07/10/2026
So I have been asked about this special project on the hiking trail up here at Northwoods!
When we purchased the property back in January of 2023…besides planning it to be a place for men to connect with other men that are struggling, but just as important, was a way to honor those that we have lost to suicide😥
As we spent time renovating the building and improving the areas around the home, I always kept the thought of creating some sort of tribute in the back of my mind.
After the house and surrounding yard, we’re all renovated, it was time to carve hiking trails through the 22 acres of trees that we have.
It took a long time, many volunteers and many hard, exhausting hours of work, but the trails are almost completely done. Close to 3/4 of a mile people can choose to wander through the trees, enjoy nature, listen to the birds and other wildlife
But now that that is done, the most important part remained, we needed to honor those we have lost😥
The idea came to us about putting benches out on the trails. They will become a place where people can rest, enjoy the sounds or may be share some time chatting with a friend. These benches will become our tribute.
As I thought about where to place them, and what they should look like, one thought popped into my mind….”We have to start with the Face It Mom’s”.
The Face It Moms, a group of amazing people who were thrust into a journey that no mother should ever have to endure. A group like this truly breaks my heart, but it inspires me as well. When I think of what they all have and are going through, it makes me work harder! It drives me to reach out to more people and offer help. My wish, as well as theirs is that no one else will ever have to join their group.
One thing I learned years ago from these incredible women is that they never want their children to be forgotten.
So in one very small way, we are trying to do our part, to make sure those children will never be forgotten.
So this very first bench that has been placed on the trails up at Northwoods, it has the names of 15 of the children that these mothers have lost.
I pray that each mother knows, that from our hearts, they’re beautiful children will never be forgotten💜💜💜
A very special shout out to my friends, Steve and Mike who helped getting the spot prepared, and the caring folks at By The Yard furniture for their workmanship and compassion.
