‘I found my purpose’: Georgia woman founds group for grieving mothers

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Nine and a half years ago, Cathy Semeria’s world was shattered. Her daughter, Christina, was one of four University of Georgia students killed in a car crash in April 2016.

“The first year is a complete blur, to be completely honest about it,” Cathy remembers. “You are in shock… You can’t believe it has happened.”

In those dark months, Cathy found unexpected comfort in community. She connected with other grieving mothers. They talked, prayed, and shared meals.

“Every time we turned around, we heard of another mom who had lost a child,” she said.

What began as simple dinners grew into something bigger: a support network called Warrior Moms. The group meets monthly, sometimes in a member’s home, other times filling an entire restaurant.

A few years ago, fourteen of those moms felt called to do something more. Together, they wrote a book: “Grieve Like a Mother – Survive Like a Warrior."

“We didn’t know what that looked like,” Cathy admitted. “We weren’t experts in it… The only common denominator was that we all lost a child.”

Each woman contributed a chapter, writing about the darkest days and what helped them keep moving forward.

“It’s fourteen chapters of fourteen moms who lost a child,” Cathy explained. “We share what worked for us… in the beginning stages, the middle stages, and our continuing journey.”

For Cathy, part of that journey has been rooted in her faith.

“My hope is that I grieve not like the world grieves,” she said. “But I know my daughter is with Christ, and I know I will be with Tini again one day.”

Cathy also wants people to understand what grieving parents need most: the reassurance that their child is not forgotten.

“Everybody means well,” she said. “But I don’t think America does grief real well. My suggestion is — be with someone who has lost a child, and let them talk about their child. Our greatest fear is that our child will be forgotten.”

From her loss also came a new purpose. Cathy and her family launched the Spark in the Dark Foundation in Christina’s name. The foundation raises money for scholarships and has already sent hundreds of young people to youth camps and mission trips.

“We have hundreds of the next generation,” Cathy said. “That’s my passion — and that’s where I found my purpose.”

She admits grief never truly ends, but it does change. With the pain comes reminders of joy.

“Joy and sorrow cannot be separated,” Cathy reflected. “In the grief that we’ve had and the suffering, we have a deeper joy and a deeper sorrow — that is a gift from the Lord.”

Now, with a book in hand and a community of warrior moms by her side, Cathy hopes their stories can light the path for others walking through unimaginable loss.

Spark in the Dark is holding a 5K fundraiser run at the UGA Golf Course on Sunday, Oct. 5. You can also participate virtually. Click here to learn more.