Born February 21, 1985
Died May 10, 2008
I got one of those dreaded phone calls yesterday. My youngest sister Lindsey (pictured on the left) died while serving a mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Lindsey was only 23 years old and was the heart of our family. She went for her usual morning jog through the beautiful England countryside when she collapsed from heart failure. She was one of those people who made you want to be better just by being around her. She made you feel like you were her best friend. Linz was always the life of the party and kept you on your toes with all her spontaneous ideas. She loved nature and I will never look at a beautiful sunset without thinking of her. She was beautiful inside and out. The pain of losing her is indescribable but I know where she is now, and I know she is happy. I will see her again and am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who has made that happy reunion possible. I will miss her for the rest of my life and am so thankful that I have three other sisters who I love dearly. "I could never love anyone more than I love my sisters." Louisa May Alcott
Oh Melanie, I am so so sorry for you and your family. I can't even begin to imagine losing a sister. Thanks for your testimony, I am glad it comforts you.
ReplyDeleteMel-
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to express how I feel and how sorry I am. Thank you for sharing your feelings at such a hard time.
Grandma, Dave and I are praying for you and your family that the Lord will comfort you and send you peace. We know that Grandpa is taking care of Lindsey and together they are rejoicing and sharing laughter and tears.
Ann said it best, "I'm sure Lindsey has already brightened the lights of heaven just like she brightened everything she touched."
We are all better for knowing Lindsey and knowing how she lived her life; happy, positive, full of love for family, the Lord and her friends. There will always be a lot of laughter when we remember Lindsey and the things she did and tried. There were never any dull moments. What a great legacy she created in such a short time.
We love you and look forward to seeing you, but are sad for the occasion that brings us together.
Lisa, Grandma and David
Melanie - I am so, so sorry to read this. I can't imagine the heartache you and your family are feeling. Know that Brian and the boys and I are praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteMel,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. My heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family.
I hope that you feel all of the comfort and understanding that you need from day to day. You're in my prayers.
Mel, I'm so sorry for your loss - you've talked so much about how close you are to your sisters. We'll be praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI'll be calling sometime, so think of something I can do for you ... dinner, watch your kids, anything.
-Angie
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteRebecca just called and told me the sad news. I am SO SORRY. My heart is breaking for you. No doubt that she knew that you loved her very much. She sounds like she was a wonderful sister. I am so sorry. I hope you can find some peace in your heart while you are home.
~Cathryn
Mel, wish we could be there for you. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a sister. We love you!
ReplyDeleteMel,
ReplyDeleteI can't read your blog without crying. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your sister Lindsey. I remember when she MC'd an assembly with my brother Chad when they were seniors and they were so funny together. I cannot imagine what you're feeling. I know Becky has been through the same thing and you both must have so much faith because I know you will be able to get through this and be strong. You are such a strong person, I know that! Although we are rarely able to see each other, I will always think of you as a very dear friend. Matt sends his love and we are both praying for you. Love, Stacy
I'm moved by your strength and your testimony Mel. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteMel, I couldn't imagine losing a sibling, I am impressed with your strength and faith. We are sending our prayers and thoughts from New England. We love you!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, We are so sorry for your lost. Our prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Melanie, I am so sorry. I am sitting here in tears reading your post and the comments to follow. It's hard to find words at moments like this. Prayers will buoy you up and we'll be sure to say many of them (including putting your name in at the Boston Temple). We love you.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be thinking about you. Let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteMelanie and Randy,
ReplyDeleteWe were so sorry to hear about your sister. I don't know if I ever had the privelege or meeting her, but the picture, the song, and your words moved me to tears. Our prayers will be with you and your family at this time.
Uncle JOey and Aunt Ruth Ann
We are sending our love and prayers your way. I am so touched by your love for your sister and testimony. I feel so deeply for your loss, I love my sisters so much. There is a special bond that can not be described to someone who does not
ReplyDeletehave a sister. What a blessing to know that she will always be your sister and that bond is eternal.
My gosh. What a tragic loss for you and your family. I'm so sorry. My brother died nearly 10 years ago and I think of him and miss him every day. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMelanie et al,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear this news. I had to turn off the music to keep from crying. These types of events break my heart. Thank you for your encouraging testimony at a time like this. It is so wonderful to know that heavenly father cares and is there for us. Thanks for your reassuring words. God bless you, your family, and your sister forever.
I am so sorry Melanie. Our heart and prayers will be with you and your family. Your testimony is inspiring. I can't imagine the loss you must feel.
ReplyDeleteMelanie and Randy,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine your heartache and am so sorry you and your family have to endure this trial. Your testimony is so moving and amazing. You and your family are in our prayers and our thoughts. Love, Dax and Ashley
Melanie & Randy,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't read this post without crying and wanted you to know that you will be in our prayers. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
We love you-cousin melissa
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a personal event with so many of us. I feel like I have been strengthened because of your willingness to help us know your testimnoy and love for your sister. We are praying for you...
Mel -
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through right now. I remember how close you and your sisters were/are. It is so comforting to have the knowledge that we can be together again with our loved ones. We will keep you guys in our prayers.
hey Mel, glad you made it to the states safe and sound. I hate being so far away from family at times like this, we are thinking about you and praying for you!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear this aweful news. You are in our thought and prayers!
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Thank goodness for the Gospel and for the Temple. I know she will be watching out for you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers! Love the Schofields.
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Lindsay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We love you.
I've been getting info. from my mom. I just want you (and your whole family) that my little family has been praying for you at this difficult time. I had very little interaction with Lindsey, but I will always remember how sweet she was to Libby (she was always a little out of sorts with the other girls in the ward). Your family is just amazing and I thank you all for your wonderful example.
ReplyDelete-Mindy Page Chase
Dear Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI saw this report on the news and paused while cleaning up breakfast to watch, but had no idea she was your sister. What a tragedy. I am so sorry. I hope you can feel some comfort from all the prayers headed your way. I am trying to learn this year how to share my burdens with the Lord and not carry them all myself, but this is a *hard* thing to learn to do as well.
Much love,
Jessica Osborn
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to see the news on your blog of your sister's death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Lori Lyn