Erin Peckinpaugh, owner of Rise Yoga and Events, instructed a goat yoga class at the Graduate Hotel in downtown Bloomington. But when the Gatliff couple arrived at the class, a story of turning pain into joy and connection unfolded.

Rise Yoga and Events host goat yoga sessions around the greater Indianapolis area. On a recent Sunday, owner Erin Peckinpaugh and her posey of goats traveled to Bloomington to give residents a morning relaxation and furry friends.

“This is not a serious class, we want people to have fun,” said Peckinpaugh.

When Peckinpaugh arrived at the Graduate Hotel, she had no idea the story that would be told. What was supposed to be a lighthearted goat yoga class, turned into a story that went far beyond the mat.

Michael and Janice Gatliff traveled from Indianapolis to take Peckinpaugh’s yoga class. However, it was no ordinary day for the couple.

“It’s the ten year anniversary of the death of our 18-year-old daughter,” explained Janice.

Heidi Gatliff, the daughter of Michael and Janice Gatliff, took her own life in 2015 at the age of 18.

Heidi was only months away from starting as a freshman at Indiana University in Bloomington, and was a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Cadet Program– a program where young adults are exposed to various departments of police work.

Heidi’s father, Michael Gatliff, was a Manager Chaplain, for the Indianapolis Fire Department. Although Heidi chose law enforcement, both were drawn to careers centered on service and community protection.

In the years after Heidi’s death, an IMPD officer who had developed a relationship with her through the Cadet Program was convicted of obstruction of justice for deleting messages from her phone related to their relationship. This case briefly brought her name back to the Indianapolis news headlines.

However, for her parents, Michael and Janice, the focus since her death has been not on the courtroom but on the community that continues to remember her.

Each year, the Gatliffs turn grief into joy and connection. They celebrate Heidi’s with something fun and lighthearted- with an activity that they believe Heidi would’ve enjoyed.

“This is a very special day for us. I was just looking for something to do today and saw this on the internet,” Said Michael. “I thought ‘Why not? We’re animal lovers.'”

Throughout the class, the couple laughed, played with the goats, and celebrated in the atmosphere with others who were enjoying the fun activity.

“When they shared their story to me today, it just completely moved me,” said Peckinpaugh.

The couple likes to commemorate Heidi’s life by spending time with others, to spread the message no one ever needs to struggle alone.

“We chose this day to try and encounter people and let them know that they’re very special,” explained Janice. “They’re not alone… and there are alternatives and people that will support you no matter what.”

As Peckingpaugh instructed the class, the Gatliff’s story inspired her to keep doing what she’s doing.

“It makes me want to keep doing this, because I think that’s the entire reason,” said Peckinpaugh. “For someone who’s been through something so heavy, and so serious, and so traumatic.”

As the class wrapped up, goats nestled in the arms of yogi’s and laughter lingered in the air.

For Erin Peckinpaugh, it was a reminder of why she started Rise Yoga and teaches in the first place. For Michael and Janice, it was a sign that Heidi’s spirit still lives in every small moment of joy — in kindness and activities shared, and the simple act of showing up for one another.