Ambria’s Oasis

10/20/2026

I’ve heard the saying “there’s purpose in the pain,” many times throughout my life. I’m sure you’ve heard it, too. I never really liked it, but any time I heard it after losing Ambria…even if it wasn’t being said directly to me… It filled me with anger.

To me, it has often felt like people use it to explain that God has a purpose behind the pain that we face in this life, which, to me, implies that pain comes from God. I just don’t believe that to be true.

Have I grown closer to God over the last 3 years? Yes.

Have I learned to completely trust Him and rely on Him to give me strength because I have NONE on my own? Yes.

Have I cried out to Him for peace and comfort a million times…sometimes hundreds in the course of a day or a matter of hours? Yes.

Do I believe He created my pain for these purposes?
Absolutely NOT.

I do not believe God took Ambria from me to bring me closer to Him. I do not think He took Ambria from me, so that I would learn to completely rely on Him and His strength since I no longer had any of my own. As a matter of fact, I do not believe God took Ambria from me period.

We live in a broken world, and I firmly believe it is the evil of the world that led to the most devastating pain I have ever faced. I believe the brokenness here on this side led to Ambria being taken from me.

I also believe that Jesus was right there to welcome her into her permanent home immediately. I firmly believe that He will be there to do the same for me one day, too.

No, I do not believe God causes pain for His purpose. However, I do believe that no matter what we face on this Earth, we can still find purpose through Him. He is not the cause of my shattered heart, and He does not leave me to walk this road alone. He remains by my side, so His light can shine brightly through my brokenness.

He sustains me…
One day at a time…
One day closer 💜✝️

10/16/2026

A little glimpse into the daily battle in my head and heart…

Sometimes my mind is quite noisy
A place no one would stay
Sometimes my thoughts ricochet of the walls
In the most sporadic, incomprehensible way

Sometimes my mind is quiet
Full of peace and relaxation
The epitome of truly slowing down
As if on a beautiful vacation

Sometimes my mind is a roller coaster
Full of great highs and spiraling lows
In a matter of hours, minutes, or seconds
There is elation
Then devastating blows

Sometimes my mind is a carousel
Spinning ‘round, getting lost in the crowd
Sometimes the music is soothing
Other times, it’s repetitive and loud

Sometimes my mind is the ocean
Full of whitecaps and raging tides
Sometimes it’s rhythmic & methodical
A calming, peaceful ride

Whatever my mind is going through
I know who I hold in my heart
My Savior is there for all of it
From me, He never will part

He holds me close in the darkest times
He’s there to shine the light
He’s there to calm the storm inside
He eases the fight or flight

He’s in the battle with me
He never leaves my side
He reminds me this is all temporary
He’s my protector, my rock, my guide

One day, I’ll hear Him call my name
And my faith will then become sight
One day my mind will only contain
The purest elements of love and light

Until that day comes, I’ll lean on Him
For strength, peace, and love
For glimpses of my beautiful girl
Good and perfect gifts sent from above

10/14/2026

Good morning, everyone. It is my honor to introduce you to this beautiful soul, Tawng Lai. I challenge you not to smile as you get to know him through the words of his mother, my friend, Melaina Callahan. I love the way she describes him as a son, a brother, and a friend. I look forward to meeting him one day. Please lift Melaina and Tawng’s siblings up in prayer as you read this, and please say Tawng’s name.🧡

—————————————-

My beloved boy Tawng Lai.
May 18, 2008 - January 3, 2025
Forever 16

He was the most resilient kid I ever met. He overcame so much. He had the best smile and laugh. He walked into new situations fearless and always came out with 5 new friends.

He was wild as a little boy and loved to be shirtless, barefoot, and dirty. He loved to play outside and climb trees. He was always breaking things and getting into mischief and everyone who knew him has at least one crazy Tawng story. He made everyone laugh.

