2 years later, Trapuzzano remembers slain husband
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Two years after losing the love of her life, Jennifer Trapuzzano says every day is a struggle.
She was nine months pregnant when her husband, Nathan, was killed.
She says every day she’s working to make sure his name lives on. But she says she first had to make herself happy again.
“I’ve actively sought joy,” said Trapuzzano. “I’ve grown a lot. I’ve suffered a lot. I’ve found joy often.”
Her husband was killed a month before their first wedding anniversary. Their daughter, Cecilia, was born 24 days after his death.
“It’s been a long journey. Cecilia makes it so much easier. She makes me laugh every day. She just brings so much joy. We talk about Daddy a lot, and she knows his picture,” she said.
She says while every day is tough on the two of them, she keeps up her spirits because she has to.
“I didn’t want Cecilia to grow up with a mom who was sad and angry all the time.”
She says the two of them look at a picture book of Nathan every night. They even go to his grave site together. And a few months ago she did something she hasn’t done since before her husband was killed.
“Listen to music in the car and actually sing along. Something I thought I’d never be able to do again just because that’s something you do out of pure joy and happiness, and I didn’t know if I’d ever feel that again,” she said.
In addition to raising their daughter, she launched the Nathan Trapuzzano Memorial Foundation. The goal is to support children who’ve lost a parent. She says they’ve already helped five children.
“He was gone before his time. Much of the world didn’t get a chance to know him, so this is our way to continue his name and continue his life,” she said.
And with it now being just the two of them, she says she takes the good with the bad
“Every day is bittersweet though. But rather than embrace the bitter side, I want to embrace the sweet side,” she said.
To carry on his legacy next month, the Nathan Trapuzzano Memorial Foundation is hosting a walk and spaghetti dinner. Click here for more information.