A Letter to Gracie

Female Teen Hands Holding Burning Candle

An open letter to Gracie Parrish, the young widow of fallen warrior, Deputy Zackari Parrish,
who was killed responding to a call in our community last Sunday.

Dear Gracie,

You looked so beautiful today, dear one. I have watched from afar, as your husband’s motorcade traveled two blocks from my home, as media helicopters circled overhead, as the funeral for your husband live-streamed on our local news site. I have watched you with understanding.

In your black dress, with the elegance of a Hepburn, you stepped onto the stage to read your last letter to your husband. Seven years ago this week, I did the very same as a new widow. I watched you with a deep understanding, recognizing the strength that you walk in.

It is not yours, we both know. But we have it in common.

As a widow, you now belong to the Worst Club Ever. It will be a long, hard road, this one you are on. You didn’t ask to walk this path. But here you are, you and your two daughters. How small they are. How strong you are.

Here are my words for you, tender warrior.

You loved Zack with a precious and lasting love. Nobody can take that from you. Grief is your receipt for loving so well. There is no timeline. Take as long as you need in every way you need.

Your little girls will grieve in the ways children do. And their grief will change as they grow. As they learn more about life, they will understand more about death. Answer their questions as you can. And do not fear the words, “I don’t know the answer to that one, sweet child of mine.” Children crave honesty more than answers that aren’t real.

Your winter may last for two years, dear girl. This first year is for your head to begin to make sense of the black and white realities of your new life. Next year, the second, is for your heart to begin to thaw and process the colors and nuances of truth. I say this not to intimidate you by the length of a long dark tunnel, but to encourage you on your path. Be not rushed.

Clear your calendar. You have no obligations to anyone. Nobody, at all. You are in a lifeboat now, just big enough for you and those darling little girls. If anyone pushes on a corner of your boat, you may topple over. Your only job is to stay afloat. Let go of anything that weighs down a single corner of your careful balance.

You may grow very weary of sadness. When that happens, give yourself the gift of a day off. Tell the world who questions, tell anyone with the audacity to ask, “I’m taking a day off from sadness today. Today, we are laughing.” When laughter comes to visit, pull up a chair and let her dine with you. Laughter is a gift of the memory.

The world will move forward in the days and weeks to come. But I will carry you in my heart, circling your name in my journal. I will ask Jesus to be near to your broken heart, to hold together your broken spirit.

Grace, your faith is fierce. Heaven is real to you now, because your husband is there. In a world of wanderers, you hold a compass. Your heart has a true north.

We live in the same city, dear one. Our town is quiet today, all but the sounds of helicopters and bagpipes. We grieve for the one you have lost.

I am so sorry. And I am so very sad for you, in ways far deeper than words.

May we give you the grace you need, the privacy you crave, the memories you want, and the time it takes.  May we love you well.

Your new friend,

Tricia

Tricia Lott Williford

Comments are closed

  1. Tricia, Thank you for this, your precious gift to Gracie. She has many sisters in the Lord who are “standing in the gap” in prayer for her and her little ones. Your letter is also a gift to the rest of us who, at different points in our lives, have experienced loss. There is much hard-learned wisdom in your words that we can all glean from. Thank you dear sister. Karen Erickson Stover

  2. Very touching and true. Thank you for being there for me through your writing, during my darkest winter nights.

  3. Beautifully written. God’s words on your heart to hers.

  4. Perhaps the finest gift, second only to the grace of God, that one could give to a “neighbor.” Thank you for your gift to all of us, Tricia, whether we walk that path or not.

  5. This letter is perfect and sums up exactly the widow walk. Thank you.

  6. Tricia, my widow friend in Castlerock knows Gracie’s parents and is getting her address for me to send her some widow resources. How could I get you to write a personal message for her in your 1st book?

  7. Such true and precious words coming from another member of “the club” with 2 small children at the time. Prayers for strength and grace ahead.

  8. Such a gentle, loving message for this young, grieving mother. No matter how how we lost our loved one, we need encouragement in the journey.

  9. I have tears today for both of you. Tears of sadness and tears of joy. What wonderful words dear Tricia. Watching the redeeming grace of our Lord at work is incredible.

    I can’t imagine belonging to the worst club ever. Praying for both of you this evening.

  10. Beautiful. ????????

  11. Spoken as only someone who has walked that path can.

  12. For all those who have a “heart that is true north” and our eyes on heaven more than ever before, applause is due for your kind words to this “dear one” ! Your words are so beautiful Tricia — every. single. one!

    • Amen

  13. This is beautiful!! My heart is breaking for this beautiful family.They are in my prayers and thoughts.

    • Absolutely beautiful Tricia! I have thought of you so much in these last few days. How this whole situation must speak volumes to your heart. I can’t speak as a widow but I can speak as a mother of child loss and I know each time I hear of similar loss, I walk through it all over again. Grief may seem so lonely, but it never is! There is always someone in the background who knows similar hurt and grieves with you on a very deep level. You are doing that with Gracie. I thank God that He comforts all who grieve. Those who are walking through the depth of it now and those of us who look on silently rubbing our scars in remembrance. May His strength always shine through each of us and may we all be reflections of his wonderful grace. Thank you for sharing your heart!

  14. What a beautiful letter to her from someone in “the club” that had small children too. It also helps those of us new to “the club” even though we are older. I just want to add for Grace, that I’m here for you as well, praying for you and the girls.

  15. Precious!

You Are Safe Now

Available April 9, 2024

This Book Is for You

Now Available
A book about falling in love with the Bible

Just. You. Wait.

Now Available
#1 New Title on Amazon in Christian Inspiration

You Can Do This

Now Available
#1 New Title on Amazon in Women's Issues!

Let's Pretend We're Normal

Now Available
#1 Bestseller on Amazon in Single Parenting

And Life Comes Back

Now Available
#1 in Denver Post: Nonfiction Paperback and Finalist for 2015 Christian Book Award
© 2015-2024 Tricia Lott Williford. All Rights Reserved. Site by Concept To Web.