This Thanksgiving I want to share this message: The darkest seasons and the hardest days are the times when God draws so very near to us. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). His presence is more precious than anything. There’s simply nothing on this earth that compares to the nearness of Jesus. And I must confess, there are times I long for hard seasons just to feel that intimate proximity.

Tracy’s experience gave her a heart for other families aching over the loss of a child, and God has taken those gifts He created in her—the drive of her competitive spirit—and has multiplied them, using her to provide comfort and hope all over the world. Emma’s has become a community of dedicated volunteer parents, family members, and friends who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss—each one of whom has healed from the trauma of loss better and faster thanks to the support of a friend, caregiver, or mentor who has “been there.”