Thirteen years ago I met a young gal who was in desperate need of some hair help and a friend. I had the privilege of seeing styles change along with her own life as well. From short to long, brown to blond and even a few added copper high lights, the two hours in my chair gave me many years of opportunities to learn more about Melissa and speak life into her. I was able to see her mature as she headed to San Francisco for school and then come back to trade services with foils for facials. As the years continued to pass by, I witnessed Melissa suffer the loss of her father, meet her ex-husband and shortly after, meett her newborn daughter Michaela.
A friendship had started after the first haircut and our lives continued to cross each others pathways many times over.
About three years ago, I encouraged Melissa to attend a mom's group meeting at our church. It was the start of a journey still being walked and experienced. I believe God has placed certain people in her life for many different reasons; each one with different qualities and characteristics. In the moment, you don't see the connections from one person to the next, but after time, the pieces to the larger puzzle start to click. Whether they be a one-time meet and greet or a lasting friendship that grows over time; some people make a lasting impression that may change the course of your life.
Melissa has changed my life and our families lives from the moment she stepped foot in our home.
She may think the opposite.
Almost two years ago, I got a phone call in a distressed moment to meet Melissa and then months later another call. It was the day before, that our younger sister had moved out. On this day, without hesitation or question, God placed a young mother and her daughter in need of a pillow in our home. It was a wee bit crazy at first as my cousin was also living with us. God always gives you what you need for the moment and he gave us space, patience and understanding.
It has been an absolute honor to walk the past few years with Melissa as she navigates the new journey in front of her. Tim and I have cried alongside of Melissa, laughed because that's the only thing left to do and have taken leaps in our faith watching God offer grace, forgiveness and given us what we all needed in our distress. God has rejoiced with us and proven faithful. Our hearts have been softened, stretched and expanded. We've always been given exactly what we needed in all of our ups and downs.
To watch one who was so broken become whole again, is one of the best rewards a friend and sister can experience. Our children are better for the many years we've opened our doors to family. We see compassion as their best quality. The kids have extended their space to others and have made those in our home feel like family.
That is exactly what Melissa and Michaela have turned into; family. And that is exactly why it's so hard to see this next chapter begin. As we get these two settled into their own little home, it brings out many emotions. Tim and I are beyond excited to see Melissa start this new journey, in her new home. But, it feels like our oldest daughter is moving out of the home and we are left with an empty nest. For over six years we have had people living with us and this new change leaves our basement empty. Having this little family grace our home has been a blessing to all five of us. As we thought about how to send them off and to bless these two as they have blessed us, we were left with only a list of things needed. It was then the timing of a business trip and some coordinating on my part, came together for the best send off gift possible.
With all the details in place, tickets purchased and hotel reserved, Tim and I surprised Melissa with a short, four day trip to Hawaii as a time for us to tell her how important she is in our lives. What made it even sweeter was our friend, trainer and employer Christie, joined in on the fun! The shock lasted all weekend until we stepped off the plane in Kona and breathed in the warm hibiscus air. The girls had never been to Hawaii before which made this so much fun for me to be their host and taxi.
To be able to bless these two, who have made such impact in my life, was more of a gift to me than them.
My goal was simple: get these two to unwind, relax and have fun.
My goal was simple: get these two to unwind, relax and have fun.
Success.
Too often, we find ourselves getting busy with our lives and run out of time to tell someone how we feel. This trip for Tim and I, was our opportunity to show and tell Melissa how much we love her. The three of us ladies quickly changed into suits and found the resort lagoon where we saw fish, swam, floated and cooled off. The next morning after we purchased our "lazy boards," we found our spot back in the lagoon to float away our worries as we ended up doing more laughing than worrying. I had the delicious chance to introduce the ladies to Lava Java and then drive them to a public beach where we snorkeled with turtles. The beauty can't be mistaken or hidden and the only one who could possibly create such color is God Himself. Just minutes from our hotel is the University of the Nations and the Kona YWAM base where we attended Thursday night Worship. We didn't realize until we sat down that it was their graduation ceremony for ten high school students and about eight college students where some have studied in over ten countries to complete their degree. Pretty cool stuff happening in the tropics and around the world!
It was the final night over our "chicken wow wow," where the tears from all three started rolling.
All three of us come from different family backgrounds, have experienced different relationships and have suffered pain unlike the other. But, the purpose of the trip was not to realize we experience pain in life and have scars to prove it. The purpose was to reflect, pause and remind those around us that God is indeed so good to us. Our surroundings were a physical reminder. The friends were God's gift to me. So, with the tears wiped and plates cleared we headed back for our last rest in the tropics. One last breakfast at Lava Java and stop at the ABC store and off to the airport we went. Tim gave up his upgrade to Melissa who is now forever ruined sitting in first class. Christie had the spoil alert on the way there. Some are crispier than others and we all have many thanks to aloe cream. Most of Melissa's belongings are moved and set in their new place. The cabinets are now full and our basement nearly empty. Overwhelming for her at best.
Thirteen years in the making of this now lifelong friendship. Many lessons learned and taught. Tears wiped and laughter had. Tim and I have prayed daily for these two daughters.
Our continued prayer is this:
Melissa, we pray you understand the importance you have in our home. We pray you know how important you are in God's eyes and how precious you are to your Heavenly Father. You're beauty inside and out has been seen by many and has not gone unnoticed. You are an amazing mother to Micky and even though there are times of frustration, you hold your ground and walk each situation with grace and extend mercy. The potential within your reach is beyond any of our comprehension and God is wanting to bless you immensely. You have sought His guidance and He will give it to you in times of need. Keep your eyes on the cross and God will give you everything you need. Wants may be for later. Tim and I pray that this new start will not overwhelm you, but excite you for your future. We pray your time in our home has been positive, uplifting and hopefully not embarrassing! You have graced our home with your quick wit, OCD, passion for Ben & Jerry's and constant humming of song. You have without question offered help with our kids and chores. Thank you for allowing our lives to merge. We pray for God's protection and blessings over your new little home. Adjustments may happen, but God's love has never failed and never will.
"weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
We rejoice with God for the growth in your life and the forgiveness shared with others. We rejoice for the spiritual depth had in your personal walk with the Lord and, with pride welling, call you sister and friend. Thank you for allowing us to walk beside you in one of the most painful moments of your life. It may not be something you can use in your new home, but showing you God's canvas was rewarding in itself.
God has big things in store for you and Michaela. There is no doubting of that fact. You have overcome many things in your life, sought guidance and teaching for advice, and we are so proud of you for your personal accomplishments. God is looking down and smiling because His daughter found her Home. It's not a four wall building or found around a dinner table. Home is found when you have a personal relationship with Christ and God will always make His way clear to you no matter how messy life gets here on earth.
We are blessed because of you and Micky Doodle. Know you are loved by many who see the exact same things we have seen over the past two years.
Walk humbly, show compassion and extend grace and forgiveness when needed.
Aloha. (tears…)
Welcome to your Home Sweet Home.
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