Kat Shelton
Shelia S
(PS We’d like to make this a yearly thing!)
'Surviving Child Loss'
by Warrior Moms
Warrior Moms' Amy Durham and Michele Davis guiding listeners through their grief journey
Every Warrior Moms' story is different, but one thing they share is the decision to live.
“Dream it, and we will try to make it happen…”
In August 2025, Mike & Cathy Rainey generously gifted Amy Durham and Michele Davis use of Briarpatch Farms and their barn in Eatonton, GA to put on a Warrior Moms event for 50 grieving moms. The people of the town of Eatonton also donated lake houses for all the moms to stay in, volunteers to serve, snacks, lanyards, and more. We had the first Warrior Moms retreat in October 2025, and it was just the beginning!
Mike Rainey, who graciously donated Warrior Moms the use of Briarpatch Farm for our first retreat, said “Dream it, and we will try to make it happen.” We’d love to keep it going and we are in the veeeeeeeeery, very early stages of seeing how planning our SECOND retreat might look.
You can use the buttons below to jump to specific sections, or just scroll down to see them all!
On a weekend in October 2025 we hosted our very first Warrior Moms retreat for 50 new Warrior Moms (at all different stages of their grief) at the amazing Briarpatch Farm - thanks to the unwavering generosity of the owners, Mike and Cathy Rainey as well as the entire city of Eatonton. The venue, the food, the gifts, the work… EVERYTHING was donated by the people in this community (and beyond)!!!
We came together! We had guest speakers. We worked in big and small groups. We did learning activities. We had amazing fellowship and friendships were built! There were tears of course, but there were also laughs! And above it all there was LOVE!
The retreat, organized by Amy Hulett, was an unbelievable journey and an amazing success. The weekend was filled with dozens of volunteers, including an award winning author and TV talk show host, a Ms America, a local chef and lots of restaurants, churches, friends, relatives, strangers, local businesses and neighbors, who all came together under the cause of putting together the first Warrior Moms weekend retreat at Briarpatch Farm. We even had a "caping" ceremony! It was a well oiled machine of meals, set ups, clean ups, host homes and activities, all for the purpose inducting a new group of moms into "the club no one wants to be in".
Nestled in the heart of Putnam County, Georgia, Briarpatch Farm has sustained its owners from the land for over 120 years. A legacy built on faith, family, and hard work, it all began with a deep love for the outdoors, nature, and animals. Now in its fifth generation, the farm continues to evolve while holding steadfast to its roots. Over the years, the family run farm has cultivated cotton, dairy, and timber, and today, raises high-quality beef—feeding families far and wide. As stewards of this land, they are committed to working it with care, raising livestock responsibly, and ensuring that what we build today leaves a lasting, positive impact for future generations.
Welcome to Briarpatch Farm
They came as strangers, left as sisters… Our hearts are officially full. 💕 Sometimes the universe just knows who to send your way. Here’s to the beautiful souls we didn’t know we were missing — until now.
(Proof that when your ♥ is open, the right people always find their way in…)
Add your name to the waiting list now and be notified when we have the next one!
Every face here tells a story, every smile a memory. These are the children of our 2025 Warrior Moms—lives of all ages, forever loved, forever remembered, always with us. ♥
Kat Shelton
Eliza Farrell
McKayla Alexis Harshaw
Tiffani Lea-Nicole
Andrew Anello
Jeff Kirby
Matthew Nelson
Rose Morgan
Kelli McConnell
Faith Nelson
Maria Wiley Mitchell
Avett Charlie
Grayson Rhue
Vince Desmond
Katherine (Katie) Edmondson Morrison
Sebastian Coffey
Hawk Harrison
Gavin Canamare
Ben Hutchins
John Charles Martin
Bennett Rabern
Logan Baylee Schick
Aaron Davis
Adam Lockhart
Brett Price
Caleb Sorohan
Daniel Stephens
Noah Allen Thames
Taylor Kinchen
Tim Murray
Caden Jace Griffin
Christopher Patton
Finley Scott Kruchten
Ryan Kowitz
Avery Walton
Ryan Monahan
Desai Ray Abrams
Madison Nelson
Phillip Bullard
Trey Hoff
Chase Malinowski
Emily Colleen Buddin
Kegan Thomas
Joseph McPartland
Davis Roebuck
David Blake
Stephanie Reis
Brett Poche
Austin Burns
Though gone too soon, their spirits live on in the love and memories their moms hold close.
