I know I’m late to post. Thought I’d say something anyway. Melissas daughter, Afton, and I were practically inseparable in 1st grade. We would go home after school to her house and eat jelly beans on their front lawn. One night I got sick, I had a terrible cough. This was my first sleepover where I had made it even partially through the night without calling home. Melissa came and sat with me most of the night. She gave me cough syrup and helped me back to sleep. Like I was her own baby. She was never anything but a kind, caring, and unconditionally loving mother, friend, and support system. Even after they moved she would text my mom letting us know how much she cared for each of my siblings and I. To her, I am grateful for the rest of my life. To say my first best friend, even from years ago, is still someone I will remember for the rest of my life, is amazing. But to say her mother was also someone I will remember for the rest of my life, is even more amazing. Thank you Melissa. My heart goes out to her kids. I can’t imagine how this must be. She loved each one of you more than life itself. God bless you. And may she Rest In Peace.
-McCollum
