It has been a long time. But when I arrived at your sister's yesterday, I was so near the newness of your being gone and I cried. You are really not coming back. You are really gone. For myself, for us, I am so sorry. I miss your infectious laugh. Or should I call that a cackle. lol I miss that devilish smile. I miss that last hug we shared two weeks before you left us. Not of your own will, though I don't doubt you wanted to when it started happening. I know you love your Jesus. I saw you looking at Him as that tear rolled down your cheek. You were surprised. Weren't you?!?! And you couldn't wait to reach for His hand. Oh, I love you and miss you so. My heart aches. I know I am being selfish. I know you have never been happier. No cares. No sorrows. It's just us. I was telling my 'sister' friends from church Sunday that the color has gone from my life. In fact, I was telling Brent, who claimed to understand what I was deeply saying. I am going to move away. I didn't tell you that. I have told your sister and brother. I was offered a job in TX from Jerry Williams. But I don't know if I will find the colors there again either. It's selfishly sad. I need to get out of my house. But I just don't know where the colors are. My life has too little meaning. Yes, I love our Jesus so much. Yes, I want to live for God but there is just an emtiness. Green isn't green. Flowers hold no color. I'm not even sure what that means.
I am so happy for you, sweet Melissa. My penny peanut butter. And there you are with your beloved Grandpa. Whom you loved more than anyone else in the world. More than me (at least that's how I saw it). Though, I'm not sure you loved him more than Skye Mary. I know you loved them both very much. Perhaps in their very own special ways.
I love you. I remembered the time we shared at HyVee having that very early breakfast. Because you were still up. I had just gotten up. I sat there a couple of weeks ago enjoying a very peaceful and much needed cup of coffee and got near tears remembering. It was awesome, that day with you. It was not awesome the day I was there alone remembering.
I will let you go for now. I don't forget. Every day. I am remembering how much I miss you. You probably know that. I have been dreaming about you and about your grandpa. ALOT.
Later, Honey!
Your
Mother

I have been away from the world of tagging and Incredimail for a year. I knew of Lissa's passing and have thought of her often. I did not know her personally but I was one of many whose lives she touched through her love of beautiful men and Incredimail.
I was going through some old mail...a year old actually and found some Incredimail stats that Lissa had made and something made me want to come here. I saw your message, how beautiful.
Yes I am months late of seeing it but I am reminded once again how short life truly is and how we should cherish our children for we may never know when they may be gone from us.
Take care Lissa's Mom.
Shannon

Perhaps it has been so long...that no one will notice a new addition to this site. But I will write anyway, if for no other reason than to give myself peace.
It is a new year now. Though a year has not passed since Melissa has gone to be with Jesus. These past months have been anything but easy in my own strength. But my grief is lessoned because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. If I have laughed, it is because I have momentarily lost sight of my loss. Life goes on and we have to choose our pleasures. I find great pleasure in serving God. Allowing Him to use me as His mouthpiece and as His feet and His hands.
But I have cried, too. I have wailed and cried and mourned (alone). If it were not for my Lord and Savior, I would have died a physical death right along with Melissa. My heart is still broken with unbelief. Yet, I trust the One who created all. He created Melissa, me and all of us. He is the Highest Power. And He has sent His Son, Jesus to live in us through the Holy Spirit who was sent to earth when Jesus assended into heaven on that third day after His death. He lives in me. I share Him with you. With so many others who will never heal because they don't receive Him into their lives. Those are the ones I mourn for more than Melissa going. They may never know what Melissa knows now. What she sees now. Who she sees now. Life without Jesus is day to day emptiness. He reaches out His arms to those who will take Him. All of us are worth that to God. He loves all of us no matter who we are or what we have done. And He will be the only one you can expect that from on this earth.
I know that my broken heart will mend if I but let it. God holds me in His gentle, loving hands. And oh, Melissa, I truly miss you and your quirky ways. But I would never ask that you leave the perfectness of where you are. Not for anything on this earth. And my dear sweet child, I will see you soon. To God a day is like a thousand years. A thousand years is like a day. Don't wait for me. Get on with celebrating our Lord and Savior. Dance with Him and those who have gone before you/us. Sit at the Savior's feet and love on Him and Praise Him. For He is good! He is merciful. That is why He took you. God bless you, 'Penny peanut butter.'
And God bless those who read this...who are drawn to see...if just one more...as checked in to see...
Melissa's mom

