It took me a long time to even find the words to write this. I’ve seen posts like this before, and they always felt distant—until now. This week, our village was hit in the most heartbreaking way.

My closest friend, my best friend Kenye Mackey, a man I can truly say is an incredible father, and his wife Rebecca, lost their firstborn daughter. She had just started the seventh grade.

They had no idea that morning—when they hugged her, kissed her, and told her goodbye—that it would be the last time. Her brothers and sisters had no idea that their final conversation with her would be the last. My children, who saw her as a cousin, had no idea that their last laugh and moment with her would be the last. Her friends at school that day, who witnessed her take her final breath, had no idea that school would forever be marked by that moment.

My heart aches for the Mackey family in ways I can’t fully put into words. I don’t even try to imagine myself in their shoes—the pain is too great, too unbearable. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to face, especially one so young. As adults, we know that loss is something we eventually prepare for as we age—but as parents of young children, this is the farthest thing from our minds. It certainly wasn’t on theirs.

So I’m asking—humbly—my friends, my family, and anyone who comes across this: please give from your heart. What you give will help this family in ways you may never fully understand. It won’t bring their baby back, and it won’t take away the pain they are living with every moment. It won’t fill the empty space her siblings are feeling.

What it will do is help carry this family through the days ahead, easing the burden of funeral, memorial, and burial expenses, so they can focus on grieving, loving one another, and finding their way through this unimaginable loss.

If you’re able to give, please do so with love, compassion, and care—for a family whose hearts are completely broken.

Thank you for holding them close in your thoughts, prayers, and support.