A New Day With Abbie
A soft place to turn.
One single day has the power to alter a lifetime; to change everything. An icy January in 2019—a day everything stood still for one family stationed in Homer, Alaska.
A beautiful family. A tragic loss. Years of memories built together put to a sudden halt, in one instance of finality. Devoted husband and father of four, Michael, died in an accident while on duty with the Coast Guard where he served for over 17 years as a chief warrant officer.
The memories of being a family of six held with precious care in their hearts as Brie felt the anguish of losing her high school sweetheart. Her friend, her husband. And the innocence of childhood snatched from their four children, each walking the path of grief—a long, winding road with unseen turns . . . all mapped out in an instant.
A new day dawns when Gold Star Family dog Abbie gallops into their home as a grand surprise to all the kids, proving that life still holds wonderful, unexpected joys. Bright moments. Smiles that grow like flowers in early spring, breaking through the chill and spreading warmth.
Abbie senses when the kids are having an anxious moment,” Brie says. “She draws close to them in these times and will join them on the couch to snuggle.”
Fitting right into the family, Abbie loves the mornings she’s sent upstairs on a special mission—to wake her favorite people up for school. Up the stairs she goes, bounding into beds, quickly “forgetting” her assignment to nudge them awake, as she finds a cozy spot to snooze, nestled in the blankets.
With each fresh sunrise comes another step forward as this family takes life day by day—Abbie’s loving presence cuddling close, offering a soft place to turn amidst such hard loss.
Double your Donation.
SALUTE THEIR SERVICE
Double your gift through our Heroes Challenge today—and multiply hope for veterans and their families. Our Heroes Council matches your donation dollar for dollar, up to $1,000,000, helping your kindness go twice as far. Thank you!
