Faith, Family, Grief, Melanoma

Not only was she my daughter, she was my friend

In December 2016, DIFF Charitable Eyewear featured people whose lives have been impacted by ocular melanoma.  Here is the post about Meredith:

“Not only was she my daughter, she was my friend. Being Meredith’s mom was one of the greatest diff-postexperiences a mother could have. I watched her as she grew up and everyday she excelled in something. She was loving, funny, athletic, a scholar, and her love for the Lord was beyond anything I have ever seen. April 8, 2009, she lost her peripheral vision and immediately went to the school nurse. She was referred to a specialist who immediately dilated her eyes and found a 15mm tumor. We went to Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia where they did a radiation plaque for 7 days. She lost almost all her vision in her left eye. One year and one month later her PET scans showed 4 lesions on her liver. The cancer had spread… there was no cure. Meredith lived the next 4 years coaching and mentoring girls in basketball, married her high school sweetheart and on February 24, 2014, she died with family surrounding her. She would always say, “I am not afraid for we walk by faith not by sight” ll Corinthians 5:7. She was only 26 years old. I miss my baby everyday. One day I will see her again. She assured me, “Mom, this is only temporary”.

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Faith, Family, Friends, Grief

February 24, 2015

“While reading Meredith’s bible she had underlined:

2 Peter 5:6-7, 10-11
5 Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
6 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I find this for the first time on the night/day I needed to hear from her the most. NOTHING is a coincidence. God knew I needed to see this. He and Meredith are watching over us as she celebrates her 1st birthday in heaven.” – Robin

“One year ago today I laid beside my baby sister as Jesus took her home. In her short life she taught me so much about faith, strength and love. She was an inspiration to anyone who met her and I will miss her every day until I am reunited with her one day in Heaven. I am so proud of our family and how we have continued to stay strong and celebrate her life, but please continue to pray for us as being without her will always be difficult.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7″ – Lyndsi

“It’s one year since my best friend went to heaven. I think about her everyday, and she visits me in the most random ways; most recently, in my dreams, always holding my hand. We don’t say anything, we just sit and hold hands. I miss her, but I know she’s not far, and I most definitely know that I’ll see her again. #24” – Paige

“Thank you for everything you did in my life. You taught me so much more than basketball and you did it all with a smile. You were there for Chris when he needed a friend and I can’t thank you enough for that. When I wanted you to meet my friend with the same condition as you you welcomed her with open arms. You were an amazing warrior. Always with a smile. You made the world a better place” – Brittany

“Do you ever have those reoccurring memories about someone at the same time, every time you do an activity? I cut my leg shaving when I was going to meet Meredith for lunch one day and I remember telling her about it. Now every time I shave my legs (silly, I know.) I think about her. I am so grateful for that. Meredith went to heaven a year ago today but her soul lives on in people like me she touched. We miss you and can’t ever bear to forget you.”- Kelly

“Today marks one year of when the strongest person I know, Meredith, went to Heaven and is now our guardian angel. She lived life to its fullest and fought harder than anyone can imagine. She was a winner on and off the court and never gave up hope. She taught us all–what really matters in life and how to always be courageous. ILYTG #24” – Maria

“A year has passed, but not a day goes without cherishing the moments we had. Love and miss you our guardian angel Mert – #24″ -Satu

“When someone you love dies, you never quite get over it…You just learn to slowly go on without them… but ALWAYS keeping them tucked safely within your heart. It’s been a year Mert and I am pretty sure your the best guardian angel out there. I miss you” – Jordon

“How has it possibly been a year already… I miss you so much but know you’re always nearby. Your strength and faith continue to inspire me every day. Miss you 24!” – Jen

“A year ago today I lost one of my best friend’s….Mere you are missed more than you know. We love you and miss you…..I know you are doing great things up above! Praying for the Legg’s and their family. #24” – Adam

“I cherish every memory we had and am so thankful for the sister-like friendship we shared. There’s never a day that passes that I don’t think about you. You are my role model, my inspiration, my best friend & I miss you so much. I love you Mere, happy heavenly birthday” – Chelsea

“Can’t believe it’s been one year… What we would do to hear your voice, receive one of your hugs or share a laugh with you. So thankful for the wonderful memories until we meet again. Forever etched into our hearts. Missing my girl” – Janet

“One year ago today heaven gained the most beautiful angel and one of my best friends. I will never forget all that you taught me and continue to teach me. Thank you for all the laughs and memories. See you again one day, Mere! One year down, a lifetime with our Savior to go!! Praying for you today” – Bailey

 

 

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Christmas

Faith, Grief

Christmas and 10 months

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Faith, Friends, Wedding

October 20th

2 years ago today was the happiest day of Meredith’s life. Two beautiful, loving people were married in the site of God and all of their family and friends. We fondly remember that wonderful October day and Meredith and Christopher’s joy.

Anniversary

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Faith, Grief

Until we Meet Again

601452_10101369174145957_721939706_nThe very talented Jon Michaels sang this beautiful song at Meredith’s service.  We will always be grateful to Jon for sharing his meaningful lyrics and gorgeous voice to commemorate our girl.

You can listen to the rest of Jon’s music here

 

Until We Meet Again

We never did say goodbye
But that’s how it goes.
You went away,
You couldn’t stay;
Now, I miss you so.
In my solitude,
I feel you still,
Knowing you always will be there
And everywhere
Watching over me, until we meet again.

Letting go is killing me
But it needs to be done.
You taught me, too,
You knew this day would come.
So it is and so I’m moving on,
Knowing you’re just beyond the stars,
Holding my heart,
Watching over me,
Until we meet again.

Ash to ash, dust to dust,
We live, we die, each one of us.
We feel the loss, but that’s the cost of life, Sweet life, sweet life.
One breath at a time
Is all I can do.
Every setting sun, every brand new dawn,
I’m closer to you.

As I gaze into the sky tonight,
That first bright light
I see, I know will be
You watching over me until we meet again.

Just keep watching over me
Until we meet again.

© 2005 Jon Michaels
Check Please Publishing / ASCAP

Dinah Brien
A Girl Like Me Music / ASCAP

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Basketball, Blog, Faith, Friends, Grief, Melanoma

So many people

419218_10100605678008337_688238754_nMeredith was an inspiration to so many people. Whether it was because of her brilliant smile, her amazing talents on the basketball court, her faith and devotion to God, her love of her family and friends, or how she handled and bravely battled a terrible disease, Meredith left an indelible impression on everyone she met (and even countless of people who never had the pleasure of being in her remarkable presence).

Having touched so many lives, it is not surprising that Meredith was a muse for bloggers and photographers and  many other creative folk.  How grateful we all are to have these lovely tributes to help us commemorate this wonderful young woman:

Points Pondered Blog

Emily Elrod Photography 

JJ Horton Photography

Hannah’s Hope

Black is the new Pink – Fight Melanoma

A Salute to Young Melanoma Warriors

The Cupcake v. Cancer

Keeping up with the Kolls

Strong Enough 

David Cornfield Melanoma Fund

 

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