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You are here: Home / Other / Reaching the finish line

Reaching the finish line

August 9, 2016 ·

I don’t really have many words right now, but so many of you have been so faithful to pray for Jen as she fought her battle with breast cancer and I wanted you to know that she passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday.

She fought the good fight, she finished her race and she kept her faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

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I have no doubt she is healed and whole in the arms of Jesus, but we will miss her so much.

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  1. Beth

    August 9, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

  2. Pam D.

    August 9, 2016 at 11:20 pm

    So sorry to hear this Melanie. But thankful that she’s no longer suffering, and is now rejoicing with Jesus. My dad sings a song titled ” I’ve Got More to go to Heaven For Than I Had Yesterday”. Seems like the older we get the more truth there is to it.

  3. Sugar Bostick

    August 9, 2016 at 11:29 pm

    My heart truly breaks for you and her family right now. I am so deeply saddened at the loss of someone I only know through your blog. She helped me get to know Jesus better and her walk of faith was such a powerful testament. I am thankful you have so many memories with her. God bless all of you right now.

  4. Sylvia

    August 9, 2016 at 11:45 pm

    Praying for peace & comfort that only He can provide in the days to come.

  5. Leigh

    August 10, 2016 at 12:21 am

    Jen’s faith and her unwavering trust in God was such an example of how to live. What a legacy. Hugs and prayers to you and Gulley, Mel.

  6. Pam Dye

    August 10, 2016 at 12:33 am

    I’m so sorry for you all. Love to all,
    Pam Dye

  7. Amy

    August 10, 2016 at 12:45 am

    God’s peace be yours. I will continue to pray for Jen’s family and friends during this time. May God wrap His loving arms around all y’all and give you His comfort.

  8. Susan May

    August 10, 2016 at 1:07 am

    I am so sorry for your loss of this dear friend. My heart goes out to her precious family, to all who love her and will miss her tremendously.

    I rejoice for her homegoing, but wish she had more years here with her loved ones.

    Thanks for sharing.

  9. Rachel

    August 10, 2016 at 1:07 am

    I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

    I’m praying for a supernatural portion of grace for sweet little Lincoln. Far too young to bury his momma.

    Love to all of you.

  10. Debs

    August 10, 2016 at 2:25 am

    So sorry.

  11. Traci

    August 10, 2016 at 2:36 am

    I have no words but you have my heart and prayers. Love to you all.

  12. Cristy Little

    August 10, 2016 at 3:10 am

    I’m sorry about the loss of your friend.

  13. Amanda

    August 10, 2016 at 4:11 am

    So sorry for your loss. Praying you all find peace in the coming weeks.

  14. Liz

    August 10, 2016 at 4:25 am

    So very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

  15. Deb

    August 10, 2016 at 4:55 am

    I started reading Jen’s blog awhile ago after discovering her through yours. It was with a very heavy heart that I read the news and I can only offer prayers, peace and guidance to the loves she left behind. I’m so sorry.

  16. Heather

    August 10, 2016 at 4:58 am

    I have followed her story since you first wrote about her having breast cancer. For whatever reason, her story in particular gripped me and I have just kind of ‘kept tabs’ on her by reading her blog. I think the fact that she was so young at the time of her diagnosis and had this beautiful little family just captivated me from the beginning. I was very recently diagnosed with breast cancer and ironically, I have the same type and stage of BC as Jen had at her initial diagnosis. Our cancers also have a similar biology. Certainly, it’s just a coincidence as 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed, but I know I have read about this sweet, young wife, mother, friend, daughter fight like hell to stay in this world for over 4 years and her story impacted me and is even more personal to me now as I will carry her and her story with me along this journey. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for everyone close to her. xoxo

    • Marilyn

      August 10, 2016 at 9:09 am

      Sending you thoughts of strength in the coming times.

      • Heather

        August 10, 2016 at 4:43 pm

        Thank you so much! I plan to carry Jen’s sweet, determined spirit with me.

    • Yolanda McLean

      August 10, 2016 at 11:23 am

      Prayers for you sweet Heather as you journey! Prayers for healing!

      • Heather

        August 10, 2016 at 4:44 pm

        Thank you so much! I am grateful that I have Jen’s story to reference for strength and determination along this journey.

    • Jailynn

      August 13, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Prayers for you as you fight this battle Heather. Praying for you and your family.

