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What began as a joyful winter break reunion quickly turned into tragedy. In January 2016, a group of college friends gathered at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to celebrate the new year. But before the celebration was over, four of them had vanished—including Sally McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sally shares her son’s story, the heartbreak that followed, and what it has been like to live with unimaginable loss. She opens up about the weight of fear, guilt, and regret—and how grief, while devastating, has also revealed the depth and power of love.
Learn more about Sally's memoir: https://www.sallymcquillen.com/reaching-for-beautiful-memoir
If you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 214 "Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up": https://emilyshope.charity/episode/abby-adam-groth/
Send us a text
Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.
They were...
They were More Than Just A Number.
Support the show
Connect with Angela
Follow Grieving Out Loud
Follow Emily's Hope
Read Angela’s Blog
Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates
Suggest a Guest
For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz
By Angela Kennecke4.8
122122 ratings
What began as a joyful winter break reunion quickly turned into tragedy. In January 2016, a group of college friends gathered at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to celebrate the new year. But before the celebration was over, four of them had vanished—including Sally McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sally shares her son’s story, the heartbreak that followed, and what it has been like to live with unimaginable loss. She opens up about the weight of fear, guilt, and regret—and how grief, while devastating, has also revealed the depth and power of love.
Learn more about Sally's memoir: https://www.sallymcquillen.com/reaching-for-beautiful-memoir
If you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 214 "Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up": https://emilyshope.charity/episode/abby-adam-groth/
Send us a text
Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.
They were...
They were More Than Just A Number.
Support the show
Connect with Angela
Follow Grieving Out Loud
Follow Emily's Hope
Read Angela’s Blog
Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates
Suggest a Guest
For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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