Wow. Never did I think that I would lose both my dad and younger sister within five months. It seems like yesterday when I received the call about my dad [on June 15th] and was completely shocked to receive a call about Melissa [on November 14th]. The image above is the very last photo that I took of my sister…just this past August. Isn’t she beautiful?!
I wrote a blog about my sister last January- on her 30th birthday- you can read it here.
Melissa was a warrior and a lover of life. She knew how fragile life really is and rarely put anything off “until tomorrow.” Goodness, such a lesson that I want to learn and take seriously. Even though the odds were stacked up against her from the day she took her first breath on this earth- she lived each day to the fullest. The doctors even spoke death over her life at birth. However, this did not dictate the way Melissa would choose to live her life. There was no other option other than to live it. And to live it well. To endure whatever may come her way.
Melissa has finished her race and is now in the arms of Jesus. She has been reunited with our dad and her body has been made new. She is whole. She has received her healing!! My sisters and I were really believing that this year would be a BIG one for Melissa, but little did we know how big it really would be. She has seen the face of God and is in His presence! Pretty incredible.
I wanted to THANK YOU all for loving me [once again] through this season in life. These are the moments that you think you can never make it through, but I am. God is Faithful and He is Extravagant Love.
Melissa loved that I did a video blog for my dad….so I thought it was only appropriate [and an honor] to record a video for MY SISTER. I’ll be posting the video tomorrow….so be sure and check back!
I pray that you all have a very Merry Christmas and be intentional about all of your relationships. Life is short. So very short.
XOXO
Rachel Catlett - BEAUTIFUL! I’m sorry for your loss Kelli, especially so close to Christmas. I lost my amazing Aunt the day after Christmas last year and I still can’t believe it even happened. But then again, I’m so very happy for her, she’s in the arms of Jesus and completely healed. Your sister gets to be in His presence every moment for all eternity.
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28
stephanie - what a beautiful, precious person she was, and how blessed she was to have you as her sister! i am sorry for your loss here on earth, but so happy for heaven’s gain. i hope you find comfort in knowing that you’ll meet her again. ((hugs))
Tweets that mention My Sister. » Kelli Trontell -- Topsy.com - […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alonzo DeJesus and Kelli Trontel, Kelli Trontel. Kelli Trontel said: A blog in honor of my sister MELISSA:: http://kellitrontell.com/blog/my-sister/ […]
Holly Farrar - Kelli- This blog was such a beautiful way of remembering Melissa. It brings tears to my eyes and really seeing how life really is too short to be bitter and angry a little things. The Lord blessed you with such a wonderful sister for many years and I was blessed to be a part of your lives years ago when I babysat you. I pray that the Lord gives you peace throughout this Christmas Season and know that your Dad and Melissa will always be your angels and watch over you and your family. My love to you.
Gene Pineda - Kelli, seeing these pics of you two so little reminds me of Missy yelling “WAKE UP!” in my face!!! LOL! Such good memories of you and your family just bless me. Thanks so much for posting this.
vanessa warren - i love how you love your family, kelli. you have an incredible one! your dad & melissa still live on in YOU … what a great mix you are of the both of them! i love knowing where they are. what comfort that is to the soul. i am constantly in awe of how God carries the hurting through deep dark times such as these. we mourn but we mourn with hope. hope that we too will be reunited & made whole. that IS incredible.
i love you, sweet sister. continuing to lift you in prayer. God will continue to use you & your families story as a witness to his greatness. xoxo
Jaime - kelli just want to say HUGS sweet lady! You walk in love with such beauty it is inspiring! <3
Laura Dodd - Kelli,
I love the pictures of her and I love that she is now with her Savior!! What a wonderful hope we have in Christ! I pray that you and your family have a good Christmas and that it continues to be a time of healing!
CharisWarrell - your photos are stunning and these words are very precious. Thank you for sharing this and for sharing so much of the love of Jesus in this piece. you are so right… your sister & father has seen the most amazing thing – the love and grace of God. I pray blessings over your family this Christmas time. Happy Christmas and heres to a blessed New Year x Charis
Alisia K - I am so very sorry for your loss.
I can’t even begin to imagine.
xx
Mel McGaughey - Kel, I had no idea. I somehow missed this completely and am just now seeing this. Girl, I’m so sorry.
I wish I could have known her, but I look forward to getting to know her in heaven-we’ll have all the time in the world to talk! 😉 She sounds like an absolutely beautiful and inspiring soul, much like her sister!! =)
Love you girl!
Hugs,
Mel