We did it Mom and Dad, we did it.

We ate S'mores. Worked on the boat. Power washed the deck. Shed some tears. Cut trees down. Hosted a bon-fire. Played 31. Looked at pictures-shed some more tears. Read Mom's yearbook where Dad wrote some beautiful words their senior year and then of course, tried to have a good time. I have to admit, it was incredibly quiet at the house even with so many friends and family around. Whenever Dad was around, you'd hear his laughter outside with his buddies or as he came through the house to mix a cocktail or would be yelling, "get out of my kitchen". Mom was always hanging with the girls and your presence was missed severely.

After walking in for a few minutes, I sat and cried on Dad's chair. A chair that was the spot for his naps, a place to watch his few TV channels, and where he did his last crossword puzzle at this house, which was left on the side table. Mom had left a book she was reading, "chicken soup for the soul" which I believe I purchased for her years ago. Oddly enough, her book mark was the words to the "Amazing Grace" hymn played at the funeral and it was left on the chapter discussing loss and the first few lines discussed who would you call and what would you say to them if you knew you only had a few days to live. It was very strange to find that book and where the bookmark was placed. And all of those pictures of us on that fridge....you really loved your family so much.

It wasn't easy and I am not sure it ever will be, but what I am trying to tell myself is that this is a place we can bring our family and friends together. Everyone, including your brother and Sister-in-Law and Grandpa and Eve seemed so thrilled we are keeping the place. You have a community of friends and family in Harrison and I think they will enjoy watching your daughters live on and still welcome them into a home that you once lived in.

Mom and Dad, you would have been real proud of the boys this weekend, they worked really hard as seen in these pictures. I goofed around as usual, couldn't focus on any one project. I would start bagging up your clothes and then stop in the middle and go clean a toilet. The other Melissa would yell, "are you ever coming back, where is that garbage back you said you you were bringing?!"

Hey, I tried...

You were missed more than you will ever know by everyone who was up there. I still have mixed emotions on how I feel about enjoying this place but I am so certain this is what you would have wanted.

With love,

All of your friends and family that have shared memories with you in Harrison, MI.