On august 19, 2012 our daughter Alisha and our unborn granddaughter were murdered. A miracle happened at my daughters funeral that forever changed my life. As I was sitting in the front pew staring at the crucifix, I felt that no one understood this unbearable pain and heartache. As soon as these thought of despair entered my mind the Blessed Mother spoke to me. She said, "its me the Blessed Mother, I understand your pain, my son was murdered." Immediately I felt this coldness around my legs, and I thought this was my daughter hugging me to say goodbye. Meanwhile, in the background the Ava Maria was being sung in memory of my granddaughter Ava. All I could ask myself is, why is Alisha hugging my legs and not embracing me? It was then that the Blessed Mother spoke to me again and said, "I have your daughter and granddaughter, I am washing your feet for the sacrifice you, your daughter, and granddaughter made before coming into the world. Your daughter and granddaughter's death will save many souls." God allowed a veil to be opened from heaven to help heal my broken heart. To this day Mother Mary continues to guide me. Five years ago she spoke to me once again and said that we are to open a retreat center, purchase a statue and call her "Our Lady of Hope" she said this will be a place where miracle will happen now and after my death. In 2014 we started a non for profit called the purple project. In 2018 we opened the Alisha and Ava house of hope where we offer grief support. We offer daily rosaries, retreats, individual counseling, monthly meetings and a safe place to share your precious children with us. On July 7, 2020 we dedicated our 11 foot statue at our retreat center.
