My Nonprofit Reviews

After my son died, leaving a wife and three children, and my having been widowed just 3 months before my son's death, I was totally adrift. I had no idea where I belonged. I had no idea who could understand. Both my husband and son were Marines, very proud Marines. My daughter-in-law told me about TAPS and I registered, having no idea what to expect, but whatever I thought it might be, I underestimated them 5000%. I attended my first seminar 7 months after my son's death and the second this past St. Patrick's Day. I was raised in a fabulous, warm, loving family. Never in my life did I expect to walk into a conference full of strangers and feel as if I had found my home. The tools, the skills, the compassion, opportunities and love that has been shown to me is really beyond comprehension. But they know the secret, because they also all have walked the walk. This is what makes TAPS different. They understand what we're dealing with from the inside out and welcome us and our feelings with only love and never a second of judgment. For one weekend at a seminar, I feel as if I'm in heaven as well, and I never dreamed that would be possible after my dear losses. God bless Bonnie Carroll and her vision, her passion and her commitment. She and her staff are the balm for a pain I didn't think could be eased. Because of TAPS, I have new friends and am happier and healthier than I ever dreamed of. I can say no more but to leave you with this, which sums up what TAPS is able to elicit from all of my survivor friends.....

“What happens when people open their hearts?
They get better.”

— Haruki Murakami