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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 friend's 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

THE PODCAST

THE BREAK OF DAWN PODCAST

It's not perfect or polished in any way, but Bella and I just took the first step in launching a podcast. In this first episode, we reflect honestly on the lessons we've learned and what healing has looked like over the last three years. Thank you for following along!

RECENT JOURNAL ENTRIES

A New Resolution for 2026

January 6, 2026

A Glimmer of Hope for 2026

January 1, 2026

To Bear the Cross is to Wear the Crown

December 3, 2025

A Lesson from the Barre

October 2, 2025

Balancing Safe Spaces & Being Known

March 30, 2025

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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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All images copyright Dawn Sparks Photography

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