Small town girl. Joins Navy. Sees the world. Flies in planes. Hunts submarines. Gets out of military and has 3 kids. Rejoins Air National Guard as an "old lady" of 38.


A humorous compilation of stories and lessons learned. Usually the hard way.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A Life Lost too Soon

I'm not a poet.  However, writing is the one way I can usually make sense of my emotions- if there is sense to be made.  Last week I lost a very dear friend in a very unfortunate way.  Death is such a hard thing to make sense of as it is, and when it comes intentionally, it leaves many unanswered questions in its path.  Guilt, anger, sadness, confusion- just to name a few...  


The insanity only stops when we release the need to make sense of it and instead focus on remembering the beautiful life that once was. 


The following is my tribute to her beautiful life.  Melissa, I will always hold you close to my heart.  I only wish you knew how many lives that you touched.






A Life Lost Too Soon


You were a ray of sunshine,
A thunderous shower.
A raging ball of fire,
A beautiful spring flower.


You had charm and you had wit,
You were tough and strong.
Full fortitude, full of grit,
A shoulder to cry on.

You were a caretaker to those that were sick,
A friend to those in need.
 Never thinking of yourself,
Never showing an ounce of greed.

Life was not easy.
Your eyes saw more than they should.
Still you fought long and hard,
Your heart gave all it could.

It’d been awhile since we last met.
I didn’t get the chance to tell you goodbye.
I can only hope you knew it in your heart,
As the time and years passed by.

So please all, listen closely and come near.
Everyday tell your friends you love them,
And hold their precious memories dear.

For our breath is not promised,
Tomorrow could be lost.
Anything can happen-
In any moment, at any cost.

Melissa you were loved,
More than you'll ever know.
I will forever hold the guilt,
That you felt you had to go.





Melissa Karleen Collins 10-21-1978 - 3-26-2012
Love you and miss you.

6 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Jason. I'm stuck in this place of wishing there was more I could do- or could've done.

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  2. --So very sorry for your great loss. She was ( is ) beautiful. Lovely Poem.

    I live in MN, too. <3

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much. She definitely was.

      And very cool- have you heard of Deer River then? :)

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss, Julia. What a beautiful tribute to your friend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I know you've had some losses lately as well. The bad news needs to stop.

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