Here we are – 6 years since Mel gained her wings. Another year of missed milestones for the boys who by the way are doing awesome. I find myself with moist eyes at their track and cross country events wishing Mel was there - but then realize that she has the best seat in the house! Believe it or not Riley graduates high school this year and Hayden is a sophomore at Iowa. Brent will be an empty nester soon! I am so proud of all 3 of these Kuhn boyz. Kudos Brent- you did it and still have hair!

I thought I would go through Mel’s Caringbridge site to pull some “Melism’s” to share. Well, that backfired as I pulled 6 pages worth. Here is a sampling of her inspirational spirit throughout her journey:

• First and foremost are from her speech she gave at work on the four pillars of : “What Cancer Has Taught Me” I refer to these pretty much daily!
  • Live each day to the best of your abilities.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Believe in your journey.
  • Live your life with empathy and gratitude every day.

• “I read a quote that I think perfectly describes how I feel about cancer and what it has done to my life. "We all have two lives. The second one starts when we realize we only have one." My wish for everyone is that you can check many things off your list in the near future and start living your second life.”

• “At the end of the day all I know is that I have right now. I need to make each and every right now as memorable and heartfelt and downright awesome as I can make it. That is all I can do. The rest I need to leave to God. The rest I have to leave to God. I have no other choice”

• “I have had many people ask me what they can do to help. Well here it is... Hug your kids a little tighter, a little longer. Thank your spouse for something, anything. Sing a song that touches your soul at the top of your lungs. Oh and chocolate, wine and coffee.....in no particular order....”

• “I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.”

• "In the end, all we have left are memories. Bits and pieces of the time we've spent together. No matter how long the time was. It'll never seem like enough....." In my mind one of the best ways to pay tribute to someone is to share memories...”

This entry warms my heart as I came across a high school project Mel did; a binder called “Bits and Pieces” Even as a teenager she was inspiring. Do you have any memories to share?