A Sister's Love

For those of you who know my sister, Melissa, you know that she is a determined and strong young woman (to say the least). Today, she outdid herself. You see, today, Melissa and my amazing mother threw me a baby shower. It wasn't just any baby shower either; it was a beautiful shower filled with love...the perfect way to welcome my son into the world. Perhaps the most special thing about this baby shower was the fact that Melissa was there. She was there the entire time. She was there in spite of the pain, nausea, and fatigue that she is fighting today. She was there with a smile on her face, when I know she would have much rather been curled up, resting. She was a warrior all day and I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have her there.

Melissa has given Josh and me many things to help us prepare for our baby's arrival; however, no gift will ever mean as much as the courage and grace she has taught me throughout her entire battle. These are things that you simply cannot register for at Target. They are gifts from angels like my sister.

Melissa, your beauty and strength radiate from that gorgeous bald head of yours. Baby Jackson is blessed to have an aunt like you, and I pray that he will learn from the strength, dignity, and bravery that you teach us all, everyday. You're not only my best friend; you're my hero and you give me hope that Baby Jackson will know only the best things from this world, from people like you. Thank you.

I'm so proud of you. I'm so amazed by you. I love you.