      • Heather Bailey

        August 16, 2016 at 4:59 am

        Thank you, Jailynn! I have been listening to Jen’s talk on Heaven that she gave at Watermark back in February and have been so encouraged by her words. Even though I only knew her through her blog, she was a force in this world and I hope to carry that with me on my own journey. Here’s the link if anyone wants to listen: http://www.watermark.org/dallas/message/3934

        Thank you agan! I think of her and her sweet family many times throughout my day. I can’t imagine the void left from someone who was so full of life and energy and love.

  17. Meggie

    August 10, 2016 at 5:29 am

    So very sorry. Praying for y’all and asking God to pour out His grace, comfort, peace, and strength during this time. So thankful for the hope we have in Jesus.

  18. Victoria

    August 10, 2016 at 5:38 am

    Sincere sympathy, to you and yours.
    By the Sea of Crystal, Saints in Glory Stand!

    Vicki

  19. monica

    August 10, 2016 at 5:57 am

    I’m so sorry. There’s really no words to make you feel better in a time like this. Please just know that God has his loving arms wrapped around her. Prayers for you and all of the friends and family that love her.

  20. Tara G.

    August 10, 2016 at 6:02 am

    Praying for you & all her loved ones.

  21. Pam

    August 10, 2016 at 6:05 am

    I too met Jen thru your blog and followed her as she walked the walk.
    Prayers especially for her family and friends……..she inspired many many more than she knew……..when small temporary inconviences bothered me I would think of her and her trust in the LORD…….causing me to be reminded that I need to focus on HIM…….not me. ……I hope you will print all of your reflections and readers comments and save them for Lincoln for when he gets older so he could see how many lives his mom touched. God Bless

  22. Nancy

    August 10, 2016 at 6:28 am

    Sending you and Gulley a great big hug. Keep your eyes on Jesus for He is our great comforter. Praying …

  23. Margge

    August 10, 2016 at 6:33 am

    I’m so very sorry. Praying for all of those who loved her so.

  24. Edith

    August 10, 2016 at 6:43 am

    Prayers to you and Jen’s family. She was a fighter to the very end.

  25. Leslie R.

    August 10, 2016 at 6:49 am

    I am so very sorry. I’ll be praying for you.

  26. Erica L

    August 10, 2016 at 6:58 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Jenn seemed like such a wonderful servant of God and fought with grace. My prayers are with her family and you and all of her friends.

  27. Mel R

    August 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

    You all are in my prayers…..so very sorry. peace be with you.

  28. Paige

    August 10, 2016 at 7:05 am

    I’m so sorry. Prayers for all of you.

  29. Karen

    August 10, 2016 at 7:07 am

    You and your friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I have as other readers followed Jen’s journey since you mentioned her blog years ago. The courage with which she faced her battle inspired me and truly strengthened my relationship with Jesus. I’ve never met her but I feel like I completely understand why she was such a treasured friend. May you feel God’s warm embrace as you face this difficult time.

  30. Serah Roy

    August 10, 2016 at 7:28 am

    I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and all of her friends, and of course her family. I know everyone will keep her spirit alive and well for sweet Lincoln.

    I lost my best friend on May 21st after a two year battle with stage 4 breast cancer, so I can truly say that I know how you feel right now. I was happy for her that she was finally whole and pain free and in the arms of Jesus, but I miss her so much. Some days I feel like she’s going to come back from an extended vacation.

    Praying for you all in the coming days and weeks and months.

  31. valerie

    August 10, 2016 at 7:31 am

    Melanie,
    My heart hurts for you, your family, and everyone who loved Jen. Thank you for sharing Jen with us through your blog. I know how much she meant to you, and what a beautiful person she was. Praying for peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of your friend, but rejoice in her homecoming.

  32. Kimberly Hutmacher

    August 10, 2016 at 7:36 am

    I’m so very sorry. I’ll be keeping her husband and sweet baby boy in my prayers.

  33. Melissa

    August 10, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Praying for all of her family and friends. So heartbreaking for all if you. I pray the Lords love will surround you and help see you through this sad and difficult time.

  34. heidig

    August 10, 2016 at 7:44 am

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.

  35. Lindsay Webb

    August 10, 2016 at 7:45 am

    I’m so very sorry that she is gone… rejoicing that you know you will see her again! Joy mingled with sorrow… prayers for all of you!