Sorry to here about the loss, we have had health problems here and just getting back on line myself. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, somehow life goes on as I know it will here also when I'm called also. I just got out of the hospital, again sorry to hear the news.
Bonnie

Thera Shey and I have had you in our thoughts and prayers. Our difficult time is not over. Not by any means. I am including you in this too. All of you who were so dear to Melissa. Time may heal wounds but the scar is always visible. Our pain is lessoned when we keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith. That is my 'hope' for all of us. Yes, I do have hope. Hope of an eternity shared with Jesus in the heavenly realms where Melissa is about the business of our Lord now rather than the earthly beings. (Cats included) And as cold as it may sound, she couldn't care less about us. She is at the feet of Jesus (when she isn't dancing around rejoicing her good fortune). And God's angels are the ones who are tending to us. God said He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is true to His Word. And He didn't leave Melissa. But was right there with her when she needed Him the most. He was there when she ignored Him (as many of us do way too often). He was there for her when she cried, when she laughed...when she consoled those of you whom she consoled. He was always there for her. As He is for those of us left behind. But we are not left behind for long. Because to God, a day is like a thousand years. A thousand years like a day. And our time will come soon enough. The things that He has for us to do, He doesn't want left undone. After all, if we can't do as He wills for us on earth, how can we do it for Him in heaven?!!!
God is good. Even in hard/bad times. Let Him touch your heart, your soul and comfort you and help you get on with your lives as only He can do. In the blessed name of Jesus.
Joyce

I guess you know, Lissa that Starla was there for you tonight. And with Jerry. We all miss you so much. Lester came with Tammy (more or Les). Rose and Mort. Bob's sister, Pat. Gosh, they all miss you and it was good to see so many paying respects and honoring you. Mama`'s daughter-in-law came. She doesn't feel comfortable telling Mama`. Doesn't feel she can stand the shock. But she will be seeing you soon enough.
It has been a very long day. I enjoyed the laughter we shared in the truck on the way home from the funeral home. You told me we were so stupid for all this stuff we are doing and feeling. I know you don't/didn't mean that in a bad sort of way. You are worth all the fuss.
I didn't bring you in. I didn't want to have uncomfortability or cause thoughts or whatever and you laugh about that too.
I sure did love you. Gentle spirit that you were and Spirit that you are now.
Mother

There are so many feelings that I have inside right now that it is very hard to find the words to say. I miss you Lissa and I wish that you were here with me. Miss the touch of your hand when you comfort me. Miss the way you felt when you hugged me. I feel robbed of not only my sister but my best friend, and also a limb from my body. Miss the way that your hair felt when you wanted it braided. I miss the peace and comfort you brought just by being near me. We were supposed to grow old together and take care of each other when no one else would. I don't have you to talk to anymore and it hurts so very bad. I want to pick up the phone just to hear your voice but your not there. I don't want to be alone without you. I don't want my children to have to grow up not knowing who you are. Telling them about you is nothing compared to you actually being here. I can't describe the pain that I have inside knowing that there is a hole in my life now. IT'S NOT FAIR!!! I want to scream loud enough that everyone can hear...I WANT MY SISTER!!!! You should be here with me. What ever am I going to do without you? I love you so very much and I'm so very sorry that you are gone. I am proud to have called you sister. Thank you for everything that you ever did for me (while growing up) and for my family. You have been a blessing to so many and you should be proud for all those who loved you so.
Save me a spot and tell Grandpa that I miss him dearly!! Love you POR!!
Love
Your Sister