A peaceful ride together — side by side, we rode through fields and memories — finding comfort in each other’s company — honoring our children. So together we rode, carrying our children’s light with us on our hay ride to the luminary lighting.
Through laughter and tears, we remember…
…and together, we heal.
Each day was thoughtfully planned with purpose — from healing workshops to moments of reflection, laughter, and connection. Every activity was designed to lift, inspire, and remind each Warrior Mom that she is never alone on this journey. Together, they learned, shared, and grew stronger with every sunrise. 🌅
Each tribute was a reflection of love — candles glowing softly, photos smiling back through our tears, and memories woven into every detail. Together, we created sacred spaces where our children’s light could shine again, where love outshone the ache of loss. In the gentle flicker of each flame or shine of a photograph, we felt their presence — near, tender, and eternal. Every candle, photo, and flower was placed with love — a beautiful reminder that our children’s light still shines. Though our hearts still ache, we carry them with us in every breath, every sunrise, every step forward.
Their light will never fade… it lives on through us.
Between the laughter, the tears, and the quiet moments, we found strength in each other. These photos capture more than smiles — they hold the bond of mothers who understand without words. From the hayrides to the hugs, every moment reminded us that healing happens best in the company of those who truly get it.
Side by side, heart to heart, we carry our children’s light together.
Every detail was chosen with love — thoughtful gifts, meaningful keepsakes, and little surprises to remind each Warrior Mom how special she is. From the smallest trinket to the biggest hug, every gift was a reflection of love and understanding. Every bag, bracelet, and bundle was packed with care, gratitude, and love. These small treasures serve as lasting reminders of a weekend filled with connection, healing, and light. These goodies weren’t just things to take home, but tokens of care, strength, and sisterhood. Each Warrior Mom left with arms full and hearts even fuller, carrying pieces of this weekend’s light back home to cherish always.
Each item carried a message: you are seen, you are loved,
you are not alone, & you are a WARRIOR!
One of the sweetest surprises of the weekend — bottle-feeding the baby cows! Who knew baby cows could bring so much joy? From tiny bottles to big smiles, everyone lit up as they got to feed the calves. Their gentle eyes and playful energy brought out pure joy in everyone. For a few moments, it was all laughter, smiles, and connection — a simple reminder of how healing it feels to nurture and be nurtured and that Mother Nature is a true healer. The baby cows stole everyone’s hearts. Holding those bottles and feeling their tiny noses press in, it was more than just feeding time — it was healing. 🐄💛
From the moment we arrived, we were covered in love, prayer, and compassion. We were cared for, seen, and poured into by the most beautiful souls. And somewhere in the tears, the conversations, and the shared silence… my heart felt lighter. What I found there was strength. Resilience. Tenderness. Courage. The most loving and powerful women I have ever been surrounded by. I am forever grateful to the moms who walked this valley before us and chose to build something healing and holy for those of us coming behind. To the WARRIOR MOMS — thank you. You are a gift I didn’t know I needed
This weekend had all the emotions. We laughed, ugly cried, shared stories, and held space for each other. It served as a reminder that grief and joy really can live side by side and that it’s okay to smile, even while carrying so much love and longing for the ones we miss.
What a true Blessing this retreat was! Inspiring, uplifting & filled with so many grieving WARRIOR MOMS just like us …just trying to navigate this life one day at a time without our precious children. I’m thankful for the friendships & connections made
[The retreat] ended up being one of the greatest gifts I could give myself during this nightmare I now call regular life. We were covered In love, compassion, hugs, understanding, therapy, prayers and healing. And nothing needed an explanation.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart- it was hard and amazing and tiring and inspiring and there was so much beauty in sharing the ugliness of loss 
.
I felt so loved, seen, and comforted while I was there.
There really is nothing like losing a child but to be able to come together in our grief and pain AND find joy and hope is incredible! 
Did you attend the 2025 retreat?