  36. BarbaraV

    August 10, 2016 at 7:50 am

    I am so sorry for you lose. Keeping you all in my prayers.

  37. Jeannette

    August 10, 2016 at 7:55 am

    Aw, I am so sorry for the loss of your good friend. I know that she has been made whole in heaven. I am glad that she knew that she had great friends that would love on her little boy and husband.
    Until the two of you meet again, some day in heaven.

  38. elaina moran

    August 10, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I am so sorry for your loss.

  39. Jennifer S

    August 10, 2016 at 7:58 am

    I’m so sorry. I know you are simply brokenhearted at the loss of your dear friend, and for her family as well. Let Him carry you through this time and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. <3

  40. Jean ann

    August 10, 2016 at 8:04 am

    Your friendships are so loving. I followed her when you told us about her. Thank you for sharing her walk of faith, which she did indeed keep. She showed us how it’s done. Love you too Mel, friend I’ve yet to meet.

  41. Vicki Bagatti

    August 10, 2016 at 8:05 am

    May Grace surround her family.

  42. Susan

    August 10, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Ah…tears at this news and prayers for you all. The minister at my grandmother’s funeral asked God to give her our love as he prayed. That stuck with me so this morning I ask God to give Jen the loving gratefulness of her “internet friends” for the blessing of following her journey and seeing her astounding faith.

  43. Jessi Taylor

    August 10, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Praying for our Mighty Comforter to embrace you and her family, now and in the coming days.

  44. lori

    August 10, 2016 at 8:16 am

    my prayers go up for you and all who loved her. xo

  45. J

    August 10, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Praying for y’all.

  46. Ruthie Abrusci

    August 10, 2016 at 8:20 am

    I have been praying for her for so long and even though I don’t know her personally, I cried when I read Jamie’s blog post yesterday. My heart is heavy for Scott and Lincoln and her Mom and all of you dear ones who supported and loved her so well.

  47. Lori

    August 10, 2016 at 8:43 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and for Jen’s family and friends. I hope your wonderful and loving memories of her will help you through this difficult time.

  48. Colorado

    August 10, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Oh, so sad for the news of Jen. Praying for all of you, and Scott and Lincoln, and all of Jen’s friends and family. My heart is with you. I confess to getting choked up this morning. So, so sorry for your loss.

  49. Christina

    August 10, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Oh, this was hard to read. I’m sorry for your loss.

  50. Shirley B.

    August 10, 2016 at 8:59 am

    I’m so sorry for you loss, Melanie and for her family and friends that will miss her so much.

  51. Jo B.

    August 10, 2016 at 9:00 am

    I pray for God’s peace that passes understanding to hold you and all Jen’s friends and family during this sad time.

  52. Sarah W. Kinninger

    August 10, 2016 at 9:03 am

    I am so sorry for your loss and while I’m simply a reader, I am grieving for you and her family. I have been hoping you would never need to write this entry.

  53. Marilyn

    August 10, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your and Gulley’s sweet friend, Jen. Her courage was inspiring to all. Sympathy to you and your family and to Gulley and her family.

  54. Tracey

    August 10, 2016 at 9:50 am

    I’m so very sorry for your loss, but overjoyed that you will be reunited someday. What a great cloud of witnesses we have!

  55. Janet

    August 10, 2016 at 9:54 am

    My heart aches for all of those who loved Jen. She was a fighter and is now free from her pain. Praying for peace and comfort.

  56. Robyn

    August 10, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Praying for peace and love during this difficult time for all who knew and loved her. She inspired in so many ways, and she was blessed with such an amazing support team. I am so, so sorry…..

  57. ERangel

    August 10, 2016 at 10:04 am

    My heart hurts so much for you. Prayers for comfort.

  58. Cathy

    August 10, 2016 at 10:15 am

    I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for peace for you all.

  59. Eleanor

    August 10, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Melanie, I am so very sorry for your loss. My husband and I are experiencing a taste of your grief, as he just lost his sister to colon cancer about a month ago, and a dear friend is in her final stages of lung cancer. The friendships that you share with Gulley, Jen, and Tiff and oh so special. Thank you for sharing them with us

  60. Ashley

    August 10, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Oh I hate to read this. We will continue to pray for her loved ones to find peace that only the Lord can provide. I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss.

