For Ella

When you stop to think about it, three years is a not a long time. Even so, when you are grieving, three years seems like an eternity. This weekend is the three year mark for us in our loss journey. That's how long it's been since we've heard Ella's hilarious laugh, se...

Best Known for penning the Christmas classic Mary Did You Know, Christian comedian/singer Mark Lowry featured Ella’s story on his hit online show, Monday’s with Mark. Jeff Bumgardner, Ella’s Dad, was the featured guest on the show to talk about his songwriting, Ella, a...

For those of you who have been following this blog since the beginning, thank you! You have encouraged our family through our journey of loss and grief simply by being here. Often times, we have no idea what to say to someone who is hurting. One thing we have learned i...

Tonight, I am the featured guest on Mark Lowry’s online show, Mondays with Mark. Join us as we talk about songwriting, Ella, and my new radio single, “Empty Chair”. 

My new single, “Empty Chair”, is officially available for digital download everywhere digital music is sold! Get your copy now and share a message of hope and comfort with others. 💚 Click On the following link to download your copy: Empty Chair 

Empty Chair  

As many of you know, I am a songwriter. I have had over 200 songs recorded, I have won 6 GMA Dove Awards, I've been nominated for Songwriter of the Year at various award shows, I've had songs on Grammy nominated projects, and I have been a part of creating so many othe...

Tragedy, noun A disastrous event. 

The loss of a loved one is a great tragedy, but in and of itself, it is not the pure definition. Tragedy involves the loss of something. Whether it be a job, a relationship, an ability, an opportunity, or a loved one, tragedy impa...

Holidays are hard for families who are grieving. Initially, Christmas, anniversaries, and birthdays come to mind as tough days for those in the wake of a loss, but it’s those days that you don’t expect that seem to hit you out of nowhere. Those are the days that friend...

     Standing at the graveside of anyone you care about is typically very emotional. As a father, to stand at the grave of your child is devastating. What has surprised me is this part of losing Ella has never gotten easier. It has gotten a little easier to go in her r...

We recently had the privilege of attending a wedding.  Our friends' daughter was getting married and had asked our daughter, Abby, to be one of her bridesmaids.  This picture is Abby on stage at the wedding.  We were so excited for her to be a part of the wedding and h...