Support the Houston family after the tragic and unexpected loss of both parents
My name is Anna, a friend of Stephanie’s. I’m trying to raise money to help the family by easing some of the burden and the stress, after tragically losing both parents at their family home, to what authorities call a murder suicide. They have been left behind to figure out so many things unknown to them. All funds will go directly to the family for funeral/cremation expenses, counseling & therapy, bills left behind, and anything left will help the kids in whatever way they need it to. Bob and April were also supporting Eric financially, as he just graduated Dover High School. Sympathy Cards, gift cards, and graduation cards for Eric may be mailed to the family home at 2011 Gordon Rd NW, Dover, Ohio 44622. No donation is too small.
June 1st was going to be a celebration of a significant milestone for Bob and April’s last son, Eric. Feelings of excitement, happiness, and joy filled the air while getting ready for Eric’s big graduation party at the family home & property. Although, there were feelings of nostalgia and bitter sweetness, and while tears filled April’s eyes, Bob and April couldn’t have been more proud of Eric and all their kids.
Things quickly changed and instead, this day turned into complete devastation. One, no one should ever have to go through. Natasha, Stephanie, Bobby, Jimmy, and Eric will never fully understand.
Their dad, Bob, had been struggling with a great deal of depression recently due to some health issues. Enough that he and his loving wife seeked some help for him. Unfortunately, his depression and medication became too powerful. In the end, Bob lost his fight to mental health. On that very special day, that was supposed to be Eric’s day, Bob took the life away from April and then from himself. No one will ever know the reasons or answers, except that mental health is real. It was something their dad could no longer fight. This terrible thing had taken a toll on his mind. This certainly was not the dad they knew and were raised by. Even though this was a traumatic tragedy, the kids are extremely thankful no one else was hurt and they still have one another. Being with each other to cry with, to lean on for support, to hug each other for love, and to scream in vain with to let out the anger because they don’t know what else to do. Having each other is the one thing that has gotten them through this damaging time. Not to mention, Steph’s birthday was June 3, Bobby’s was June 6, April’s birthday was on June 10, and now Father’s Day. 4 young adult kids, Eric still living at home, not knowing how to continue, and now having to face this. It’s truly heartbreaking!
That day will forever be on replay in their lives, for years to come. How do they live on or proceed with life from here? How do they step in and pick up the pieces? The only life they knew, had their parents in it. To know their parents, was to love their parents. Their lives have been shattered, and everything has been thrown at them at once.
As you can imagine, they have a long hard road ahead of them. Unfortunately, Bobby and Jimmy have been traumatized, being the ones to hear the gunshots in their childhood home, and running to the rescue only to discover devastation. Seeing their precious parents lifeless, with their mom barely hanging on long enough to feel Bobby and Jimmy one last time, and now having to live with that for the rest of their lives. They may never overcome or recover from that. Every loud bang, every gunshot noise, leading to fear and anxiety, creating an unpleasant and uncomfortable future. Can we pray, they get the best professional help for as long as they need it and can keep a strong support system around them. I also pray the people in their lives continue to check on them from time to time, as I will also.
I can’t imagine the everlasting aches and pain, the impact this is going to have on them, and having to face life’s challenges on their own in this blink of an eye.
Now, they have to face life without either parent in it. To never be able to pick up the phone again and call mom or dad for advice on something or ask help with this or that, or to call up and just tell them what happened that day. To never hear their voices again. To call up and say I’m coming home for dinner. They will never taste any more of their April’s baked goods or pies. No more family trips to the Winter Lights or the Swiss Festival, one they faithfully attended every single year. A place they got to watch their dad enjoy this time and always running into someone he knew. They bonded over the little things. It is these great memories that they will carry and keep close to their hearts. They will try to continue these traditions.
The kids have been overwhelmed and so busy that they haven’t had the chance to fully grieve yet. They hurt and they’re angry, they have guilt and fear, and at times are in denial and disbelief. All of which are normal, but it’s going to be a long time before they can start to feel okay again. They feel very blessed from the large turnout at services for their parents, realizing how many people loved them. Even more overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from everyone who has reached out to them during this difficult time. They had no idea how many lives their parents touched and how they were just loved by soo many.
They could use our help to make things just a little bit easier on them, as they try to figure out the next steps in life. I can’t help but to hurt for them, cry for them, and to pray for them. And like their parents, they are not ones to ask for help. I have created this fundraiser with their permission to try and relieve some of the stress and the burden they may be facing during this time.
Thank you for reading their story!
Thank you for supporting the Houston’s and continue to pray for them. Every donation and every share is greatly appreciated!