  61. kayla

    August 10, 2016 at 10:21 am

    so sorry to hear this, melanie. praying for peace for all of her people. lots of love to you all.

  62. Tricia

    August 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

    I am so very sorry for loss.Prayers for comfort.

  63. Ami

    August 10, 2016 at 10:38 am

    I’m so sorry, Melanie! I’m praying for you and the rest of Jen’s friends and family that grieve her loss.

  64. Dixie

    August 10, 2016 at 10:47 am

    God’s comfort and peace wrapped around all of you . Sending love and hugs to all of you who are grieving for Jen.

  65. Toni Inglis

    August 10, 2016 at 10:50 am

    I’m so sorry.

  66. Jenn

    August 10, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Praying that you feel His comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead. I heard Jen’s perspective on heaven on Jamie Ivey’s podcast while I was running awhile back and I had to stop and sit on the curb to catch my breath and weep at what a beautiful faith and lack of fear she was able to articulate. I’ve no doubt she’s experiencing the fullest joy and comfort today with her Savior. Blessings to you.

    • Jenn

      August 11, 2016 at 8:24 am

      It wasn’t Jamie’s podcast, of course. It was God Centered Mom. So amazing. Continued prayer.

  67. Tami

    August 10, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Melanie – What faithful friends you and your tribe have been to Jen over the years. You have modeled unconditional love and faith in caring for a loved one for all of us. God knew the # of days Jen would be on this earth before the earth was even formed. Her appointed time to enter the kingdom of heaven was early Tuesday. While we grieve and are sad at the loss of her earthly presence, it’s comforting to know she is fully healed and praising Jesus in heaven. It’s not “goodbye” but “see you soon.” You will see her soon.

    Praying for you, all her friends and her family.

  68. Strawberryrose

    August 10, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I’m so sorry. I’m thankful that you have wonderful memories, but I know this is a difficult time.

  69. Aly

    August 10, 2016 at 11:00 am

    Mel I commented on your Instagram post yesterday and on Jen’s blog as well after reading Jamie’s post and here I am commenting again because I am truly hurting for all of you. I know and celebrate the fact that Jen is no longer suffering but unfortunately that doesn’t take away the pain and hurt that you all are feeling. Jen was such as inspiration to me and it is clear she was an inspiration to many, many others. Sending my prayers and love to all of you.

  70. Stephanie Red

    August 10, 2016 at 11:03 am

    I am so very sorry. Saying prayer for comfort for her friends and family.

  71. Pamela Potts

    August 10, 2016 at 11:04 am

    I am heartbroken for Jen’s family and friends. I just hope they know that even though I never met her, she and her circle were such an example of faith to me. Prayers for all, especially her precious son.

  72. Courtney C

    August 10, 2016 at 11:09 am

    So, so sorry. Love and grace to you all.

  73. Maria D.

    August 10, 2016 at 11:17 am

    I’m very sorry for your loss and for Jen’s family and their loss – I know Jen is in God’s arms now and that is a much better place for her but I also know that her family will miss her – especially her young son.

  74. Rachael B

    August 10, 2016 at 11:22 am

    so sorry. my heart sank when I read the blog email update yesterday. My father in law is currently at the end of his 4 year journey with stage 4 cancer. My heart breaks for Lincoln, her husband and all of you! Prayers for comfort.

  75. Tracy

    August 10, 2016 at 11:24 am

    So, so sorry for your loss. Praying for her family & friends during this difficult time.

  76. Sarah

    August 10, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I can’t tell you how much my heart hurts for you, Gulley and Jen’s husband and precious boy! I hate cancer!! Will pray you have peace and a sense of Gods nearness in the middle of this tragedy. So sorry!!!!

  77. Yolanda McLean

    August 10, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I’m so very sorry , Melanie! If I could I would hug you big right now ((((()))))

  78. Cindy Butler

    August 10, 2016 at 11:27 am

    So very sorry to hear about Jen. You were a faithful friend. Praying for you and all who loved her.

  79. Stephanie Zapata

    August 10, 2016 at 11:28 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you, her family & friends, & especially her sweet boy in my prayers. ?

  80. Elizabeth

    August 10, 2016 at 11:49 am

    So sorry for your loss and the loss of her family. Very soon,money the happy memories will come to mind.

