18 Months

November 6, 2020 to May 6, 2022 — 18 months.

A major part of me doesn’t really know what to say; a minor part of me could probably write forever about all that we’ve experienced in the past 18 months.

How can it be 18 months? My primary answer: time has been completely warped from what I once experienced. Now there is primarily “before” and “after” — everything else is just an appointment on the calendar, one of my primary tools of organization.

18 months of photos, video clips, memories, and sound bytes.

A saved voicemail message.

A video of her reading to kids at school.

Photos and videos from birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

Ways to remember this girl who meant so much to me, this girl who etched herself on my heart and wove herself into my life.

Yes, she was really just a girl when I met her, and I was just a boy, and we somehow grew up together — even if we didn’t really get to “grow old together” like I thought we would.

Our son is both a blessing and a challenge. The challenge is to be more like him — so eternally optimistic and hopeful, always finding something to look forward to. Just like his mother. Always taking FOREVER to get out the door because he has to grab “one more thing,” both arms always full as if we’re going on a multi-day trip. Just like his mother. I love that boy, and I thank God every day for him. I know Melissa is proud of him — he is the embodiment of the best parts of her.

Mother’s Day is just a few days away, another day and way to remember her. She was such a kind, loving, and protective mother, and she was also that person for so many teens over the years — teens who needed a little bit more love, a little bit more attention, a little bit more encouragement, a little bit more investment, a lot more acceptance.

As the world keeps turning and time continues on, maybe we all can show a little more love, a little more attention, a little more encouragement, a little more investment, and a lot more acceptance.

We remember you today, Melissa, as we do every day. Love you and miss you.

Posted on 2022-05-06