He had a very soft and kind heart and loved people. He loved his siblings and they adored him. He and his big brother Zo were the closest I’ve ever seen two siblings be, they were like soulmates. I honestly can’t believe Zo has survived losing him, I’m so proud of him.

He was goofy, he loved the color red, Wendy’s fries, hibachi, Burmese food, soccer and basketball, animals, and rap music. His brother Zaiden made a mash-up of two rap songs he liked and played it on the piano during the funeral slideshow. It was like our inside joke as a family because all people heard was beautiful piano music but we knew it was rap.

He loved making goulash with his grandpa who helped raise him. He loved Jesus. Despite everything he had been through, he was convinced of the goodness of God.

He liked to look good and he loved shoes. He was buried in his favorite red Nikes and I made sure to clean them before they went on his feet for the last time. No one would see his shoes but I knew it would matter to him. His big sister Cahlia is married now and she keeps a pair of his shoes by her front door so she can feel like he’s there.

“I have a lot of questions to God, but none of that will matter at the end of our days, we will be with our Father in heaven.”
-Tawng Lai

10/08/2026

I just watched the movie Voicemails for Isabelle on Netflix. I knew it was going to be difficult to watch for a couple of reasons.

One, it’s RomCom, which Ambria and I always thoroughly enjoyed together. We often had “slumber parties,” that involved us watching chic flicks or TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy. I can count on half a hand how many I’ve watched over the last 3+ years.

Second, this movie is about two sisters who are incredibly close…one of which, Isabelle, has cystic fibrosis. The disease ultimately takes her life, and her older sister, Jill, continues to call & leave her voicemails after she passes.

Needless to say, I shed many tears (mixed in with some smiles and laughs) as I watched it. Overall, I enjoyed it, and I know Ambria would have loved it, too. I was literally sobbing & smiling at the end thinking of her.

I was also thinking a lot about Dylon throughout the movie and the hurt I know he carries from missing his sister. Despite their age difference, they were always super close, and it was pure joy to watch their relationship grow over the years. They had and continue to have a special connection…an unbreakable bond, for which I am grateful. That being said, I know his heart aches.

When a parent experiences child loss, most people realize it to be the most pain a human can experience…even if they cannot fully comprehend the true level of heartbreak. As a result, people continue to reach out to the mom and dad of the child. They continue to send words of encouragement, offer support, and lift the parents up in prayer. As a parent traveling this road myself, I cannot stress enough how much the continued support is both needed and appreciated.

The siblings need it, too though. Losing a sibling is to lose a built in buddy. It’s being separated from someone who was supposed to be your friend for life.

In the aftermath of child loss, the surviving sibling(s) can sometimes fade into the background. The purpose of this post is to ask you to shift some of your focus to them.

If you know Dylon, or anyone else who has lost their brother or sister, and God lays it on your heart to reach out, please heed the call. Whether they are small children or grown adults, they need to know they are seen in their pain. They need to know they are not forgotten. They need to be encouraged. They need to know they are not alone. Even if they realize in their hearts that they will see their brothers and sisters again…even if they know their siblings are in a better place, the pain of separation can be agonizing. The pain of not being able to share a funny story, lean on each other through difficulties, and talk about their crazy parents can feel incredibly lonely.

Take the time today to lift them up in prayer. Pray for them to be wrapped in love and to feel their siblings close. Pray for their continued strength and endurance. Pray for their hurting hearts and continued wisdom to know this pain is temporary. Pray for peace that surpasses understanding. 💜

If you are a parent of a child who has lost a brother or sister, please share his/her name(s) below, so I can add them to my prayers.

If you are the brother or sister who is walking this road without your lifelong friend, comment below, so I can pray for you.💜

10/05/2026

Hello, everyone. I’d like to introduce you all to the beautiful Sarah Faith Dale. She is the daughter of my new friend, Kimmie Searcy Mang. I didn’t know Sarah personally, but you can see her inner light shine through the images and the words her mom shares. You can also sense her mom’s great pride for Sarah as well as the heartache she carries.

