Our City Our Community

By Marie Brown

April 24, 2025, was a sad day for my family, as my daughter, Melissa, received her wings after 18 months of being incapacitated. A Mother’s love for her children cannot be measured. We never want to let go, although the pain and suffering have ceased, and my daughter is now at peace. Those who have lost their child understand that this is a deeply painful experience and one of the most difficult losses a parent can endure.

Planning a homegoing celebration consists of funeral arrangements, including picking out a casket, clothing, burial site, programs, among other tasks. The emotions of sitting in front of the funeral director, going through the services his mortuary provides, are difficult to deal with, as all I could think about was, “My baby is gone.”

Too often, we become so busy with the stresses of our personal lives and don’t set aside time to check on loved ones to ensure they are doing okay. Sometimes, just a phone call is enough. I know brothers and sisters who have not seen each other in years. Please take the time to re-evaluate what your priorities are in your life. It is difficult to bury your child. After all, I am a believer who knows that God has never made a mistake. Sad and heartbroken, however, I know I’ll see my baby again on the other shore. Through it all, I trust in God and thank him for affording me the blessings of being a mother to my child until he called her home. God bless you all!