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THE JOURNAL OF A FAMILY'S GRIEF & THEIR SEARCH TO FIND JOY IN THEIR MOURNING

This site discusses topics related to grief, mental health, and suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available.
For immediate support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Whether you found your way to this space through a shared story, a whispered recommendation, or perhaps through your own searching, I am truly grateful you're here.

Our story has led us through the deepest valley, where sorrow lingers and the road feels long and lonesome. Grief can seem like an isolating journey, but we have found that there are many other travelers here. Many walk this path, bearing burdens of their own, yet in the darkness, we have glimpsed a sacred calling—to be stewards of the mysteries of God, holding out His light to those who journey beside us.

Within these pages, I pray you find this to be true: there is mercy in the valley, joy in the mourning, and even the longest night must yield to the break of dawn.

We are the Sparks family. I’m Dawn, a professional photographer, and my husband, Noy, is a golf course superintendent. Together, we’ve built a life in beautiful Colorado with our four children—three who are here with us and one who now walks with Jesus.

On February 10, 2023, our world shattered when our 15-year-old son, Julian, took his life. In the wake of that loss, I began writing—processing grief, searching for hope, and clinging to the promises of God. This space is where I share that journey.

If you are walking through sorrow, you are not alone. My prayer is that The Break of Dawn offers a place of comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that even in the darkest nights, the light will come.

WELCOME TO THE BREAK OF DAWN

JOURNAL ENTRIES

Personal reflections on grief, healing, and finding joy in the midst of sorrow.

THE VALLEY & THE CLASSROOM

Lessons from both suffering and study—biblical truths, counseling insights, and lessons learned along the way.

BOOKS & RESOURCES

Recommended readings and tools for navigating grief and growing in faith.

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RECENT JOURNAL ENTRIES

Balancing Safe Spaces & Being Known

March 30, 2025

Good Riddance Winter!

March 20, 2025

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

March 7, 2025

The Friends Julian Left Behind

February 26, 2025

MOURNING WHO I WAS, EMBRACING WHO I AM BECOMING

February 24, 2025

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All images copyright Dawn Sparks Photography

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