As always, I ask that you will say Sarah’s name. I also ask that you will allow her mom’s words to sink in so that you can learn a little bit about Sarah’s character. While doing so, I ask that you will lift Kimmie and the rest of her sweet family up in prayer.

———————————————

Our beautiful Sarah. 💜

Our sweet, sparkly, kind-hearted, compassionate, hardworking, feisty, and truly magical girl.
Sarah was determined in everything she did. She believed in living a healthy life, taking care of herself, and encouraging others to do the same. She had a beautiful spirit that inspired everyone around her.

She was our dancing queen. At every cookout, holiday, or family gathering, you could always find Sarah right in the center of it all, dancing with the biggest smile on her face. Her laughter was contagious, and her joyful personality could light up any room. Those are some of the things we miss most.
What I wouldn't give for one more hug. One more conversation. One more chance to hear your laugh or watch you dance. But even then, it would never be enough.

We miss you more than words can ever express. We love you beyond measure, and we carry you with us every second of every day. Your love, your light, and your beautiful spirit will always be part of us.

Forever loved. Forever missed.
Sarah Faith Dale�Oct. 26, 1995 – Feb. 5, 2025🤍

10/02/2026

Instead of sharing Ambria fun facts on the 3rd this month, I’ve decided to share the letter I wrote her today in honor of what would be her 20th birthday. My beautiful Ambria Dianne McGregor, forever 16…forever loved. 🥳💜🎉

My dear sweet Ambria,

On this day 20 years ago, at 4:46 pm, your daddy, brother, and I welcomed the most precious baby girl we’d ever seen into the world, and our family was made complete. The McGregor party of four was created, and forever bonds established.💜💜💜💜

Rather than focusing on the pain we all carry at the fact you aren’t here with us to celebrate physically, I’d like to write you a letter that expresses the great love and gratitude we all feel for you…a love we will feel forever.

First and foremost, I want to thank you for being such an incredible daughter and amazing sister. Thank you for encouraging all of us to seize the moment and be spontaneous. Thank you for loving each of us so well and making us feel so special…individually and collectively. Thank you for encouraging all the picture taking to capture the experiences along the way. I’m forever grateful for all of our family photos, silly selfies, and special videos. I look at them often, and although the tears might roll down my face while doing so, my heart also swells with gratitude and joy to see & remember such cherished blessings….such treasured moments in time.

Secondly, I want to thank you for our special bond as mother and daughter…a bond that will never be broken. Thank you for all the adventures you took with me. Thank you for every hike, every shopping trip, and every walk. Thank you for our spontaneous dancing and for your patience as you taught me the latest TikTok trend. Thank you for running in the rain with me. Thank you for all the volleyball games…in our backyard and at the beach. Thank you for all the time spent playing Barbies…even when I thought I was too tired from my day. Thank you for continuing to spend time with me as you got older…for continuing to include me as a major factor in your life even when teenage years hit. Thank you for the time spent journaling together then sharing our thoughts and having real life discussions. Thank you for trusting me with your moments of celebration and your moments of struggle.

Thank you for being such a kind, inclusive human. Thank you for making everyone feel seen…for making everyone feel important. Thank you for sharing the love of Jesus with everyone around you and being unashamed to raise your hands in praise. Thank you for your genuine, golden heart and your constant display of love for God, your family, and your friends.

Thank you for your determination and drive. Thank you for setting such a great example of working hard to reach your goals…in all aspects of life. Thank you for the creativity, beauty, and color you brought and continue to bring into so many people’s lives. Thank you for sharing your trademark smirk and contagious laughter with everyone…for spreading such joy, even when you didn’t mean to.

I could go on and on and on, but I’ll end with this.
I love you so much, baby girl. I’m so proud of your light that continues to shine. I’m so thankful God chose me to be your momma…forever grateful to call you mine. I know one day, I’ll walk through those gates and see you on the other side. Until that day comes, I’ll keep trying my best, knowing you’re right by my side.