I know this is little comfort to all who have written about our dear, special Melissa but I don't want anyone to think you are any less of a person because Melissa isn't here to carry on. If you meant something to her, you mean something to us. And we won't ever be able to thank you for sharing a part of her we didn't entirely know about. You all are people. The Bible says God is no respector of people. That means to Him we are all created equal and He loves us all the same. He loves us more than any person could. That is only because we are not perfect as He is perfect.
I pray God to bless you all. And if I thought there was any other way to encourage you, I would. I can't take over for Melissa. Because we were not the same. I am a born-again Christian. I see the face of Jesus when I look in the mirror. I was created in His image just like all of you. You can see His face staring back at you too. You can know that when you leave here, you will be sitting at His feet, singing praises and worshipping Him, dancing while the lyre, flute, harp, tamborines, drums play, singing to you hearts content...to Him in person. You can know. I believe with all my heart that Melissa was snatched from the clutches of the devil and dropped into the arms of Jesus. I know. I don't tell you that she was born-again but every time she looked at me, she saw Jesus. I don't doubt it made her uncomfortable at times. The enemy was hard on her. But in Isaiah 57:1, I believe it is, it says that God takes people to Him to protect them from the enemy. Now, I am not quoting that but I want you to understand the gist of it. For her own good. And He knew her days before she was conceived in my womb. He knew her whole story. He wrote the whole book on each of our lives.
I hope you find some comfort in knowing this. And my the God of the universe...the One and only God hold each of you in the palm of His hand and comfort you as He has done us. And know too, that He will continue to hold you until you can stand on your own. He is that kind of God. And I think that is pretty great!!!!
Melissa's mom, Joyce

I guess it's my turn, Lissa to say goodbye.

Everyday I am saddened by your passing. All summer I was without a lot of things as I battled my own personal demons and yet I knew certain people would be there for me when I returned, you being one of them. To know that you are not there now makes....well I hurt. Inside and out. We may not have known each other in the "real world" but I, like many others, consider this a "real world". I have friends in cyberspace that I will never loose...you were one. You're lost to me now but only until I pass this lifetime. We will meet one day in the "other world". Until that day, save me a place.

I miss you Lissa
Shannon


And to those family and friends of Lissa reading this, know that Lissa was loved and will be sorely missed. She was a treasure that cannot be replaced.

You were surely a special lady. My 'little Lissa.' I never told you enough how much I loved you. But I didn't always have the chance. I knew your heart. As I have read the many messages on here, I am not surprised by the 'you' we are seeing. You were a treasure.
I am glad we got to share your last birthday with you in July in my garage as I cut your ice cream cake in your lap with a butcher knife. Tweeked? Maybe...but we do what we can.
Thank you for our last shopping spree and breakfast at HyVee and the fun we had. The laughter. And the remark you made about being sorry for drinking that big glass of milk. But thank you and God most of all for the tight hugs, the thanks and the pat you gave me on the back as I left you that day...the last day I saw you. I won't forget our wandering in your garden naming flowers and plants and your blessing of giving me dibs on what I wanted which I got later that day as you slept. When I see them in my yard, I will always think of you.
But I will always think of you. You were my first. My precious Lissa. It was not always easy for us (mother and daughter) but it was worth all the emotions we went through together.
I will treasure the gifts you made for me and those that have made it as far as Chihuahua, Mexico when I missioned there. As I can see by these remarks in this site, you have reached far and wide. Someday, we will know all the lives you touched (in secret).
It is a pleasure knowing that you had this secret life. It blesses my heart to see I was not alone encouraging people via the 'net' when they were down and needed prayer. Praise God to know that now.
Love,
Mother

Lissa was so special to me and a very special lady! I was grieved to hear of her passing. She was always kind and thoughtful. She really made me feel special by sending notes to my private email even though I was in her always list group she knew the things that I liked and would sometimes make something special just for me and send it with a sweet hello and let me know that she was thinking about me. I appreciated that so very much. She brightened my day on more than one occasion and I will miss her so very much. My sympathy goes out to her family, if I loved her sweet personality having only met her on the web I can't imagine how much she was loved by the friends and family who's lives she touched on an everyday basis. You must be VERY proud. She made an excellent impression on you all and was loved by so many people. You are in my thoughts and prayers and hopefully one day we will all see her sweet face again. God bless you and I will miss you my friend Lissa!

