Two weeks ago my worst nightmare came true. The thing that runs through a parents mind, but then you push it out. You think ‘It’s better that I don’t think about those things’ right? I get home from work and receive a phone call… there’s been an accident…

My family is a very close one, so when I get a call and my cousin asks me if I’m sitting down… well… I was told that my two neices, ages 18 and 19, were in a car accident. Davyna, 19, had been life-lined by helicopter to a local hospital. Unfortunately the news didn’t stop there, but my heart had.

Melissa, 18 and already a mother, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither of the girls were driving, but it was because the boys they were with wanted to do some dumb-ass stunt – well, they did. The car was a mangled wreck, but somehow the picture that Melissa carried around with her of her little girl was found in the seat that she was thrown 45 feet from.

Now I have a brother and sister-in-law who is left without a child (and fighting for custody of thier grand daughter) and has another with serious injuries. They have three younger boys who will never see thier sister again.

The town they live in couldn’t be more supportive. I was awe-struck by the lines of students that were streaming in, wearing shirts they had made up in honor of Melissa. It was beautiful.

I also stop and think about the miracle that we are left with. Davyna could have just as easily been killed. I have yet to tell her how happy I am that she is still with us, how overwhelmed I became when I found out she would be okay. Everyone has been dealing with the ‘routine’ of a family death, I just hope someone has stopped to tell her how important she is to. I will very soon.

We love you Melissa and miss you. We thank the heavens that we still have your sister, and only wish you could be here too, but since you can’t we will help your mom and dad to take care of little Kristina. I just hope you know how much you girls are loved.