  81. Misty

    August 10, 2016 at 11:52 am

    What a beautiful testimony her life was! I pray for peace & comfort for you and Gulley and Jen’s sweet family.

  82. Lindsay D.

    August 10, 2016 at 11:59 am

    I’m so sorry to hear the news. I’ll be praying for her sweet little boy, family and friends!

  83. Lisa Reeves

    August 10, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful friend. Prayers go out to you and her family.

    • Robin

      August 10, 2016 at 12:27 pm

      So very sorry to hear this. Praying for you all. ?

  84. Donna

    August 10, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Melanie, I’m so sorry to hear of Jen’s passing. She is an angel now, free from pain, helping us all to believe that our everlasting life with God is better than any mortal life we have here on earth. You will see her again, when you embrace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Peace and love to you, your family,and most of all, Jen’s.

  85. Debbie Campbell

    August 10, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    I am so sorry that you are having walk this path of grief. I only know Jen through your blog, but I do know that she is celebrating in Heaven. A friend told me once, that the depth of your grief matches that depth of your love. Enjoy the memories and I know you are more than grateful for all that she meant to you and those around you!

  86. Jennifer R

    August 10, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    I lost my sister to breast cancer on August 2 after her 3.5 year battle. I pray that in our lifetime, there will be a cure. May time ease your sorrow and loving memories bring you peace.

  87. Andrea aka Texas fan

    August 10, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Thank you for letting us know that Jen has finished her fight and is now with Jesus; watching over her family & friends. I know grief is a basket of all kinds of emotions as I have already buried both parents over 10 years ago while in my 30s. Right now, I have someone close to me who’s fighting cancer. I try to get lost in books when it feels too much. I just finished reading Stars over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner which is a lovely story of female best friends during the filming of Gone with the Wind and after. Thank you for sharing about Jen with us here and in your books. I’m so glad you were a part of her life and she, yours.

  88. Stacey

    August 10, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss and my heart is positively breaking for Lincoln. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, the bell tolls for thee. The world is darker place today.

  89. Mary Len cutter

    August 10, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Praying for you and Gulley and Jens family and all your friends as you journey through this grief. Even though I only know of her through your Blog and her blog, I can tell that she was a amazing example of faith in dark times. Her story — and how she lived was a great encouragement to me even through the Internet. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer and I’m so very sorry.

  90. Dawn

    August 10, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Praying for you, your family, Jen’s family, Gulley and her family and all of you girls that are BFFs now and for eternity.

  91. Annie

    August 10, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    I’m very sorry for your loss, and for Jen’s family and other friends. Praying now for comfort and strength for those left behind.

  92. Ali

    August 10, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    I am just devastated for you!! God needed her more, I guess. That doesn’t make me any less sad for you or her precious boy!! May Lincoln always know how wonderful his mother was!!!!

  93. Heather

    August 10, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    There are no words. Holding space for you and yours and hers.

  94. Melanie Miller

    August 10, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Saying a prayer for you.

  95. paige

    August 10, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    i am so very very sorry my sweet friend

  96. Denice

    August 10, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Many things we just do not understand, but one thing we can be sure of… Jen is now with Jesus and you will get to see her again! May God’s peace fill your heart until that day. Prayers for you and her family.

  97. Brooke

    August 10, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    I read that yesterday and my heart breaks for you and your dear tribe of friends who loved Jen. I know Jen through Amy and have been following the journey for about 2 years. I’m praying for Scott, Lincoln, Amy, Jamie (B), you and Gully and all who were closest to her. May HIS unspeakable peace surpass our earthly understanding. God Bless you all.

  98. Sunni

    August 10, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    I feel like I have lost a friend…..so, so sorry. She has her healing, her freedom from pain – all taken away by the gentle, loving hands of our Father. Those same hands will, in time, heal you and her family. Please know that all of your “blog” family loves you!

  99. Rachel

    August 10, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    So so very sorry to hear this. Praying for you and especially for her husband and son.

  100. Jilly

    August 10, 2016 at 2:46 pm

    Safe in the arms of Jesus- all of you, separated for a time but reunited with Christ and each other one precious day. So very grieved for you fellow sisters in Christ , and praying for God’s peace and comfort.

  101. Brooke Shipley

    August 10, 2016 at 2:55 pm

    So very sorry for your loss and for her husband and little boy!