I want to give my condolences to all of Lissa's friends and family. I didn't really know her; but I was in one of her groups. She seemed like a very nice person and didn't deserve for this to happen to her. I just pray that she didn't suffer. I can tell by all of the messages that she had many friends and was well loved. Right now she is looking down at all of us and I'm sure she is at peace. You all will be reunited with her one day. Then we can have one heck of a party! Hugs.....Linda G.

My sympathy and prayers to Lissa's loved one's. Though I didn't know her well,
I both admired and adored her talent as well as her generous nature in sharing
it with us all and her kindness. She will be missed by us all.

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Lissa's family. I only knew her through groups online but she will be missed very much.

My sincere heartfelt condolences to all of Lissa family and friends.God bless. Hugs, Donna/Dkbtimbo51

I feel very blessed to have been able to know Lissa, even though it was just through cyberspace. She made you feel like a dear friend and was always there for you with a warm, comforting "welcome." She encouraged me to keep trying to make graphics is PSP and made me feel like I could do it. She had much more faith in me than I did. I miss seeing her name in my mailbox every day. She touched so many lives in so many ways...and she probably had no idea that she had done so. I pray she feels the love that is pouring out from all who knew and cared for her. And, I pray for her family and friends who lost someone so special without the opportunity to tell her goodbye.

God bless,
Kris

Lissa.... I can't say that I knew you very well but I was in a few of your tag groups and appreciated all of your work.... you truly were a very talented and thoughtful person!

Although as I said, I didn't know you very well, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that you are no longer with us! You will be missed!

Love
Lauren
xxx

Hi Sweetie...I don't know where to start. I've put off writing here because I have no idea what to say. I think I'll just take a cue from Kelley and just talk to you like we always did.
I can't say enough how much I miss you. Something happens or I have to do something that I hate and my first thought is "I HAVE to tell Lissa about this." Then the realization comes, I'll never be able to tell you anything else. I so looked forward to seeing your name in my *Lissa* folder with a new letter. Your "thud warnings" were always needed. Getting to see all of your new art before anyone else was such a privilge, an honor. I never could figure out why you wanted my opinion when it was you that encouraged me to start creating. I miss our talks about what was bothering us, the talks about our spoiled cats, about being night owls, about books, about the evil, (laugh) about Johnny and Orli, I just miss my friend. You were always there for me with an encouraging word, excitement for my work that I could feel through cyberspace, telling me I was good and I knew I wasn't. You were an amazing friend. Full of love for me and all of your friends that we knew was real. Making me laugh when I was at my lowest. And sharing my view of the world. I never was blessed in my biological family to have a sister. I feel now as if I do and I've lost you. I regret not telling you how much you meant to me.
Lissa, you were an amazing person and the day you crossed over, the world lost one of it's angels.
Well, Lissa, you know me.....rambling again. That's one thing I love about you, you would read my ramblings and then encourage me to ramble some more.
I miss my friend. I miss the one person that I've met that really understood me. I miss you more than words can say. I wake up every day and the first thought is "Lissa is gone."
I can only find peace in knowing that you are at peace. You are surrounded by more love than I can imagine. You have your precious furbabies with you. Save me a place...........we have so much to talk about. I'll never forget you, never stop missing you. Go in peace, my friend.

Love and Hugs,
CindyRae

To Lissa's sister and all of her family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers daily. Please know that Lissa was loved so much more than I think even she realized. She was a beautiful, funny, talented and loving person and will be missed. I love all of you because Lissa loved you so much. May you find healing and peace.
God Bless You
Cindy

Lissa was so talented and she will be missed by everyone that knew her. I would like to offer my prayers and condolences to her family.

I am still in shock and so saddened by the news of Lissa's passing. Though we were not close friends, we were in PSP communities together, and she was always helpful, thoughtful, and just plain fun ! I know she will be missed across the net, across the world. She touched so many lives....
My deepest sympathies to her family. Know she was loved and will be remembered.