Happy Heavenly birthday, monkey…my angel face…my princess…my rainbow baby…my sweet, precious daughter. We are going to try our best to celebrate you today. Please let us know you’re near.

Love you forever x forever,
Momma



💜💜💜💜

10/01/2026

If you know someone who is grieving a child, this is a pretty accurate description.
The love we feel for our children, our deep maternal and paternal desire to reach for them, to share things with them, will never end; therefore the pain we experience will never end either. Please don’t grow weary of lifting prayers for our broken hearts.
Specifically, pray that we experience moments of joy and peace. Pray that we can cling to the hope of the eternal while being present with our loved ones in the temporal. Pray for our continued strength. Thank you.

Sometimes my mind understands what happened long before the rest of me does.

There are still moments when I reach for my child without thinking. A story I want to tell. A question I want to ask. Something funny happens and I already know the look they would give me.

For that tiny moment, reaching for them feels completely natural.

Because it is.

My child was part of the way I moved through the world. I listened for their voice. I looked for their face. I carried them in my plans without ever having to think about it.

Death changed what is possible.

It didn’t erase all those years of knowing how to love them.

Maybe that’s why grief can hurt so sharply even after so much time has passed.

Some part of us is still reaching. 💜

— Izzy Roe
Bereaved Parents of the USA

09/27/2026

Hey family & friends. As October is right around the corner, I wanted to make you aware of two very special events that are coming up soon.

I know my family and I always loved the fall activities, and I’m sure you all hold some special memories of pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more. If you have littles or grand littles, or know people who do, both of these options are great ways to build memories while supporting families in our community who are traveling the heartbreaking road of child loss. Rather than going to just any pumpkin patch or fall festivals, these are great ways to show support for some of our own who are choosing to spread love and kindness in the midst of utter heartbreak.

On October 17, from 10 AM to 1 PM you can participate in the 1st Annual Distracted Driving is Scary event benefiting
Kyler’s Impact Foundation . There will be a costume contest with Amazon gift card giveaways, pumpkin painting, face painting, a scavenger hunt, food trucks, vendors, and various prizes.
Stephanie Dorris Gatica
has worked incredibly hard to put this together, and it would be awesome for friends, family, and members of our community to show up for her and Matthew Gatica in honor of Kyler. It’s going to be a great day of fun!

The following weekend, Katie Denney is hosting “Fall Pancakes, Pumpkins, & Play,” in honor of her precious son, Crew and the Crew Anderson Denney Foundation. It will take place on Saturday, October 24, starting with a pancake breakfast, followed by inflatables, face painting, pony rides, and a cakewalk. There will be a pumpkin patch on site as well as a coffee truck and a variety of vendors. These are all things Crew loved, and your attendance is a great way to show Katie and her family support while building precious memories of your own.

💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙
I am including the flyers here. Let me know if you have any questions, and I will point you in the right direction for the answers.
💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙

09/25/2026

It is my honor to introduce you all to this precious soul, Rowan Ace Frensley. Behind his beautiful smile that lights up his entire face is an equally beautiful, kind heart.

Although I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting him myself, I can see the kindness in his eyes. I’m sure you can, too. Along with his big brother, Hudson, he is the pride of his parents, my dear friends,
Art & Jana Frensley.

While Rowan was only given 7 short years on this Earth, he made and continues to make an impact of love and kindness...here and beyond. His parents have made it their mission to continue to share his light, spreading kindness everywhere they go. Jana does this by using her incredible artistic ability to paint rocks in Rowan’s name, delivering messages of hope and encouragement all over the United States and around the world. You can follow this journey on the RowanRocks912 FB page.

Friends, as you read this and see this sweet face, please lift Art, Jana, and Hudson in prayer. As always, please say Rowan’s name, and wish him a happy heavenly birthday.

Happy birthday, Rowan Ace! You will never be forgotten!
🥳💙💚🩵🎉