Overview:

In this emotionally profound episode, we sit down with Dawn Simmons who experienced unimaginable loss—the death of her three children, Lindy, Christopher, and Cameron, in a tragic head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. Through her pain, faith, and resilience, she has chosen to turn her grief into advocacy, education, and inspiration for others. This episode is a heart-wrenching but hope-filled journey of trauma, grief, and the endless strength of a mother’s love.

1. A Tragic Night: The Crash That Changed Everything

“There were five deaths that night… it could have all been prevented.”

Dawn recounts the night of December 17, 2021—the night that a wrong-way drunk driver caused a catastrophic crash, instantly taking the lives of children Lindy, Christopher and Cameron. She shares the timeline, her last memories, and the devastating chaos that followed.

2. The Search: Not Knowing Where They Were

“Nobody had them. We called every hospital in Louisiana.”

Her daughter Katie’s desperate attempt to locate her siblings leads to hours of frantic phone calls and unimaginable heartbreak as the family receives the news—one by one—of the children’s deaths.

3. The Aftermath: Waking Up to a New Reality

“I didn’t find out for two days. I was critically injured… I had no idea.”

Critically injured herself, she details the severity of her own physical trauma and the moment she returned home on December 26 to the silence of an empty house—still filled with unopened Christmas presents.

4. Coping with Immense Loss

“My faith was shaken. I was hopeless… but God met me in my brokenness.”

She opens up about the emotional and spiritual toll. From hopelessness to finding strength in God through the testimony of others, especially Dr. Mary Neal’s near-death experience, which helped restore her hope.

5. A New Mission: Advocacy Against Drunk Driving

“We didn’t do anything wrong that night. But that doesn’t matter when someone else makes a fatal choice.”

She shares how she turned her pain into purpose by founding a nonprofit, speaking in schools, and participating in programs like Sudden Impact—educating youth about the irreversible consequences of impaired driving.

6. Healing Through Testimony and Grief Work

“I have to go there every time I tell their story. And though it’s painful, it’s also healing.”

Despite the agony, she continues to tell her children’s story—again and again—because it honors them, brings healing, and saves others from the same tragedy.

7. The Tree That Remains: A Symbol of Love and Legacy

“If you take that tree down, I’ll never put another up again.”

The family transforms their last Christmas tree into a year-round memorial adorned with personalized ornaments that symbolize each child. It’s not just a tree—it’s a living reminder of Lindy, Christopher, and Cameron.

8. A Mother’s Message: Make Every Day Count

“If you’re living and breathing, you still have work to do.”

With passion and clarity, she shares her message for the world: life is fragile, time is precious, and we must use both wisely. Her faith and calling now fuel her mission to reach hearts through truth and testimony.

Want to know more? Check out their website: https://simmons3.com