Let’s Talk Grief™ Welcomes Michael Straley

I’m excited to announce that Michael Straley is a new member of the Let’s Talk Grief™ Team! Michael will help me jumpstart the Let’s Talk Grief™ Project with the American Legion Posts in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.

Michael and his wife, Robin Straley, lost their two children, Leah Rene Straley and Christopher Scott Straley. Leah was 26 when she passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018, from a fentanyl overdose. Four years later, on November 14, 2022, Christopher Scott Straley passed away after an automobile accident at the age of 39.

Leah was a "B" student and enjoyed having the latest fashion trends in clothes, purses, and cellphones. She was known to her friends as "Leahbug" or "Lee Lee” and was a kind-hearted, loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter, with an irresistible smile. Everyone who met Leah loved her warmth and spirit. She was precious to so many who knew and loved her. Her smile could light up the room. Leah's presence filled a room with comfort, her smile spoke loudly of acceptance, her commitment modeled strength and bravery to those less strong and brave, her love has and will endure in the hearts of all of us who knew her, and are stronger, braver, more accepting, comforting, and better because of her. 

Christopher was a talented, self-taught welder who created some of the most exquisite gifts for his family and friends. It was his dream and desire to have his own weld shop to put those creative juices to work. He was an avid thrill-seeking adventurer. He loved to hike, climb, camp, snowboard, motorcycle, and do stunts, but favored the water and beach.

As one friend said, Chris was raw life and uncut adrenaline - full service whether you were ready or not. He hoped and loved with a size bigger than life. Many of his closest friends refer to him as “brother," and one said that the world will shine a little dimmer because he was the spark that kept everyone else alive. Chris’ motto in life was "Stay Real.”

In 2019, Mike and Robin established Leah’s Legacy Foundation to honor her. The foundation produces personal gift bags for women in recovery. They chose purple for the bag because it was Leah's favorite color and also the color of overdose awareness. The bag is filled with personal care items, pens and notebooks, snacks, socks, and other items. Its intention is to provide hope, joy, and love to women in sober living homes and support groups. As of the writing of this book, Leah’s Legacy has donated 1,274 Leah Legacy Purple Bags. To read more about it, visit www.leahslegacy.net

Michael also wrote a book titled The CALLing, which chronicles Leah’s journey and Mike and Robin's journey as grieving parents.

To read more about the Let’s Talk Grief™ Project, visit the website’s “Event” Page.

Together Let’s Break the Silence and Heal With Grace, Peace, and Harmony!