “right” words.

🩷 Check In Beyond the Hard Days – Anniversaries, birthdays, due dates and holidays are tough, but grief doesn’t just show up on the big days. A random “Thinking of you today” text can mean everything. For me, I've found that I can't always cry "when I should" or I'll be a blubbering mess on a random day where it hits extra hard. Grief comes in waves and sometimes when you're drowning in it a simple call or text can be a life raft.

💙 Respect Their Unique Grief – Everyone grieves differently. Some people want to talk, others need space. Some channel their emotions into creativity, work, or advocacy. I have a tendency to shut off my emotions as best I can as a defense mechanism. Sometimes I feel really guilty for not crying every time I think about Jack or on the days when it seems like I should. However they process their loss, let them know it’s okay.

💜 Find Ways to Honor Their Loved One – Whether it’s lighting a candle, making a donation in their name, or simply sharing a memory, small acts of remembrance can bring so much comfort. On Jack's due date, my friends made sure I wasn't alone and helped me honor Jack. We took Emma Claire to the Chattanooga Aquarium to get out of the house and got a special Penguin stuffy for EC. Every time I see it I smile remembering how our friends showed up for us and never forget him. One especially meaningful moment was a balloon sendoff, where we wrote messages to Jack on the balloons and released them into the sky, letting the wind carry our love to him.

Organizations That Offer Comfort & Support

🦋 Mamie's Poppy Plates – This beautiful organization donates personalized plates to families who have lost a baby. These keepsakes are a special way to honor and remember little ones who are no longer physically here. Learn more at on their website.

🦋 Precious Prints Project – A heartfelt initiative started by the UTK Nursing Program that provides free fingerprint jewelry from the Precious Metal Prints Company for grieving families. It’s a tangible way to keep a loved one close, offering comfort through something as simple as touch. More details about how the nursing program supports grieving families with priceless prints of their loved ones.

🦋 Dear Ava – A company that creates meaningful, sentimental jewelry and gift boxes for all kinds of life experiences, including grief and remembrance. Their pieces can be a thoughtful gift for someone navigating loss. Explore their collection at Dear Ava.

🦋 Willow Tree - This company makes beautiful figures that provide a tangible comfort to those grieving when words are hard to say. We have several around the house that remind us of him everyday!

🦋 Woodstock Chimes - These wind chimes can be personalized and create beautiful music to make you think of your loved one. It is one of our most treasured items. Check out their Sympathy & Memorial Chimes

🦋 Other special ways to show you care

• Etsy has so many meaningful gifts. From birth info blocks to personalized bracelets, cardinal bird feeders, urns and ornaments- they have endless options to help keep their loved one's memory alive.
• A special blanket or handmade item is so special. A friend actually crocheted a tiny blanket and an even tinier hat that I could put on Jack when we held him after delivery.
• Just be there. Let them know they can open up and talk or just sit beside you in silence.

Today, as we sit with the love and the longing, we just want to say thank you. Thank you to those who have walked this journey with us, who continue to speak Jack Owen's name, and who remind us that even in loss, we are never alone. If you know someone grieving, we hope this helps you feel a little more confident in showing up for them. Your love, your presence—it truly makes a difference. 💛

Photos are priceless

When we look back, pictures are so precious to us. They help us remember loved ones, circumstances, the love others showed us, and how far we've come. That's why photography means so much to me. Once I was able to catch my breath, I fully pursued this business—because it brought back some of my joy and because I wanted to help others see just how meaningful photos truly are.