KLR turns 15 "Lake"

A year ago I posted about a wonderful young man who turned 14 -

WOW what this past year has brought, A LOT to and through our lives. I spoke of the Foundation Lake had become with no ideal of the amazing strength that would shine during the time of the  loss of his brother (his hero). Lake turns 15 tomorrow and looking back at on his "backward crybaby little self" - HE IS A WONDERFUL, GIFTED, POWERFUL, LOVING young man. I'm not sure what I expected (well maybe.. I did - from a teenage boy) but what I got was the most amazing show of LOVE and strength. This past year Lake has poured himself into loving and supporting a lot of different things - the things most young men don't have time for. The support of "Operations Smile" (continued support from Mitch's choice of charity's) helped raise $2000.00 (Life Celebration Bonfire) this year in the loving memory of Mitchell. "ALS" (supporting his Uncle Mike) helped raise $2000.00 (4th of July ALS awareness / Picnic) and so much compassion toward Mike and Sheila's wonderful story of LOVE (and thankful to be apart of their life)!! "Cystic Fibrosis" raised $200.00 in a walk ..... AND recently just fell head over heals for a wonderful little soul in Nashville ~ My precious friend Tammy (who loves so BIG) shared a story of Savannah Hope an 11yr old little girl who is diagnosed with "alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma" Lake had no ideal what to do but wanted to do something - He gathered up a few friends to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer - Pictures sent to Savannah pouring out love and HOPE and a video in production now to raise awareness "these guys put their heart and soul into this video". I am so proud of the "Sweetheart" he is.  Happy 15 wonderful years, LAKE you are amazing to me!!

Until tomorrow ~ Loving you today.. Melissa

Heart of the matter ~

I don't think I have ever been your 'typical girl" - No pink, Love dirt, Big trucks, Softball, Fishing, Football, ALWAYS -Baby dolls were for sitting on the bed!! I have to add, I thought it was STUPID when girls signed their name with a HEART behind it, "how stinking girly". My life in general, "not typical".   
 I found a picture of Mitch I have seen a thousand times, it was a picture taken after one of his surgeries around 7yrs of age- right above his head in bright light "a heart". Got me thinking.... scary I know!! I will say "with years past - I love pink, I still love the dirt, big trucks, ball, fishing and more than anything "Hearts". Six years ago our life came to a new chapter (Rodney) - something happen that I slowed down to see the love around us... HEARTS EVERYWHERE!! The first showed up the day after I met Rodney - one in a perfect heart rock (now on our pantry) second a BIG rock in the first ever picture of us. Since then, uncountable and getting them from all over and everyone - who came to know our "heart" story. I recently reunited with such a precious soul that I had went to school with years ago. Odd that it happen like it did but credit to facebook. After I had spent some time with Greg, I was introduced to a whole new family - OH my, what they would bring to my life..... I was invited to Christmas Celebration 2009 at the McEachern's (a well kept secret that all should have the pleasure in sharing) and there I sat in the living room of the most wonderful loving atmosphere ever, admiring all the people gathered - my eyes wandered to the biggest heart I have ever seen, not sure where it was i.e.; at the neighbors or in another room - I was looking through the patio door into another room. I could not stand myself, I found Mrs. McEachern (Momma Mac) and asked her about the heart -- OH MY DEAR.. my heart fell in love with this sweet sole - I was lost in her & HER ART WORK!!! I shared our story of hearts and explained how the boys were finding them, Rodney and myself. I told her they were just everywhere and I just could not figure it out. Momma Mac in her sweet comforting voice touched my arm and said the words that later would stand me on my feet with strength ( " God's love is everywhere - a lot of times we just dont slow down enough to see it and accept it") I am sure I miss a few hearts BUT not many. I have such a collection and plan to put them together in a book for a sweet reminder of Gods love for us. After Mitch passed and I was faced with the most Unimaginable task of planning his "going home " gathering (thank you my sweet cousin Tammy) for the choice of words – they do make a difference. There I stood for the first time to realize I have no control and never had any - Walking through a cemetery to “mark” where you will lay your loved on to rest (is not something ANYONE ever is prepared for – many things go on in your head – call it a Melissa thing… but I was so mad at whoever kept this cemetery and focused on this tree that looked of NOTHING BUT death itself standing there – I COULD NOT LET IT GO – My mom – father-in-law and husband, I’m sure thought I had lost my mind – they reeled me in long enough to make my decision ….. I still don’t remember because ALL I could think about was this AWFUL TREE!! Right in the time I needed God to send me his love and I GET A DEAD TREE??? Really… and to catch my eye yet no one else seem to mind that tree - As we got in the car that was parked right beside the “spot” I looked up at the tree that now that was at a different angle – from where Mitch’s earthly body would be laid to rest – STOP THE CAR!!!! Again, they thought I had LOST my mind…. THERE IT WAS A PERFECT.... at a different angle it was a HEART (God Wink) at that moment I knew – GOD was in control and had always been in control - sending his sweet love to us just as I had ask – as I have always ask and received. SO many people have sent hearts to me from everywhere, I am grateful and keep them all (compiling a book with sweet stories) Most of all I am thankful, that so many have "slowed down to see" Our heavenly father's plan are not always what they seems .... HE is my strength!! Until tomorrow.. Loving you today ~ MeLiSsA

Looking from Mitch's Mounument (After)

Coming in the GATE (Before) - Although looking now.... It looks like
a M (smiling)