Transforming Grief into Art: The Inspiring Story of Preston’s Charm
- Hogan Hilling
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Grief often feels like an overwhelming force that reshapes life in unexpected ways. For Bridget, the loss of her son, Staff Sergeant Preston Bailey Hancock, became the catalyst for a unique and heartfelt project that has touched thousands across the world. After Preston died in a tragic head-on collision in Tallahassee, Florida, Bridget found a way to channel her sorrow into something meaningful: Preston’s Charm. This piece of jewelry is more than a keepsake—it is a living tribute that connects people through shared remembrance and hope.
The Birth of Preston’s Charm
When grief struck, Bridget sought a way to keep Preston’s memory alive beyond the pain. She created Preston’s Charm, a small but powerful piece of jewelry centered around a laminated business card. On the front, the card features a photo of Preston, a short poem, and Bridget’s email address. The back contains instructions for those who find the charm, inviting them to keep it, pass it on, or leave it for someone else to discover.
Bridget’s idea was simple yet profound: to create a chain of remembrance that crosses boundaries and connects strangers through a shared story of loss and love. The charm includes beads and trinkets attached to the card, making each one unique and personal.
How Preston’s Charm Travels
Since its debut in 2019, Bridget has made 1,500 Preston’s Charms. She has distributed them personally and left them in places for people to find. The charm’s journey is part of its magic. Those who find or receive a Preston’s Charm are encouraged to pass it along, creating a ripple effect of connection and remembrance.
The charm has traveled far and wide:
Every state in the USA
26 countries worldwide
4 islands and several cruise ships
This widespread journey shows how grief, when transformed into art, can build bridges between people who might never have met otherwise.
A Personal Connection: How I Received Preston’s Charm
On December 26, 2021, Tammy and JR Adams passed a Preston’s Charm to me. They had found it months earlier at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Deadwood, South Dakota. It had been left there by Jeff McKinney, a friend of Bridget’s, on his way to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Tammy and JR kept the charm for five months before deciding to pass it on. Two weeks after receiving it, I reached out to Bridget to learn more about her story. I asked if she could send me more charms so I could leave one in every state. A few months later, I had the opportunity to meet Bridget at her home, deepening my understanding of the power behind Preston’s Charm.
The Meaning Behind the Charm
Preston’s Charm is more than a piece of jewelry. It represents:
Healing through creativity: Bridget used art to process her grief and create something tangible from loss.
Connection across distances: The charm’s travels link people from different places and backgrounds.
A living memory: Each charm carries Preston’s story, keeping his name alive in hearts worldwide.
An invitation to share: The instructions encourage finders to engage with the charm, fostering a community of remembrance.
The poem on the front of the card, along with the photo, invites reflection and empathy. The email address offers a direct line to Bridget, allowing people to share where the charm has been found and how it has touched their lives.
How Preston’s Charm Inspires Others
Bridget’s project has inspired many to think differently about grief and remembrance. Instead of keeping sorrow private, Preston’s Charm encourages sharing and community. It shows that grief can be a force for connection and creativity.
People who have found or received the charm often share stories of how it helped them feel less alone in their own struggles. The charm acts as a reminder that grief is a universal experience, but also one that can be transformed into something hopeful.
Practical Ways to Engage with Preston’s Charm
If you come across a Preston’s Charm or want to support Bridget’s mission, here are some ways to get involved:
Take a photo of the charm and email Bridget to share where it was found.
Pass the charm on to someone who might need comfort or connection.
Keep the charm as a personal reminder of resilience and remembrance.
Create your own tribute inspired by Preston’s Charm to honor someone you love.
Share the story with friends and family to spread awareness of this unique project.
The Power of Art in Grief
Bridget’s story highlights how art can serve as a powerful tool for healing. By turning grief into a creative project, she has built a network of support and remembrance that spans the globe. Preston’s Charm is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ways we find meaning after loss.
This project also shows how small acts—like leaving a charm in a public place—can have a big impact. Each charm carries a message of hope and connection, reminding us that even in grief, there is room for beauty and community.
To read more about Preston's Charm and/or to purchase Charms for your loved one visit www.prestonscharm.com
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