The Inspiration

On May 11, 2016, my 4-year-old grand-princess Alanna died in a tragic accident, enrolling our family into the school of grief; and starting our long journey to healing and wholeness.

Alanna’s death impacted our family, but also her school family and community, beyond the scope of a few days of assigned counseling and meetings for her classmates and their families. More was needed, and I know Alanna would want her friends, extended family and strangers alike to feel better and have the support she herself would definitely give; through hugs and kind words, that was her way.

Alanna’s life added joy to the lives of family, friends, and strangers, inspiring me to continue a legacy of love and service in her honor.

I serve the grieving and those that care for them; though I would much prefer to have this call on my life through another method, I have the call nonetheless. I know that in my service of helping grievers heal I am healing also, and I know Alanna would want that.


Professional Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Author & Chaplain

Husband to my better two-thirds, father of three, grandfather of five and servant. The death of one of my five grandchildren, the only girl, Alanna, while in pursuit of my Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, changed my ministry direction thrusting me into service of the grieving community.

I serve as a keynote speaker and trainer, presenting on grief topics including self-care, grandparent grief, and bereavement care and while giving my transformative testimony of hope through my first-hand experience and heartache of losing a grandchild and the complication that comes with being a grieving grandparent and caregiver.
 
Along with speaking and training, I have written numerous articles on biblical, spiritual and grief topics and serve the grieving community in multiple capacities including Hospice Chaplaincy and Disaster Spiritual Care Team duties through the Red Cross. I also serve as part of the leadership or active membership in organizations including Grief and Faith, Camp Agape and Compassionate Friends.

I work mostly with churches and faith-based organizations, helping them create a safe spaces and continued care for those returning to their communities after a grief event. I serve grievers directly as well with a message of Hope and Healing, how to return to the ‘world’ (family, friends, work, etc) and remain productive in their post-grief-event state.