02/15/2026
My sister, my best friend, my Melissaโฆ Iโm here wide awake, holding my mouth, trying to let the mourning of this pain come out in a whisper because everyone is sleeping. How do I even write to you like thisโฆ how in the world are we here? My brain has been able to wrap around some of it, but my heart is aching ๐๐๐.
Melissa, I am so proud of you! I feel like the big sister, even though Iโm the younger one, because I feel toward you the way you have always been so proud of me. It was my honour to hold your hand and walk with you to the end of your journey. Oh, my sweet sister, what a race it has been โ but you finished it! You made it, my girl! You did it. You did the hard thing. You let go, and you let God.
There was a peace that surpasses all understanding that I have never felt in this way before. It was as though the angels came and said, โItโs timeโฆ the battle is over.โ What a fight, Melissa โ what a fight!!!!
For as long as I am alive, Jaxon, Abi, and Angie will hear this great story of how their mom fought so hard. They will hear about how you loved them with such great sacrifice. They will know how deeply they were loved by you and, most importantly, how deeply you were loved by Jesus.
Valentineโs Day will never be the same. I will forever remember it not just as the day you left this world, but as the day I witnessed you walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death and straight into glory.
Melissa, this next chapter of Braids Made Perfect I dedicate to you โ my partner in crime, my visionary, and my best friend. I love you sooooooo much, and this hurts even to write, but I want the world to know that I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! ๐๐พ๐๏ธโค๏ธโ๐ฉน๐ญ
Praise King Jesus that this is not the end of the storyโฆ until we meet again ๐๏ธ๐๐พ
Talitha Cumiโฆ you are more awake now than youโve ever been. ๐๐พ๐ค๐๏ธ