MEET: The Dumsers
- Erin's House for Grieving Children
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Jen, Ethan, and Amelia | Erin’s House Family
My husband, David, was funny, full of energy, and always ready with a dad joke or a bit of mischief. He loved being around kids and was so good with ours when they were little and as they grew up. My kids, Ethan, 18, and Amelia, 13, remember his sense of humor, his smarts, and good math skills.
When David died unexpectedly in the middle of the night at the hospital, I knew right away I wanted to get the kids into a program at Erin’s House. I knew I might not, and likely wouldn’t, be able to adequately help them navigate all the feelings they would have. We got started in the evening program and everyone was so kind, consistent, and created space for whatever we were carrying into each night. Erin’s House gave us something we couldn’t find anywhere else: a space where people truly understood what we were going through. I’ve had great support outside the program, which I’m grateful for, but there’s something incredibly comforting about sitting with people who have walked a similar path. Even when our losses are different, there are things about grief that connect us all.
On top of evening programs, Ethan really enjoys the Teen Retreat and had an unforgettable experience getting to throw the first pitch at a TinCaps game on behalf of Erin’s House. He says throughout his time at Erin’s House, he’s learned how to process his emotions better. Amelia doesn’t always express what she’s learned, but I can personally see the difference. She looks forward to the Erin’s House holiday parties and says the volunteers are really nice.
Erin’s House is such a welcoming and compassionate place, and it’s clear they’re truly invested in helping kids and families navigate their grief. I’m so thankful it was there for us at a time when we needed it the most.
“Ethan says his favorite memory is when his dad was dancing in the car to Mambo Number 5, just being funny and getting really into it. Amelia says how much she loved playing a Harry Potter board game with him.”
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