Some stories are so overwhelming that they seem almost impossible to comprehend. The life of Lori Coble and her family is one of those stories.

Were living what many would describe as a happy, ordinary family life. They were raising three young children…

A journey shaped by profound loss, unwavering resilience, and a quiet strength forged through tragedy. In May 2007, Lori and her husband, Chris Coble.

Were living what many would describe as a happy, ordinary family life. They were raising three young children and planning for the future, unaware that everything they knew was about to change in a single, devastating moment.

A Normal Day That Turned Into a Nightmare
On May 4, 2007, the Coble family was traveling on a Southern California freeway. Traffic had slowed to a complete stop, a common occurrence on busy highways. Lori and Chris were in their minivan, and in the back seats were their three children:

Kyle Christopher, age 5

Emma Lynn, age 4

Katie Gene, age 2

Without warning, a fully loaded big rig truck failed to stop and slammed into the back of the stationary minivan at high speed. The force of the impact was catastrophic.

The collision crushed the vehicle, leaving it unrecognizable. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the severity of the crash made it immediately clear that this was a life-altering tragedy.

The Most Unbearable Loss a Parent Can Face
The children were rushed to separate hospitals in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Lori herself had suffered injuries and was transported for medical treatment as well.

While Lori was unconscious, Emma and Katie passed away. By the time she regained awareness, two of her children were already gone.

Chris, refusing to give up hope, rushed Lori to the hospital where Kyle was being treated. Despite the doctors’ efforts, Kyle’s injuries were too severe. Lori, still recovering and in a wheelchair, was brought into the room to say goodbye.

Chris recalled holding his son, feeling Kyle’s heartbeat slow beneath his hand, until it finally stopped.

In a single day, Lori and Chris lost all three of their children.

Life After the Accident: Grief Beyond Words
In the days and weeks that followed, the Cobles entered a reality that felt unrecognizable. Their home, once filled with laughter, toys, and bedtime routines, became unbearably quiet.

Grief did not arrive gently. It came in waves — relentless, suffocating, and unpredictable. Simple daily tasks felt impossible. Sleep was elusive. Joy felt forbidden.

Choosing to Keep Living
Though the pain never disappeared, the couple leaned on one another to survive the days that followed. Therapy, faith, and support from close friends and family helped them endure the unbearable.

As time passed, Lori and Chris began to feel something unexpected — a quiet desire to become parents again. Not to replace the children they had lost, but to honor them by continuing to live.

The decision was not easy. Chris had previously undergone a vasectomy, which meant natural conception was not possible. After careful consideration, the couple decided to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF).