Healing after an unexpected loss
Healing after an unexpected loss
How School-Based Counseling supported two sisters as they navigated life without their mom.
When life suddenly turns dark, even the strongest faith can be tested. For Donn and his two daughters, the light of hope came through their faith, their community, and the compassionate support of Christian counseling.
Shortly after Thanksgiving 2023, what began as mild back discomfort for Donn’s wife, Melissa, quickly became a medical emergency. Within hours, a sepsis infection took her life. One moment the family was decorating for Christmas. A couple days later, Donn was returning home to face the unimaginable reality of telling his daughters their mom was gone.
In the days that followed, Donn leaned heavily on his faith and the support around them. Their church community, Saint Lucas in Milwaukee, rallied with prayers, encouragement, and care. Friends, teachers, and family helped carry them through the initial shock.
“You go on autopilot for a little bit with a traumatic loss… and we were carried through by the church and by Christ.”
Even with that support, Donn knew his daughters needed space to process their grief. Encouraged by teachers at Saint Lucas, he reached out to Christian Family Solutions, as a CFS counselor was available at the school through the School-Based Counseling program. His daughters began meeting with a trusted Christian counselor in a familiar environment.
What Donn found was more than help in a difficult moment. It was care that looked at the bigger picture of his daughters’ lives.
“The services from CFS have been an absolute blessing…they treat the student as a whole, including everything surrounding their life, and not just this incident…CFS has been a true partner in guiding their mental and spiritual walk with Christ.”
Through counseling at Saint Lucas, and now at Wisconsin Lutheran High School for his oldest daughter, the girls have had space to talk about school, friendships, activities, and their memories of their mom. They are supported by caring counselors who walk alongside them with compassion and a faith-centered perspective.
“I recommend Christian counseling even to people who don’t have a home church. I just think that at the core of healing is really dealing with your soul.”
Melissa remains an important part of the Schmidt family. Donn and his daughters continue to talk about her, remember her, and celebrate the role she played in shaping them.
While grief is still part of their story, it is not the end of it.
Today, Donn sees hope and resilience growing in his daughters. Even in one of life’s darkest moments, God continues to shine light through the people and support He provides.
Care That Meets Students Where They Are
When students face grief, anxiety, or life changes, professional counseling at school can make all the difference.
In 2025, the CFS School-Based Counseling program:
• Partnered with 32 schools
• Supported 725+ students
• Provided 7,950 counseling sessions
