We are not what happened to us — we are how we choose to live.

My conversation with Gabby Petito's mom and step-mom

Some stories grab hold of us - they strike a nerve, and we all feel drawn in. The story of Gabby Petito is one of those stories. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard she was missing. I had just gotten home from Moab, where some of the first reports and bodycam footage of Gabby had surfaced. That connection, however small, made it feel so personal to me. I was deeply invested in the hope that she’d be found.

And once you’ve lost a child, at least for me, you feel the grief of other parents in your body. It’s visceral. My heart was with Gabby’s family from the start. And like so many of you, I watched when the Netflix series came out. I felt enraged. Heartbroken. Brian and I sat there just aching for them, because we understood that loss.

So, I reached out as a mom who also lost a child. I wanted them to know how deeply sorry I was for what happened and how the system failed Gabby. I shared about Jakey and what we’re doing to keep his memory alive. And on that very human level, we connected.

I am so honored that Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mom, and Tara Petito, her stepmom, agreed to be guests on A Place of Yes. We recorded this conversation last week, and it was everything I had hoped it would be - honest, raw, and filled with memories of who Gabby was and how she lets her family know she is still with them.

I am excited to share a sneak peek of the episode with you.