  102. Jen

    August 10, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    Oh no. No no no. I am so so very tremendously sorry.

  103. Kimberly Byrd

    August 10, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    Bless you and her family! She and they will always know what true, loving, and loyal friends you’ve all been. Cancer sucks. Period. Sending lots of prayers and hugs.

  104. Med

    August 10, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    Melanie, I am sorry you lost your friend. My heart is sad for you, your friends, and Jen’s family. She seemed like such a ray of light. Her smile was so bright. May God bless all of you right now, and comfort you.

  105. Paige

    August 10, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of this loss. My heart aches for you and your friends and Jen’s other family and friends. You are all in my prayers.

  106. Nikki H

    August 10, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. May you keep her sweet memories close to your heart, and be comforted by the love of your family and friends.

  107. Jeanie

    August 10, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    I’m very sorry for the loss of your friend. Prayers and blessings for those she left behind.

  108. Kris

    August 10, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    I’m so sorry, Melanie. Sending you love and light.

  109. Donna

    August 10, 2016 at 6:12 pm

    I am so very sorry to hear this. She was truly an inspiration with her faith and spirit through her long fight with cancer. May you find peace in knowing she is free of pain in heaven. Sending prayers for you and for her family.

  110. Kim

    August 10, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    I am so sorry and saddened to hear this. I didn’t know her, only through your words, but as a mom of young kids myself, this makes me especially sad. Even though she is with Jesus (and what better place could there be?), her experience with the fragility of life makes me want to live my life thankful for the gift that it is.

  111. Kristi D

    August 10, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    Prayers Indeed. Love to you all

  112. elaine moore

    August 10, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    Your blog has brought so many of us together to pray for and love someone we won’t meet until Heaven. My heart is heavy for this loss but also rejoices in her home-going . Will continue to pray for her sweet little family and friends. God’s peace be with you all

  113. Beverly

    August 10, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for Jen’s family and friends.

  114. Jo

    August 10, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I am just so sorry for this loss. Sincerely praying for you and all of Jen’s family & friends.

  115. Summer

    August 10, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Melanie. Saying a prayer for you and all her friends and family as y’all celebrate her life and cherish your memories with her.

  116. Sally

    August 10, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for Jen’s family and friends.

  117. nanette lynch

    August 10, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    Oh Mel!! My heart just dropped.
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Prayers for her precious son and husband.

  118. tammy

    August 10, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    Heaven shines even brighter now that this beautiful soul has come back home. Will continue to pray for her family and friends as they endure these first horrible months without her. May her memory be a blessing.

  119. Ann in Maryland

    August 10, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    So sorry for your loss, Melanie. You and Gulley surely made her life that much happier by being such dear and fun friends. She’s certainly up in Heaven now.

  120. Amy

    August 10, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  121. S. McSwain

    August 10, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    May the peace that passes all
    Understanding guide and comfort you and all of Jen’s family and friends.

  122. Angie Wood

    August 10, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    I am so sad for you guys. I lost a friend to the exact same awfulness and it totally sucks. Praying for you tonight, and for Jen’s sweet precious family.

  123. Karlene

    August 11, 2016 at 7:41 am

    So sorry for your loss! Praying for peace and grace and that God’s angels would surround you as well as Jen’s family and friends who are mourning her loss on earth, but rejoicing in her heavenly homecoming. Much love to you!

  124. Mariposa

    August 11, 2016 at 11:13 am

    So so sorry for your loss. Your friend and your friendship were/are beautiful. Sending prayers and love to you and her family.

  125. Denise

    August 11, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Melanie, I am so very sorry. I have followed her blog since she was first diagnosed and have prayed for her and have commented on her blog. It seems surreal, and I can’t even imagine how you and all her friends and family feel. Praying for you all.

  126. Kim

    August 11, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    I am so very, very, sorry.
    Praying and grieving for all who know and love your beautiful friend and her family. Lord, be near.

  127. Michaelann Seiders

    August 11, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    So sorry to hear this, our prayers will continue for her family and her dear friends.

  128. Lyn

    August 11, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Love, hugs, and God’s abundant blessings to all. My sincere sympathy on the loss of your sweet friend.

