Erika Kirk marked her family’s first Thanksgiving without her late husband, Charlie Kirk, by expressing gratitude, grief, and faith. The wife of the late conservative icon and Turning Point USA founder shared a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on the profound emotional journey of coping with his loss. This post came as a poignant reminder of the love and blessings she holds dear, even as she walks through the depths of her grief.
Kirk, who has been navigating life in the aftermath of Charlie’s tragic assassination in September 2024, emphasized the enduring presence of gratitude in her heart. In her post, she recalled how she and Charlie always cherished Thanksgiving for drawing them back to the sacred practice of appreciation, even in the face of loss. ‘And even now, well, especially now, in the depths of the ache, I’m reminded of that gratitude,’ she wrote, highlighting the support she received from friends, family, and the broader community.
Her post also touched on her efforts to instill hope in her children, sharing how she describes Heaven to them. ‘Heaven’s our home,’ she said, recounting how she explains to her daughter that her father is having so much fun and is building a place for her and their family. The message conveyed a blend of sorrow and resilience, underscoring the strength she draws from her faith and the love she carries for her husband, children, and extended family.
Amidst the emotional weight of the occasion, Kirk also acknowledged the outpouring of love and support, thanking those who have shared letters, toys, artwork, and Bibles with her family. She expressed how the community’s compassion has provided comfort, stating, ‘I can’t express what the outpouring of love has meant to me and the babies.’ The video she shared of the gifts and letters further illustrated the depth of her family’s connection with others.
As the Thanksgiving season concludes, Kirk closed her message with a poignant wish for her husband, sharing, ‘We’ll save a plate for you babe.’ This heartfelt wish encapsulates her emotional journey, blending grief with gratitude and hope as she looks toward the future with her children in her heart.