Mia’s father, Tom Thompson, recently published a book titled Finding Hope: Lessons from Tragedy in September, where he reflects on his journey through grief and how to find strength in helping others. I had the opportunity to speak with Tom about his loss, his book, and how parents can navigate their grief while supporting those around them.
The Thompson family faced an unimaginable tragedy that resonated with many across the nation. When such a loss occurs, the grieving process can be overwhelming, but Tom’s journey to healing was marked by resilience. Just months before the Parkland shooting, the family was mourning the loss of Tom’s brother, who passed away in 2017 after battling cancer, a consequence of his service as a first responder on 9/11.
Experiencing two significant losses in a short time could break anyone, but Tom found the strength to carry on, bolstered by the support of his community during those challenging days. He also discovered another avenue to express his grief.
Tom recounts, “While planning Mia’s funeral, the director handed me a journal. I had never journaled before, but I started writing to express my feelings. Just months after Mia’s death, I felt a need to share my story — navigating two American tragedies.” His journaling eventually transformed into his book.
During this time of sorrow, Tom found an unlikely ally in former Vice President Joe Biden. In the aftermath of the Parkland shooting, Biden reached out to Tom, leaving a voicemail that led to several conversations. They connected over their shared experiences of losing a child. Tom recalls, “[H]e wanted to understand our grieving process, emphasizing that everyone grieves differently. His insights helped me find my own mission — transforming grief into action.”
This became Tom’s driving force: to honor Mia’s memory by advocating for stricter gun laws. As a father of two, he remains committed to ensuring the safety of his family and envisions a future where his grandchildren will be protected under laws he is fighting to change.
In turn, Tom became a campaign supporter for Biden, using his voice to raise awareness about gun safety. “Tom is a vital advocate for the Biden-Harris campaign, helping to keep gun safety issues at the forefront,” said Sarah Foster, director of Outreach for the campaign. “His determination to hold the previous administration accountable is inspiring.”
As Tom points out, everyone’s grieving journey is unique. “My path has involved being publicly active in support of others, while my wife approaches it in a more private manner. We are both finding our ways to cope,” he shares. It’s essential to show compassion and support one another, just as Biden supported Tom, who now helps countless others in need.
In moments of loss, Tom reminds us that we are not alone. There are always people willing to offer help, be it friends, family, or community resources like the Crisis Response Network. You don’t have to face grief by yourself.
Though Tom Thompson’s life was irrevocably changed by the deaths of his brother and daughter, he has channeled his pain into a passionate advocacy for change. With the support he received during his journey, Tom is dedicated to ensuring that no other family endures the same heartbreak.
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Summary:
Tom Thompson transformed his grief from the tragic loss of his daughter Mia and his brother into a mission for change, advocating for stricter gun laws. Through journaling and support from unexpected allies like Joe Biden, he found a way to channel his sorrow into action while highlighting the diverse grieving processes individuals experience. Tom encourages others to seek support and reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.