Quote · On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Emilie Kiser EXCLUSIVE: The Loss That Changed Her Forever
Where this was said
Preventing Another Tragedy
At 58:50 · chapter starts 58:09
Jay asks whether Emilie finds it helpful to talk about Trigg. Her answer is immediate and warm: she loves to talk about him. She and Brady set the tone from the beginning, telling their families that Trigg would never be an avoided topic. His photos fill their home. Friends know to say his name when something reminds them of him. Emilie lights up describing what Trigg would have said or loved — 'He was such a funny kid' — and makes clear that keeping him present in conversation is not morbid but necessary. Teddy will grow up knowing exactly who his brother was. And spreading awareness about what took Trigg's life is, for Emilie, another form of keeping him alive.
Photos of Trigg are everywhere in Emilie's home. His name comes up daily. She and Brady told their family from the beginning: Trigg is never an avoided subject. His little brother Teddy will grow up knowing exactly who his brother was.
Telling a grieving parent their child is 'in a better place' is a band-aid that reopens wounds. Trigg's best place was here, growing up with his brother. What actually helps: 'I'm so sorry. He deserved to be here.'
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under 3. Emilie Kiser pleads with every parent to layer multiple barriers: pool fences, ISR swim lessons, door alarms, automatic closers, pool sensors — because no single measure is enough, and no parent is immune.
