What began as a joyful winter break reunion quickly turned into tragedy. In January 2016, a group of college friends gathered at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to celebrate the new year. But before the celebration was over, four of them had vanished—including Sally McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sally shares her son’s story, the heartbreak that followed, and what it has been like to live with unimaginable loss. She opens up about the weight of fear, guilt, and regret—and how grief, while devastating, has also revealed the depth and power of love.
Learn more about Sally’s memoir: https://www.sallymcquillen.com/reaching-for-beautiful-memoir
If you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 214 “Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up”: https://emilyshope.charity/episode/abby-adam-groth/
MEET THE GUEST
Sally McQuillen
Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC is a psychotherapist in private practice who specializes in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery. Before earning her master’s degree in social work, Sally studied writing and dance criticism in college and worked in public relations and marketing. A lifelong reader and writer, she is the author of her debut book Reaching for Beautiful. Sally lives with her husband on the north shore of Chicago, where they raised their three children.
