In a poignant display of love and remembrance, Stacy Chapin, the mother of slain University of Idaho student Ethan Chapin, unveiled a heartfelt tribute to her son. On Monday, she unveiled a new tattoo written in Ethan’s own handwriting, bearing the words “I love you mom” followed by a hand-drawn heart and his name. This touching gesture accompanied the announcement of a children’s book penned by Stacy Chapin herself, titled “The Boy Who Wore Blue,” serving as a loving tribute and a celebration of Ethan’s life.
The book, beautifully illustrated by Lana Lee, renowned for her previous works such as “Ballerina On Wheels” and “The Reading Seed,” was released on Thursday and is now available for purchase at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Inspired to write the book after learning that someone else was working on a story about her son’s tragic murder, Stacy Chapin embarked on a personal journey to honor Ethan’s memory and capture the essence of his childhood.
“My best friend sent me a news release that an author had been given the rights of the story to tell of these kids,” she said. “And as a mom, you’re like, how does somebody write a story about people that they don’t know?”
In an interview with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, Stacy Chapin shared that her family has made the difficult decision to skip the trial of Bryan Kohberger, Ethan’s suspected killer. Instead of focusing on the trial, the Chapin family has chosen to channel their efforts into spreading positivity through “The Boy Who Wore Blue” and the establishment of the “Ethan’s Smile” foundation. The foundation aims to provide scholarships for students in Skagit Valley, Washington, to attend the University of Idaho.
The tragedy that unfolded on November 13, when Ethan Chapin and three other University of Idaho students lost their lives in an off-campus rental home, sent shockwaves through the community. Alongside Ethan, his girlfriend, Xana Kernodle, and her two housemates, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, were also tragically taken. Amidst the profound grief and anguish, two other young women miraculously survived the attack.
The suspect, Bryan Kohberger, a Ph.D. criminology student at Washington State University, is currently being held without bail at the Latah County jail in Moscow, Idaho. Charged with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary, Kohberger’s trial is set for October 2, with the possibility of the death penalty looming if he is convicted.
Stacy Chapin’s determination to focus on positivity and cherish the memory of her beloved son is truly commendable. Through her book and the “Ethan’s Smile” foundation, she is ensuring that Ethan’s spirit lives on, touching the lives of others and providing educational opportunities to students.
“The Boy Who Wore Blue” promises to be a heartfelt and touching tribute, inviting readers into the beautiful world of Ethan’s childhood. As readers embark on this journey, they will be reminded of the enduring power of love, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every precious moment.
With her new tattoo serving as a permanent reminder of Ethan’s love, Stacy Chapin showcases the unwavering bond between a mother and her child, forever etched in ink. The release of “The Boy Who Wore Blue” and the establishment of the “Ethan’s Smile” foundation stand as testaments to the Chapin family’s unwavering strength and commitment to honor their son’s memory in the most meaningful way possible.
“The Boy Who Wore Blue” is now available, offering a heartwarming tale that celebrates the precious life of Ethan Chapin and reminds us all of the power of love and remembrance.
