Yesterday we met a wonderful family that we now have a lifetime bond with. You see my girl lives on, her heart still beats loud and strong. I am so proud that God and Marissa chose this special  family to receive the best part of my baby and bring our families together. Once strangers to having a undescribable connection is such a blessing. I am so proud to say, my Child  is a hero. She made the decision to save peoples lives once she was gone. My heart will be forever broken but there was a little gold that filled some of those cracks today. Marissa Nicole left a trail of glitter,  and she will NEVER be forgotten, I am one proud momma! 

Marissa's best friend and soulmate Maddi had a beautiful baby girl on April 5th 2016. She named her Marissa Marie after her Angel "aunt" Marissa. This is such a special tribute and honor. We cannot wait to share stories with baby Marissa Marie. 

You were so excited to start school, you loved it. So outgoing, thought you were all grown up. You insisted on riding the bus with your big sister and   I waited for you to get off the bus that day after school, couldnt wait to hear all about it, well you never got off! I was about to have a nervous breakdown. Come to find out, you got on the wrong bus and then fell asleep. The bus driver found you after all of the kids were dropped off. :) Didnt phase you a bit. 

Marissa and one of her closest friend Ciara had a puppy together, his name is Tayo. He lived with Ciara. When she had to find a new home for him  after Marissa gained her wings we were the first she called. We have fallen in love. I know this was a gift from Marissa because she was both a joy and challenge every single day and Tayo fits her personality so perfectly.  Bo (his now big brother) is still not thrilled with this gift but I know secretly he fell in love with him as well. 

I remember this night like it was yesterday. You came and stayed at my house in Carbondale for a week! We had so much fun ! We dyed your hair and spent so much time together !!! I wish I could go back to this week

MTS hosted a Candlelight Ceremony for Donor Families in honor of our loved ones. It was so beautiful. It brings me comfort knowing you live on and saved lives at the same time. I am so proud of the young woman my baby grew to be. She was touched so many lives and we are all forever changed. 

On September 24th friends and family came together to celebrate Marissa's life. She would have been 19. We served fried chicken( her favorite), honeybuns( another favorite) Chips, cupcakes...so much junk food just like any other year.

I know in my heart she was there with us knowing just how much she is loved and missed. Always will be.

How could you not fall in love with those big brown eyes?  I wrote a little poem about them just for you girl.

Big Brown Eyes

Those big brown eyes were such a draw
From little ones to Grandmaw.

Thoe big brown eyes would shoot out love
Angel eyes from heaven above

Those big brown eyes could also shoot fire
but their reason and purpose much higher

Those big brown eyes possessed by so few
My God girl how we miss you

Those big brown eyes were such a boon
We'll see them again one day real soon


Love you always,

Ken

January 18th 2015 was a day that  forever changed the lives of so many. These 2 gorgeous young ladies were taken from us and will never be forgotten. They gained their wings together and are taking care of us here on earth together. I am sure they are up there showing heaven what they are all about! 

I planted a memorial garden for Marissa. It has stones with her name, a frog fountain, and beautiful flowers to remember such a beautiful soul. 
We also planted a tree in honor of her in the front yard. :)  

This was a post that one of her teachers wrote about Marissa when they found out she had become an angel. Her sense of humor was the best! I hope she knows just how much she was loved. 

I was going  through things on one of my many Marissa days and I found this letter she wrote to me. It was perfect timing. She was such an beautiful girl, inside and out. She really was one of a kind. I love her so much and will miss her with every breath I take. 

We have adopted a section of Highway 55 in honor of Marissa, so that her friends and family can see her beautiful name everytime we drive by. 

We LOVE to do things in honor of Marissa and keep her memory alive. Team Marissa is a yearly fundraiser for the organization MADD.  

Midwest Transplant Services hosted a Donor Family Night of Remembrance. This was a very special night to honor Marissa for saving many lives She was very special to so many people, most of all me, I am proud she chose me to be her momma. I miss her in a way I could never express in words but I know in my heart I will hold her again.

I remember when you were twelve or thirteen and you wanted to wear eye glasses so much , That you would put on my reading glasses, and just wear them around, You looked so pretty and smart. The funny thing is that you ended up needing eyeglasses, You were so excited when you found that out!!!

I miss seeing you in those glasses,!!!