  129. Mary Ann Stafford

    August 11, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    So sorry to hear of another loss to that DAMN disease. I am not a cursing woman, however, I lost both parents and 3 brothers to C, so I can’t help myself. My prayers are with Jen’s family, friends, and all those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

  130. Poohla

    August 11, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    So sorry for the loss of such a dear friend. You were blessed to have her in your life and now you pass that blessing on to her adorable son. You will be able to share your love for her with him in all the wonderful memories you have of her. In his time, he will love to hear all about her as a young girl turning into a wonderful woman and mother. Stay strong even though it is the last thing you think you can do.

  131. Abby

    August 11, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    My heart is so sad for you and her precious family. I was diagnosed in April and have a one year old. When I was so scarred and nervous in the beginning I remembered Jen and searched your blog to recall her story. She is such an inspiration to me and I’ve never even met her. Her light shines on!

  132. Julia

    August 12, 2016 at 2:48 am

    I am so sorry for your loss; I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling at this time. Will be praying that Jesus draws you and her family near to Him in this difficult time and wraps you all in His arms as you mourn.

  133. Andi Hunter

    August 12, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Grieving and rejoicing with you. Praying that you all see & feel the love & comfort of the Father now more than ever. Blessed be His name.

  134. Robin Baker

    August 12, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    I’m so sorry. Praying for you and her family.

  135. Stacey Keeling

    August 12, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    I’m so sorry!!

  136. Kelly

    August 12, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    I am praying! I am so sorry!

  137. Jenna

    August 13, 2016 at 10:15 am

    My heart breaks for those who love her. I’m praying for you all.

  138. Jailynn

    August 13, 2016 at 11:53 am

    Praying for you and Gulley Melanie and Jen’s sweet, sweet family.Thank you for introducing me to Jen through your blog. I have been following her journey through her blog and praying as often as I could. She inspired me so … What a testimony! Thankful she knew Jesus and thankful she shared HIM with all of us.

  139. Kimberly Edgeworth

    August 13, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Truly, I am so very sorry for your great loss. I just listened to a podcast the other day where Jen was interviewed on The God Centered Mom. She was so lovely in every sense of the word. I will look forward to knowing her in heaven someday. You were a dearly loved friend of hers.

    Blessings to you in your time of grief. May the Lord grant you peace that passes understanding.

    Love,

    Kimberly Edgeworth

  140. TerriG

    August 13, 2016 at 5:38 pm

    I just happened to be reading Nobody’s Cuter Than You when you posted this. I cried as I continued to read your sweet words about her. But as bittersweet as it was for me, I just read about it. You lived it. And I wanted to say I’m sorry you lost your dear friend.

  141. Lori Montgomery

    August 15, 2016 at 6:24 am

    I am so, so sorry to hear about Jen’s passing. Prayers and love for all her loved ones. God is good all the time, all the time God is good even in our pain and sorry.

  142. Delaine Gabriel

    August 15, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Melanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. So young to be going through the loss of a dear friend. I will be praying for you and her family. You were such a great friend to her. (((hugs)))

  143. Jeannette

    August 15, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Seeing you be silent on this blog makes me concerned for you. Please know I am lifting you and your family in prayer, also, during this very difficult and sad time.

  144. Mindy Standlee

    August 16, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Just finished your book this past Sunday. So sad to hear of her passing. Knowing someone we love is at peace is wonderful but it just sucks for the people still here living life without them. I’m so sorry.

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Who is Melanie?

Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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If this were the 1970s, I would invite you over fo If this were the 1970s, I would invite you over for some fondue and perhaps a salad made of jello for dessert and treat you to a slideshow of our vacation pictures on a Kodak carousel. ⁣
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However, it’s 2023 so I made this reel instead.
Perry on vacation is a whole mood. Wildlife expert Perry on vacation is a whole mood. Wildlife expert, map enthusiast, provider of any gear you might need. A man with a plan. ⁣
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Caroline and I agreed half the fun of the trip was watching him live his best life. The man, the myth, the legend.
There are moments in life when you know exactly wh There are moments in life when you know exactly when your dreams became a reality. ⁣
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Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who have made a difference in the life of a child!💖
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The fish we caught today were all bigger than my h The fish we caught today were all bigger than my hat and, frankly, that’s hard to do.

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Melanie Shankle @bigmama ·

Well, that was anti-climatic.

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Melanie Shankle @bigmama ·

Wow, Georgia! What a comeback!!

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