Andy & Erin's 20th Anniversary - $20k in 20 days

My name is Erin and I lost my husband Andy in 2015 in a workplace accident shortly after our 15th Wedding Anniversary.  We created 3 beautiful kiddos together and each year we continue to honor Andy's beautiful soul through the new memories we create and by acknowledging all the special dates in between. 

 May 27, 2020 would've been our 20th Wedding Anniversary and just like many grieving families the anticipation of birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries of our loved ones can be a particular difficult time of year.  This year I've decided to honor our special day by raising $20,000 for Brighter Days Grief Center and the compassionate work they do to support grieving families.  Beginning May 7th, every day for 20 days you can follow the timeline of our journey together.  I want to honor my husband by encouraging those  of you who have lost a loved one to keep these special dates alive by honoring those memories in any way that feels right for you. 

 Today, I want you to know that the One thing I miss about Andy is his infectious smile and his excitement for life.  He lived life to the fullest every single day by doing the things he loved.  He loved to customize cars in any garage or driveway he could find to work on them.  His sanctuary became the garage outside our home and he would build or fix just about anything for anyone at any given time no matter who it was.  He enjoyed jumping on a skateboard or BMX bike and fearlessly doing tricks.  When he was laid off from work he made the most of it by teaching our youngest two kids to ride bikes and how to turn wrenches in the garage. He was continually honing his pinstriping, painting, and welding skills and thoroughly appreciated learning from others that he met at the endless car shows he attended.  He was part of the Intentionally Grounded truck club, which became a second family and supported us in unbelievable ways after Andy died.  He loved his children and couldn't wait to teach them all the things that had been passed down to him from his own father.  He also loved me more than I deserved and would do just about anything to make me happy.  

At the end of the day, when he was gone his love for life continued to give us hope and encouragement as we navigated our journey ahead.  We had just moved to Minnesota in 2012 yet hundreds of people flooded the church for his memorial service.  That day showed us how many lives he had touched during his short time here on Earth.  He was a simple man, but he was loved far greater than anyone I've ever met.  His beautiful soul, his love, and the memories stored in all the people he ever  touched will live on far beyond the constructs of space or time. 

 In honor of my late husband Andy, I am asking you to support the mission of Brighter Days Grief Center, a local nonprofit providing free grief support resources to individuals who are grieving the death or terminal diagnosis of a beloved family member.  Our family will be matching dollar for dollar  the first $1,000 raised by each of you.  May 1, 2020 marked the third anniversary of their tireless work and they need our help to continue providing support to families, like mine, who count on them at such a painful time.     Learning to navigate life after loss isn't easy and Brighter Days continues to connect people to the resources and support they need when they need it most.

Please click on the Donate button to help me honor Andy and the life we shared by providing HOPE to another grieving family. 

Together, we can turn HOPE into action!  

Love,

Erin

More information about how funds will be used...

This  fundraiser supports Brighter Days signature program, Embrace-A-Family, which provides financial assistance to grieving famines.  This year The Lillehei Family Foundation is one of our generous sponsors of this program.  Here are ways that your $$ will make a difference:

• $100 can provide groceries, gas or kids activities.
• $200 can provide pre-made meals or after-school care.
• $300 can provide a weekend grief retreat for bereaved parents. 
• $400 can provide academic support for high school students.
• $500 can help cover the cost of grief and trauma support.
• $1000 can help cover medical, funeral or housing expenses.