March 7, 2026
By Erika Boike
Grief is a journey no one should walk alone. In Central Minnesota, organizations like
Bri’s Lodge, a Grief & Loss Center are dedicated to providing bereavement support,
grief support, and resources for those coping with loss. My story is one of heartbreak,
healing, and the impact of community connections—reminding us all that hope can be
found even in the darkest moments.
Grieving, Loss, and the Importance of Support & Grief has shaped me, not
defined me. When my son Charlie gained his angel wings, my world was shattered. Grieving such a
profound loss tested my faith and my ability to cope. But through the compassionate
support of my family, friends, and the broader community, I discovered that no one
should grieve alone. Support groups, education, and companioning became lifelines,
helping me navigate the pain and find hope and healing. I was thrust into a world of grief
and loss that I never asked to be part of. No one ever wants to join this “terrible club” of
bereaved parents, and yet, here I am. In the early days, it felt impossible to imagine life
beyond the pain. But as time has passed, I’ve realized that while grief will always be a
part of my story, it does not define who I am. Instead, it has shaped me into a person I
never knew existed—someone braver, more compassionate, and deeply connected to
others walking a similar path.
Grief has changed me, but it hasn’t broken me. It has taught me the power of
connection, the importance of community, and the value of supporting others through
their own losses. I am not the same person I was before, and while I never wanted this
transformation, I am grateful for the resilience and empathy it has brought into my life.
Through giving back—whether by volunteering, donating to Bri’s Lodge, or simply being
there for someone else—I’ve discovered that hope and healing are possible, even after
life-altering loss.
Bri’s Lodge: A Beacon of Bereavement Support
In Central Minnesota, Bri’s Lodge stands as a beacon for those seeking bereavement
support and grief workshops. Their mission is clear: to ensure that everyone has access
to support & resources, whether through group sessions, educational programs, or one-
on-one companioning. The impact of Bri’s Lodge and similar nonprofits is felt deeply by
families like mine, offering a safe space to share, heal, and connect.
Volunteer Opportunities and Giving Back
After my son Charlie’s passed away, our family found healing by giving back. Volunteer
opportunities at Bri’s Lodge and other grief support organizations allow individuals to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re supporting nonprofits through donations or
volunteering your time, you become part of a network of hope and healing. Our own
initiative, SkateFreeCharlie, was born from this spirit—providing scholarships, awards,
and resources to honor Charlie’s memory and support others in their journey.
Coping, Connections, and Community Impact
Coping with grief is never easy, but connections within the community make all the
difference. The power of connection—through faith, family, and organizations like Bri’s
Lodge—became the glue that held us together. Support groups, grief workshops, and
educational resources helped us find hope and healing, transforming our pain into
purpose. The impact of these connections is profound, reminding us that together, we
can overcome loss and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Resources and Support: No One Should Grieve Alone
If you or someone you know is grieving, remember that support & resources are
available. Bri’s Lodge Grief & Loss Center, and other nonprofits in Central
Minnesota offer support groups, education, companioning, and grief workshops. No one
should grieve alone—reach out, connect, and find hope in the community around you.
Donate to Bri’s Lodge and Support Nonprofits
Supporting nonprofits like Bri’s Lodge ensures that bereavement support, grief
workshops, and resources remain accessible to all. Consider donating or
volunteering—your contribution can make a lasting impact on families coping with loss
and seeking hope and healing. Together, we can build a community where connections
matter, and no one is left to grieve alone.
Thank you for reading. If you’re in Central Minnesota and need support, or want
to make a difference, connect with Bri’s Lodge and other grief support
organizations. Hope and healing are possible—no one should grieve alone. Erika
Erika Boike is a Board Member at Bri’s Lodge, a motivational speaker, community leader, and event professional whose life and work are deeply rooted in resilience, connection, and purpose. Her journey into speaking began after the tragic loss of her middle son, Charlie, a 17-year-old known for his empathy, athleticism, and love of hockey. When Charlie’s life was cut short in a car crash in 2022, Erika and her family were devastated. Yet even in their grief, they found strength in the community that surrounded them. Today, Erika carries Charlie’s spirit forward by inspiring others to find hope and connection even in the darkest moments. Together with her family, she has worked to honor Charlie’s legacy through projects like Charlie’s Corner Community Sport Court—a space designed for hockey, lacrosse, and adaptive pickleball. What began as Charlie’s dream is now a mission to give back to the same community that carried their family through unimaginable loss.