When Jim and Stacy Chapins 20-year-old son was murdered, their world changed forever.
Just seven days earlier, on November 6, 2022, they had left the University of Idaho, where their triplets were having the time of their lives. Little did they know that tragedy would soon strike as alleged killer Bryan Kohberger took the lives of Ethan Chapin along with his girlfriend and two roommates.
According to Fox News, Jim ran the family business while Stacy became a stay-at-home mom. Family is important to them, especially family time. Time with the kids was spent in cribbage tournaments and building sand castles. Stacy said, I can honestly say I dont think we could spend more time with our kids and our family, and its because of that we dont have that regret.
After their son was murdered, the Chapin family drew strength from each other. They shut themselves off during the first two months and went into survival mode. Stacy said they walked, told stories, and cried. One day, she said, I was out walking by myself. I was crying so hard. I happened upon somebody. And I thought they were going to call 911 on me.
Now, they look for positive opportunities and are determined not to invite negativity, even deciding not to attend Kohbergers next court date. Instead, the family has turned their grief toward Ethans Smile, a foundation in their sons honor.
Ethan had worked at Tulip Valley Farms in Mount Vernon, Washington. The farm created a tulip mix and named it Ethans Smile to honor him. Sales from the blend and bulbs enabled the Chapins to launch the foundation, which will fund scholarships to the University of Idaho for Skagit Valley, Washington students.
The University of Idaho took the family under their wing, making Stacy and Jim honorary graduates. The institution named Ethans sister Maizie sweetheart of his fraternity, Sigma Chi. Her brother Hunter was in attendance as she accepted the honor.
The Chapins have many precious memories, some as recent as last year when Ehan celebrated his mom on Mothers Day. He sent her Thought You Should Know, a Morgan Wallen song written for his mother. Stacy remembered her son saying it fit her. It will now always forever be my most favorite song.
Fox News reported that if there is a message the Chapins would want others to know, its Give your kids the gift of time.
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