Stolen

I’m having a hard time writing this post. It is easy to write about my own pain. I know how to put it into words because it is mine. Today I have to talk about a pain that I have never dealt with and have no idea how to accurately describe. So I guess I won’t even try. I’ll just write on behalf of the one whose pain I so badly wish to take away, but cannot.

My cousin, Melissa, is a wonderful person. Amazing even. If you don’t know her through the blogging community, allow me to give you a quick version of her life journey thus far, via her blog, Full Circle:

An ongoing tale of our most excellent (and terrifying) adventure yet.. adoption via foster care. This is a journey Darling Husband and I started with Nantie (“Nanny-Auntie” – a blessing from above) in 2007. She moved in June 2010, we miss her dearly and so appreciate everything she did for us and the kiddos.

We also have a herd of rescued canines, fear the Lord and laugh a lot.

In 1999, a year after my own mother passed away I found out I, myself, was an adopted county baby. Life has some ironic twists but we all seem to come
Full Circle.

 

 

Melissa had to watch both her parents pass away and was left an only child. All she ever wanted was a family to love. As of August fourth, Melissa and her dear husband were granted adoption right to the fourth  set of foster kids that they took in, hoping to make part their forever family. (The first three sets of kids were placed in other homes after staying with Melissa, leaving her to suffer the pain of love and loss many times. Melissa never gave up hope that one day she would get to adopt and complete her family with her husband.) August fourth was a blissful day for Melissa, indeed. We all celebrated with her and her husband, knowing well what a trying journey it was for them to get to the point of adoption.

When I heard the news of Melissa’s husband’s untimely and tragic passing, I got angry. I cannot even begin to imagine how Melissa must feel behind the brave face she has to wear right now. I’m pissed that her happily ever after was unjustly stolen from her. If anyone deserves the right to a happy life, it is Melissa. Melissa, who nursed her mom as cancer stole her life away.  Melissa who searched for her father in his last days, took care of him, cherished every moment with him and forgave him for abandoning her and her mom so many years ago. Melissa, who takes in homeless animals and children, loves them with the genuine love of a mother and then lets them go when the time comes. Melissa, who has always loved our family as if we shared the same bloodline and been a shining example of God’s love and how we are to live.  I cannot begin to fathom why she is being made to suffer again, this time the loss of her best friend and life mate. I’m pissed and heartbroken and feeling helpless because I cannot be with her right now. Nobody should have to endure so much loss. And yet it happens. We will never know why because there is no such thing.

I found myself wondering what to do for Melissa. I cannot stand to see somebody I love suffer so much. It hurts me. It makes me feel like my arms have been tied behind my back. Last night, as I was praying for her, God put it on my heart to help her, yet again. But how? I cannot travel to be with her right now. I cannot take her pain away. I cannot give her back her happily ever after. This morning, I realized that even though I can’t make the past change or take the pain away today, I can help her with her tomorrows. There are going to be many tomorrows and beyond the pain and grief, she will have other difficulties. Affording two children, whose future with her is no longer guaranteed. Funeral costs. Headstones, memorial services, etc… the cost of  death and of living after your reason for living is gone.  I’m sure part of her wants to curl up and  just die. But she won’t. Melissa is stronger than that. I know this. And I know how I can help her do that.

Prayer, first and foremost. I am to be her prayer warrior right now. And I invite you all to join the force of prayer warriors for the Full Circle Family. We are waging a war against Satan and his attempt to steal, kill and destroy. Melissa is a fighter and she told me last night that she will be victorious over this. As long as there is hope and faith in her heart, she will be.

Secondly, I have set up an account for her and the kids. We can help ease some of the financial burden that is going to add insult to injury right now. It is a bad economy, I know. We have expenses coming out of our ears, I know. But we also have a calling to take care of the downtrodden. It is not a burden, an inconvenience or a debt to give to those who need it. It is a blessing, a seed sown, a reason to give thanks. So I’m asking this of you. Simply to give. If it is your last penny, give it. I promise that it will be blessed and multiplied ten fold. The gifts will be prayed over and all of those who give will be too.  I have a whole bunch of prayer warriors who are powerful and God hears their prayers, whether you believe it or not.

I believe that Melissa will have her happily ever after one day. After all  life always comes full circle and she has given happiness to so many.

You can donate by clicking on the Full Circle logo below. It will take you to Paypal, a secure site where you can donate whatever amount you feel lead to. Thank you for helping me give Melissa some hope and love.