Hi everyone, Prior to December 7th, I thought the most enjoyable thing for me was to rush home from work, turn on my computer and read the latest on this web site. As a matter of fact, I had just logged off here when I received the call. The call was from my sister saying that my neice (age 29) had been in an automobile accident and was in critical condition at LSU Hospital in Shreveport. I would later find out that my life would suddenly change. When I arrived at the hospital I found out that she was thrown out of the truck and was doa. I don't know how or why but, they worked on her for 40 minutes and were able to bring her back, but she had brain damage due to the time she went without oxygen. My first reaction was that we'd take what we could get as long as she was alive. For the next 2 weeks it was filled with highs, lows, good days and bad. I had to deal with my sister who is so jealous of mine and Melissa's relationship, that she now hates me. I had to help console her fiance who acctually saw the accident in his rear-view mirror, and couldn't understand why this happened. Melissa never had a stable home life. Her mother's boyfriend molested her from age 9-17. Then, she had to deal with the fact that after putting him in jail, her mother dropped the charges and let him move back in with her. Melissa got married soon after that and began a life with Kelly and they had 3 children. For the next 10 yrs. her family was at my house for every holiday, she had the kids birthday parties here, and we spent alot of time talking on the phone. Two years ago, she allowed the influence of her new friends to persuade her to leave her family. She had finally got her stuff together when she met Ray, was engaged, and completly happy for the first time in her life. Melissa didn't know anything about football. She didn't understand it at all. But, she pretended to because she knew it was my passion. She would always call me while I was watching LSU or she would come watch it with me. I stayed with her at the hospital the entire time. It's funny how spending alot of aimless time at the hospital can make you re-think your life. I have 3 son's, therefore, I missed out on the daughter that I'd always wanted. Or so I thought. I never realized it before but Melissa was my daughter. I never thought about what I'd do without her, never thought I'd have to. It hit me when I looked at my cell phone and saw that she'd called me 63 times in a 2 week period. Her mother missed out on really knowing one of the most incredible people in this world. We were supposed to watch the Peach Bowl together. The last thing she told me was, I love you, Aunt Kim. I will cherish that forever. So, if you ever take for granted that someone will always be there and you can tell them how you feel later or presume they already know. Don't put it off....you may get a phone call in the middle of the night. I'll be watching the Peach Bowl on the 30th along with Ray, her fiance. And even though Melissa doesn't really care about football, she'll be the loudest fan in heaven....I was so fortunate to be there when she was born and there when she passed. Yesterday was her funeral and today is her birthday. Today, I didn't rush home to check the forum, I sat and visited with my son and listened about his day....just in case. Kim aka Sassylsufan2002
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss, I can relate to how you feel too, my 18 year old nephew was killed almost 7 years ago in Houma, he was crossing the road and was hit by a car, he live on a respirator for almost a week and then he died. But he was also a organ donor so part of him still lives on. Please know that I will be thinking about you and your family.
I am truely sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the joyful memories you have of your time with Melissa.
Thanks for all your support. We just played an incredibley near perfect game against an awesome team like Miami......Could it be we had an "angel" watching over us???? I'd like to think so. To you Melissa, I dedicate this game to you. I felt that you were with me through the entire game... Geaux Tigers!
