Yesterday, Sunday, October 26th, was a day of remembering–not just Melanie, but all those children from A. I. DuPont who have passed away recently. We are so privileged to have a hospital that is so much more than a hospital–I cannot begin to tell you how our family has been affected by professionals who have given way beyond the “call of duty” to make DuPont a place of good memories–Melanie was at home and not at the hospital when she passed away, which probably made it a little easier for us to go back. It is the first time we’ve been back since February. The service was absolutely beautiful, and yet in a lot of ways very hard–but yet we also felt it very necessary to have everyone of our immediate family together for this. One very special part of this service was as each name was called–placing a flower in a vase for each child that we were remembering–a lot of different emotions, but a very healing time as well. Some highlights were also seeing families that we have known–that we share a common bond with–people have become such a support to us! Another highlight was visiting 3CN–the floor where we spent much time–we got to see Dr. Frantz, “Ms. Lucille”, Patty, Julie, Kim, Val–and some other wonderful staff–these people have really become a special part of our family–Of course at the service we got to visit with A. J., Fran, Beth, Dora–all very special people–I know I’m probably forgetting someone. Jana & Cameron went upstairs to Child Life for some of the service and created some neat projects as a way of remembering Mel. A special memory book was created for each family and we also watched a slide show of each child represented there. A special thank-you to all those that made the day special.
How do you pack 13 years of memories into one short afternoon? You never will–same as we will never forget a child that was loaned to us for such a short time–and yet in the midst of all the grieving, I can still hear her telling me, “Mom, we just have to trust God”–and yes, Mel, I’m trying, because I know you are cheering us on–waiting so patiently until we can see you again and maybe even hear you say, ” I told you it was worth it!” As Dr. Frantz told me yesterday in talking about Mel, “she was an exceptionally strong person”,–I then asked, “do you really think so?”–his response, “oh yes, she really was!” Her strength was not her own–I believe God knew she would need it for her journey ahead.
We continue to dream about our family singing again–we have sort of started again–we also are hoping to put together the rest of the Christmas CD that was started a few months before Mel got sick. We may not have it done for this Christmas–it takes lots of work!
Thanks to so many of you who continue to connect with us from time to time–the way we are cared for continues to bless us and helps to carry us through some very lonely times–I cannot imagine anyone having to go through a journey like this without a faith in Someone who we continue to lean on–we have felt so loved and blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends–We ask for God to abundantly bless each of you for graciously extending His love to us–Love, Lori for the Miller’s
