An Overdue Update

Today is Wednesday, the last day of April–so much has happened since the last update. We had a very nice week at Convention–Lauren & Joelle and my niece Leslie took a trio to Convention in memory of Melanie–it is posted on you tube–the title is called > “There You Are”< they did a great job, although it is still hard to move on without Mel–she wanted so badly to be able to sing with her sisters at Convention–I thought that maybe she would hold on until then. That Monday evening at Convention, they played her memories DVD and then presented us with a very special plaque and a first place medal in her honor–I thought if I cried so much that night, maybe the rest of the week would not be as tough–I was wrong. The empty chair, only 4 lunches, shopping without her calling, “Mom”, enjoying pitch & catch or bumping volleyball without her, the prospect of planning a vacation without her–last evening, Joelle came up beside me without her glasses on, and for a moment I thought Mel was there again–

Sunday, Shannon(nurse from A.I. duPont) and her mom came down for lunch–the reason was to give us one final bead for Mel’s “Beads of Courage”–a very long string of beads, each bead holding a different meaning–some are hand-made glass beads–the final one was a beautiful purple butterfly, depicting Mel’s wings to fly–we had a wonderful afternoon together. Hopefully, we can post a picture of it-

We still receive cards in the mail and are so grateful for those of you who have also let us know you are still praying for us–the ways we are still cared for have been such a blessing to our family–especially when life does not stand still. I don’t think I’ll ever view life the same–yes, there are many days that I wish I could go back to– to hold Mel once more, or ask her if she’s afraid, or really how she’s feeling about dying, or to care for her in the middle of the night, or tuck her in at night, or find out how her day at school went, or even just hear her voice again–laughing, singing, talking, or praying—somehow my mother’s heart cannot fathom the thought that she is OK without me. Cameron asked me the other day about where it says in the Bible that Jesus is really preparing a place for us–does it mean that maybe Melanie is helping Him prepare our mansions? If so, I’m sure she is having a blast! So many questions, and yet one Day I know all my questions will have answers–until that Day, I pray we would all hear those awesome words, “well done, thou good and faithful servant–enter into the joy of thy Lord.” Love to all–Lori for the Miller’s

Does Life Go On?

Today is Saturday-April 12th-the day before the school Convention students will be sharing presentations at our Church–before a week of competition and rallies–I have not spent much time by myself at home because I’m beginning to realize how very easy it would be for me to withdraw and live in my own little world of tears and adjustments–I have spent time with some of the students in prep for music specifically-then when I slow down and think beyond the musical scores and harmonies–I hear a message of Heaven and hope of knowing we will one day really hear that trumpet sound and Melanie will be able to welcome me “Home”-it’s hard to think that she probably doesn’t “need” me anymore, but wants me to come where she is–

The children are dealing with things in an individual way–Jana recently told someone that, “Melanie isn’t here right now”-we continue to be blessed with cards of encouragement, e-mails, Jana & Cameron have certainly been well taken care of in the “things” department, and Joelle & Lauren have immensely enjoyed having a vehicle to transport them and their siblings to school or Wal-Mart–a formal thank-you to those of you who made that 2000 Honda Accord possible–we were very humbled, yet grateful to you all who gave so generously–we have no way of knowing who you are, so please accept our “thanks”! Mel would be so pleased with the car-often on the way home from a trip to the hospital, we would look at cars-she wanted something just like what we got–

There continue to be many reminders of Mel that keep us talking about things we remember–Cameron misses her wrestling with him-I had forgotten that–Jana misses her always playing with her and sharing their room–we have begun the painful process of packing things from her room–I had started a while ago, but soon quit because I found it too difficult–Lauren graciously packed everything and brought it down to our room where I can slowly sort through things–Jana will be moving into the room with Joey then Lauren has the room that was Mel & Jana’s–Jana told me she is “not going back to that room”–we take things slowly and pray for much wisdom to know when to push her or not–she was having a hard time going back to school–she wanted to be with me all the time, which is another reason I have been at the school a lot–she seems to have adjusted to some time without me as long as she knows what to expect–how do you tell a 6 year old that life is not predictable ?

We had thought we would try to update more often and shorter, but I see this is not very short–we continue to be amazed by the grace God continues to give–we are among the very blessed to have such a strong support system of people that continue to remember Mel & this new journey we travel–tonight when you go to sleep, don’t forget that you are not promised tomorrow–cherish the small things–you never know when they may become memories of a distant past–We love you–Lori for the Miller’s

Miller Family Update

Sorry we haven’t updated in a while. We are doing okay but really missing Mel. Her fingerprints are all over our home and on our hearts. We are trying to get back to a routine, with spring here, there is not a lack of things to do. We are overwhelmed at the loving support we have felt and are continuing to feel. The children are doing well and are into school full swing as this is a very busy time for them with academics and extracurricular activities. Some diversion is helpful at times. Please be patient with us as we try to get more pix on here of the viewing and funeral, hopefully soon. Our love goes out to all of you! Marty, for the family P.S. HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!!!!!!!!!!! We went out to Shuckers for his birthday meal. He ordered shrimp while I had flounder.