About me
Hello friends! My name is Melissa. In the past decade my titles, statuses, jobs, and so much else has changed so often and therefore so has the way I’ve described myself. The most constant in my life for the past 25 years has been that I am a Christ follower, which defines who I am and what I do above all else. What else about me though? I am proud wife to Jacob, a mom to three amazing kids, and former social worker who is now in the classroom teaching psychology and sociology to awesome high school students. I’m also a huge nerd (we’re talking Dungeons & Dragons level). I’ve always loved writing but as seasons of life change I haven’t always been able to make much time for it, so I’m excited and nervous about feeling the call to write again.
My Widowhood Story
In 2009 I fell quickly in love with a dynamic, goofy, boy on a youth group mission trip, Bubba. We began dating and in 2011 he asked me to be his wife from up on stage at our church, followed by the easiest and most excited, giddy yes. We exchanged vows in May of 2012, at the age of 20. We were young and naive, but we were a force to be reckoned with. For almost 10 years of marriage we had fun, we served Jesus, we struggled, we forgave, we learned, we celebrated, we mourned, we adventured. We brought two babies into the world! Though it wasn’t perfect, it was 12 years of true friendship and love. Our goal was the rocking chair but our aim was the Throne. Our anchor in the hard moments was always reminding one another that regardless of whatever else was happening or what feelings we may have, the Lord was still in charge and we were in it for the long haul.
It was in August of 2021 that my world turned upside down. Bubba started not to feel well, he soon tested positive for Covid. After a long month of fighting the sickness and hospitalization, he passed just days after his (and my) 30th birthday. That month and all the time since has taught me so much about selfless love, kindness, grief, grace, parenting, the Church, Jesus, pain, and hope. I know my story is one that needs to be shared to help other feel less alone and ultimately to bring Him glory. I’ll share stories, lessons, thoughts, and even practical tips about widowhood, grief, parenting, love after loss, and more.
Here are the words I shared on social media the day Bubba passed:
My sweet Bubba was met by Jesus this afternoon and is whole and healed in Heaven. He’s not an Angel, he was created above that, created in Gods image. He’s not just resting in peace, he’s perfected in Glory.
Your prayers didn’t fail. Our God didn’t fail. Bubba didn’t fail. This world is broken and it is not supposed to be this way.
I know this leaves a huge hole in the heart of so many, but please, I beg you, don’t run away, run to the arms of Jesus, run to be with those who love you ve been en aed in tres or the first time last three weeks….run to Him. It’s ok to not be ok, its gut wrenching, but God is near to the broken hearted, but the hearts still broken none the less.
The Neon W 