Elise’s Lantern

Why this exists

Hi, I am Elise’s Dad. She passed away May 28th, 2026, and I know that my life will never be the same.

Many times, when I am in my darkest moments, I wished there was something that allowed me to connect with other bereaved parents, just so that I knew I wasn’t alone. It usually comes at night, when the house is dark and quiet, and I just need someone to be there. Not to talk to me, or interact really, but just to know that someone that understands is there, holding space for me. So, I built an app that would make this a reality.

I am not building this for profit, or any type of personal gain. I feel I have been added to this horrible club for a reason, and I am trying to find what that reason is, and this feels like it might be part of it. I am self-funding this project, and when it gets to be more than what I can personally afford, I will be reaching out to the service providers this app was built on and asking them if they would be willing to donate their services (I can’t imagine they would say no).

What you'll find inside

• 💙 A “Reach Out” button — When you’re hurting, you tap it and choose what you need: a simple ping back, or a chat. Others in the community see that someone needs presence, and to what level. Because sometimes you don’t need advice — you just need someone to sit with you.
• 🤝 Being that person for someone else — I believe you heal yourself when you help others heal. When you answer someone’s reach-out, you first see a little card about their journey and their beliefs, so you know how to hold space for them. And if you’re not ready to support others yet, you can turn that off until you are — no guilt.
• 🕊️ Matched with people who truly understand — connected with other parents by the kind of loss, your child’s age, how long it’s been, and — if it matters to you — your faith. Talking with someone who shares your beliefs (LDS, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or none at all) can make all the difference. Faith is woven in for those who want it, and never pushed on those who don’t.
• 📖 A story page for your child — photos, their story, the things they loved. Others can “light a candle” with you, in their own words. And on the hard days — their birthday, their anniversary — letters written just for you arrive that morning. There’s also a link you can give friends and family who aren’t on the app, so they can write letters too (and it will ask if they’d like to be reminded next year as well).
• ✍️ Journaling — write it or speak it. Whatever gets it out. Completely private.
• 📅 Check-ins written by real people that arrive on the hard days — birthdays, anniversaries.

What's coming next

Shaped by the people testing it now:

• Phone calls and video calls on the Reach Out button
• A quote or message each morning, matched to your beliefs
• Connections to grief counselors/therapists in your area (including faith-aligned ones) and clergy across denominations for those who want pastoral care
• Gentle guidance for friends and family on how to support you month by month, so they know what to say (and what not to)
• Book suggestions, art, a personal mantra page — and whatever else testers ask for

Help me test it

Before I put the app on the App & Play Store, I need some help testing its current features. If you would like to help test it, please click here: