Audra Ames is passionate about bringing healing and visibility to those suffering from grief through sharing her story and her faith.

Audra met the love of her life at Indiana State University. She married Scot Ames, an Air Force pilot, and moved to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi where they would start their lives together. Tragically, their forever was cut short. 

In February 2021, Scot was killed in a T-38 aircraft mishap. At just 24 years old, and before they could even celebrate their first wedding anniversary, Audra was suddenly widowed. 

Through the darkest days of her grief, she leaned on her faith and prayed that God could help her find purpose in her pain. Now, Audra shares her grief journey and how she has been able to find true joy in Jesus, and by serving, walking with, and lifting up others. She wants everyone to know: Your grief is welcome here. 

Audra currently works as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at Valeo in Carmel, IN, and lives in Westfield with her dogs Miles and Rowdy (named in honor of Scot's posthumously given callsign).

What is one way you honor your grief?

Driving my late husband’s Ford Raptor truck and listening to our favorite music.

What is one activity that you and your loved one would enjoy doing together? Going out on the boat with our dog, Miles, and enjoying the nice weather. Scot would fish, and I would sometimes join him, but I would mostly just relax and read.

What food would you and your loved one share together?

A good steak with sauteed veggies and a side salad. It was Scot’s favorite meal to cook.

What is one word you would use to describe Brooke's Place?

SEEN.

What is your history/story/connection to Brooke's Place?

My employer sponsors the Legacy of Hope Breakfast each year. I attended for the first time back in 2018 and felt a strong connection to the mission of Brooke’s Place. Then, not long after moving to Mississippi and getting married, my husband was tragically killed in a USAF plane mishap—I experienced intense grief for the first time in my life. After I moved back to Indianapolis in November of 2022, one of the first things I did was contact Brooke’s Place and go through facilitator training. I have been a facilitator for a little over a year now and it is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life.