Remembering Melinda

Today is such a sad day. My heart is so heavy as I type. My dear, sweet friend Melinda Conley Young will be laid to rest this afternoon after losing her valiant battle with ovarian cancer (diagnosed in 2007). My heart is broken for her husband and most especially for their two little girls. Melinda was such an inspiration to those who knew her and to anyone who hears her story: her faith, her hope, her strength (Fight like a girl!), her determination, her kindness, and her compassion knew no limits. The list could go on and on! No matter how bad things seemed, Melinda and her family remained positive and faithful. (You can read her story on her blog if you'd like to know more.)
Pulling out photos of us at her wedding helped me smile through my tears. It was time to scrapbook them (finally!) and to create cards for her husband and daughters and for her mother. Though it was bittersweet, I am thankful to relive these happy memories with such a beautiful person. One day I hope to create a layout as a tribute to her and her valiant fight, but for this layout, I tried to remember the happiness then and the hopeful miles that stretched before us then.
Melinda, my dear friend, I thank God that you are at peace. You may be gone from this earth, but you will never be forgotten.
Adieu, ma chere amie. Tu me manqueras. Je t'aime!
Fight like a girl!!!









Now, go hug your loved ones, pick up the phone and call a friend, and remember how precious life is. Live each day to the fullest, because there are no guarantees.