I’m Basia Mosinski, Rich’s mom, and Logan’s stepmom. When Rich passed suddenly in 2014, I was brought to my knees. I couldn’t comprehend how this type of loss could befall a family twice. Rich was my only child. He passed when he was 46 years old. In some ways, he and I grew up together. Consequently, he was a part of most of my life. He was creative, savvy, smart, handsome, and wickedly funny.

20 years prior my stepson Logan passed tragically. In a way, I thought I was safe. I thought that a loss like that could never happen to the same family twice. In hindsight, I see 10-year-old Logan as a teacher in my understanding life does not single out one person or family for tragedy, although it felt like it did in the beginning.

Loss caused me to deep dive into questions about the meaning of life. Those questions led me to become a psychotherapist. I wanted to understand, to make sense of what happens to people in grief, trauma, and life-changing events. My training, could not teach me about the emotional pain, that surviving parents and family members live with after loss. Experience is a powerful teacher. I learned that healing is a lived journey.

I decided to start a chapter of The Compassionate Friends in Newport Beach, my community, a place that Richard loved so much because I found comfort with others who understand this type of grief. We became chartered in January of 2016. At that time, I had no idea that so many people needed a group like this because people don’t seek out a club like ours until they need it.

As I look back on grief and loss, I understand that creating a life of service as a guide for others is my way of honoring the memory of Rich and Logan. In this way, they are a part of everything and every conversation I have.

Gratefully, I’m no longer living in pain. I am connected to their lives and share wonderful memories of these two humans I was blessed to have for a brief part of my life. For now, they are bright stars in the night sky until we meet again.

I am Tammy, Robby's mom.  My son, my sunshine on a cloudy day passed in June 2016 at 31 years old.  Life with my son was unusual, he had special needs and was completely dependent.  I took care of him for all 31 years he was here.  

When he passed, I was lost.  I felt like I had no purpose.  Three months after his death I went looking for help.  After searching online for a support group, I found The Compassionate Friends, and on the national web site they had information regarding the loss of a special needs child.  Looking further I found the Newport Beach chapter, which is near me.  I was nervous going to my first meeting, but once I got there, I knew that was the right place for me to be.  

I was so grateful to find a place where people knew and understood how I felt.  I found more than just support, I found new friends that are so special to me and have brought so much into my life.  Being part of the Compassionate Friends of Newport Beach helped me discover that I could survive this devastating loss.  I don't know where I would be if I hadn't found this group.  I wanted to find a way to give back to the group and help others, that's why I now serve on the steering committee.