Erika Kirk marked Thanksgiving with a public reflection on gratitude and loss as she and her children spent the holiday without her husband, Charlie Kirk, for the first time.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated in September, leaving behind Erika and their two young children — a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
On Thursday, Erika posted a message on Instagram describing how the holiday carried meaning for her family. She wrote that she and Charlie “always loved Thanksgiving because it drew us back to the simple, but holy practice of gratitude.”
She continued, “And even now, well, especially now, in the depths of the ache, I’m reminded of that gratitude. God blessed me with being married to the love of my life, with our beautiful babies, with our family and friends, and with people from all over the world who have sent us letters, toys, artwork, and Bibles.”
In her message, Erika explained that grief has not removed her sense of thankfulness.
The Turning Point CEO wrote, “It’s easy to fixate on what’s been taken, at what’s missing. But my goodness does the Lord meet me in my weakness, and His strength gently shifts my eyes to what I still have on this side of heaven.”
She added, “What remains is sacred.”
Charlie’s death prompted months of public support for the family. Erika noted that she has been receiving letters, cards, and gifts, and said the continued flow of encouragement has helped her and her children navigate life since September.
“I can’t express what the outpouring of love has meant to me and the babies. I’m reading every letter and card, opening every gift, and saving each one for them when they’re older,” she wrote.
Erika also posted a video showing the many gifts and letters sent by supporters. In the video, she described how she talks to her children about Charlie and Heaven.
“Heaven’s our home,” she said. “I just want her to know that daddy is having so much fun and building a place for her and our family.”
Erika concluded her message by directing a final note to her late husband. “We’ll save a plate for you babe,” she wrote, adding “Happy Thanksgiving” in her tribute.
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Charlie Kirk’s work as a conservative activist and organizer made him a central figure in the movement he built. His death drew national attention, and messages of support have continued to arrive for his family throughout the fall.
For Erika, this Thanksgiving served as both a memorial to her husband and a moment to share how she and her children are moving forward with the support of those who have reached out since his passing.