Gracie Parrish Miller
Founder, The Shelter Foundation
Where it all started…
Surprised by Zack’s desire to become a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and leave a stable career in banking, I wasn’t exactly thrilled by the impending change for our family. Young, pregnant and new homeowners, it felt like my world was getting rocked.
I vividly remember standing in the kitchen hearing Zack share of the deep desire he had to be an LEO and without filter I said, “What if you die at 29 years old with two babies at home?!” I didn’t think I was afraid of losing him, but in that moment time froze. That memory is seared into my heart forever.
…and when it all turned to dust.
After putting himself through the Academy while also working full-time at the bank, he was sworn in at Castle Rock Police Department and his dreams became a reality. Just two and a half years later, Zack decided to continue his LEO career at Douglas County Sheriff Office with a desire to land a spot on the SWAT team.
Seven months later, Zack responded to a call on December 31, 2017 and was ambushed.
At 7:55am, I awoke to the sound of a fist pounding my front door. Within minutes, I would be informed that my 29-year-old husband of 8.5 years wouldn’t be coming home.
I stood in my living room suddenly aware that I woke up to a different world than what I went to sleep in. I was 29 years old, widowed with two little girls, ages 4 and 16 months, who would live a life without their Daddy.
Called to something more…
I couldn’t shake the deep knowing in my heart that I was being called to more. Could there be more to my story than tragic loss? Could God be calling me to a greater purpose through the pain? Eight months after burying Zack, I launched a bible study for First Responder Wives and felt called to start a foundation that would offer faith-based community and marriage support.
Was it possible that God could be calling me to start a foundation that would offer the very resources that I wish I could have benefited from with Zack? I didn’t feel qualified in this new venture but, at the time, I knew in my soul that I had been created for such a time as this.
The Here & Now…
Almost three years after Zack’s death, I was introduced to a man that was the answer to both my and my daughter’s prayers. With only a story that God could orchestrate, Brett and I married on May 31, 2021 in the mountains surrounded by our immediate families. We doubled in size and I found myself as a Fire Wife, now learning the ropes of being a First Responder Wife again. God has a sense of humor, doesn’t He? :)
I’ve been a police wife, a first responder widow and am now a fire wife. In some ways, I feel uniquely equipped to walk with those whose journey parallels different parts of my own. Yet in other ways, I know that I’m still learning as I go and leaning into God’s divine plans for my life - and all its moments of pain, beauty, questioning and rejoicing.
Join along with us in this next phase of the Shelter Foundation.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does.
Gracie recently appeared on the Nothing is Wasted Podcast with hosts Davey and Kristi Blackburn.
Learn more about The Shelter Foundation
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Our History
In the years since its formation, The Shelter Foundation has stood beside numerous first responder families by providing resources, counseling, studies and community.
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Stories of Hope
We are passionate about creating a place of community that proclaims “Christ Alone” for First Responder families. See some of our stories of hope and encouragement.
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Support Us
We are grateful for your support as we stand ready as the hands and feet of Jesus, helping to provide tangible hope for first responder families, wives and widows.