Turning Grief into Gospel: How Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green Wrote a Lifeline for Grieving Families

In the wake of unimaginable loss, Annie F. Downs and her sister, Tatum Green, have turned their grief into a beacon of hope for families navigating the heart-wrenching journey of infant loss. Their co-authored book, Where Did TJ Go?, is more than a children’s story—it’s a lifeline for parents and children grappling with the pain of death and the promise of eternity. Inspired by the tragic loss of Green’s newborn son, TJ, the book tenderly follows young Sam as he processes the death of his baby brother. Through vivid, hope-filled imagery—TJ riding a giraffe in heaven or listening to Jesus read a story—the book doesn’t shy away from the raw reality of death while anchoring its message in the Gospel’s redemptive truth. What began as a private, spiral-bound manuscript for Green’s family has blossomed into a vital resource for thousands, offering a rare blend of honesty and hope in a world often silent on such profound grief.

Downs and Green’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and unite. By refusing to sanitize death with euphemisms, Where Did TJ Go? boldly declares that it’s okay to mourn while clinging to the promise of heaven. The book’s impact is far-reaching, with nonprofits distributing it to grieving families and counselors praising its practical guidance. For parents balancing their own sorrow with the responsibility of nurturing grieving children, this book is a compassionate companion. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the light of the Gospel can pierce through, offering solace and the assurance that one day, every tear will be wiped away. In a world where grief is often met with silence, Downs and Green have given families a voice—and a story that points to eternal hope.