Make a difference in the lives of grieving Oklahomans today!

As a child, Sonny’s world shattered in an instant. His father was injured from a car accident, and what began as a prescription for pain spiraled into addiction, one that soon consumed both his parents. As their addiction got worse, Sonny and his two brothers lost their home and the safety that came with it.

For years, the boys lived in cars and rundown hotels filled with drugs. Their parents were eventually sent to jail, and Sonny was left wondering what would happen next. That’s when their grandmother, Michelle, stepped in. She showed incredible love and strength, taking emergency custody and raising the boys as her own.

“Every birthday, I would blow out the candles and wish for the same thing:

for my parents to come home.”

Even though they were finally safe, Sonny still felt deep sadness. He asked questions no child should: “Why weren’t my parents there? Did I do something wrong?”

At school, Sonny felt alone, convinced no one could understand the pain he carried. But that changed when his teachers and counselors told him about Calm Waters, a support group for kids who are grieving. Sonny joined the group and found something he didn’t expect: a place where he belonged. Calm Waters gave him a safe space to talk about his feelings and learn healthy ways to cope with grief.

“It gave me a space to process, heal, and grow.

I stopped blaming myself.

I started believing in my own strength.”

With Calm Waters' support, Sonny began to heal. He grew stronger, more confident, and more hopeful. Today, Sonny is getting ready to start law school - something he never thought was possible. He carries with him the lessons he learned: healing takes time, hope is real, and no one should have to grieve alone.

Donate today to help other children, like Sonny, find hope after loss. No child should have to grieve alone.