I am always flabbergasted by the comments and messages folks send me here and via Facebook.
So, so many kind words sail through cyberspace and lend courage to my heart.
Truthfully, I think in six years I haven’t had a whole handful of what I would deem surly, rude or mean remarks. Folks may be thinking it but apparently they think better about writing it down!
I know this year’s posts have been mostly recycled words from years past and I imagine it might be a bit confusing for some who have followed this site for awhile as it seems I jump back and forth between early days and latter, stronger days of this journey.
I’m sorry for that.
Major life adjustments (husband retiring), lots of traveling (can’t keep me away from my grandbaby!), a number of health issues (changing meds for RA plus a hospitalization) and just the whole effort of reentering society post Covid craziness have wreaked havoc on my previously predictable routine of morning writing and afternoon musing which gives way to writing.
So I want to take a minute to say, “Thank you!” to every heart who chooses to gather round this meagre campfire of hope.
I (like the rest of the bereaved) am girding my loins for the holidays which will undoubtedly include some wonderful new memories with family and friends but also highlight the longing in my heart to make new ones with Dominic.
That empty chair is always there regardless of how many bodies crowd around the table.
But after that (Lord willing!) I am going to make space to write again. I have tons of ideas in my draft folder and I want to share how grief has changed over time AND how it is still part of my everyday life.
I feel like I have more to say and as I’ve written before, will continue to post as long as I am able. So stay tuned.
I have learned so much from my fellow travelers.
One of the most important is that I need to be able to receive grace as well as give it.
Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being patient and extending grace.
I love y’all. ❤
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thelifeididntchoose 
Your words have blessed and encored me.
They may be “recycled” but they remain so true.
When I read your post, I realize that I am not alone. That iam in fact, normal.
I get strength from that.
Thank you and Blessings to you.
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Melanie, Thank you for your words. I need them so much.
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Thank you Melanie 🧡🧡🧡
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My compassionate prayers 🙏 😢 for the loss of Dominic. I have just read through this post. I caught one sentence that I want to say, never say your sorry. Dominic was your precious son 💙 and you make me feel that I am not alone. By writing about your child helps you and many other mothers and fathers who desperately miss our children 😢 💔 My daughter Carly Marie passed away 12 years ago 😢 💔 every parents nightmare 😢 💔 🙏 She was in a tragic car accident on our yearly family trip to Jamaica. Carly had just turned 27 and only 4 months away from getting married. 😢 I found comfort in keeping a journal about my daughter through the years. I always promised myself one day that journal would be a book. I finally got the strength after 9 years to write that book. In 2018 my book was published and has helped many parents. It also help family and friends understand my unbearable journey. 💔 In Memory of my daughter the title of the book is called ” THE WHITE BUTTERFLY’S JOURNEY ” Our Angel Children Should Always Be Remembered. ❤ Forever. Keep up your precious words, Sincerely, Debbie Bragnalo ❤
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You will never really know how much you have helped me on this bumpy road of loss and grief. There are days when I just don’t think I will make it at all and then you give me words of hope and grace. Bless you Melanie and your entire family. You are an angel of mercy for those of us broken beyond repair.
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Life goes on and it changes us along the way, as if we didn’t change enough, in the blink of an eye when we were informed of our sons deaths.
You have a gift Melanie and telling of your journey supports so many of us Melanie, we recognise ourselves and makes our journey less isolating.
May Christ shine His light upon you ❤
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