There are no words strong enough, no language deep enough, to describe the pain of losing a child—especially one so full of promise, laughter, and love as our Serenity Paige Neiderman. At just 16 years old, she had her whole future laid out in front of her. A future filled with dreams, plans, and the kind of bright-eyed hope that lights up a room. Yesterday, we were talking about college applications. Today, I’m facing the unbearable reality of planning her funeral.
Serenity was not just my daughter. She was my heart, my joy, my everyday sunshine. She was that rare kind of soul who made life better just by being in it. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived every moment with passion and curiosity. Her smile was contagious. Her dreams were bold. Her spirit was beautiful.
But her life was stolen—cruelly, senselessly—by a reckless choice. A man, driving under the influence, ended her story before it ever truly began. He made a decision that shattered our world forever.
To everyone reading this: please, for the love of God, stop drinking and driving. This isn’t just about laws or consequences—it’s about lives. Real lives. Beautiful, irreplaceable lives like Serenity’s. One careless decision can destroy a hundred futures. Mine. Hers. Everyone who ever loved her.
We will never get to see her graduate. We’ll never see her fall in love, start a career, or live out all the dreams she was working so hard for. That future is gone—stolen in an instant. And now, instead of celebrating her 17th birthday, we will be laying her to rest.
This doesn’t feel real. It can’t be real. She was just here. We were laughing yesterday. And now I’m drowning in a grief I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Serenity deserved so much more. She deserved a lifetime.
If you’re reading this, hold your children close. Cherish every moment. Speak up. Take the keys. Call a friend. Do whatever it takes to stop one more tragedy from happening. Don’t wait until it’s your daughter.
Rest in peace, my sweet Serenity Paige.
I will love you forever. I will carry you with me every day.
And I will fight—for justice, for awareness, and for every other child still here.