The phone woke me up from a deep sleep at 1:30 a.m. on August 6th. As I slowly answered the phone, I heard my mother-in-laws paniced voice tell me that Rob needed to get to his sister's house as soon as possible. Something was wrong with Melissa. Robby threw on his clothes and dashed out the door as my heart pounded. I sat alone in my room waiting for a call to let me know that everything was okay. That call never came. An hour after he left, my husband called and said words that I never expected to hear..."There was nothing the paramedics could do. She's gone." Melissa had left us and gone on to the next place.
On August 6th, my husband's sister passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She had given birth to her 2nd daughter just days before she left us. As I sat in the darkness that morning with my little ones snuggled in bed next to me, I said goodbye to Melissa. My heart filled with pain, not for myself but for her children. What are her beautiful little girls going to do without their mommy? Melissa's children are the same age as my two youngest...and I can't imagine not being a part of their life.
Tragedies such as this make us realize that life is a precious gift. Cherish each moment and say "I love you" loudly and often. Fill your days with life and laughter; create memories that will fill your heart with joy. Take nothing for granted for it may not be there tomorrow.
Being a mommy is what I do. It is who I am and what I am most proud of. I love my children with all my heart and soul...unconditionally and forever. We'll miss you, Melissa!!!
