Mary Miller. What can I say about this beautiful woman? I have known her for about 15 years.

She came into my life when I was an impressionable, lost freshman in high school. Her daughter, Melanie, and I became fast friends on our first day of highschool, and we've been like sisters ever since. Mary has been like another Mom to me. I remember the first time I had a sleepover with Melanie. Mary and Melanie got into a toilet water fight! They ran around the house splashing eachother with blue water from the toilet, and they laughed just like two best friends goofing off together. I remember thinking, "Wow, this is a fun Mom." And she was.

I spent most weekends at Mary's house, sharing Melanie's room and waterbed. Mary never told me to go home and always welcomed me. I was included in family trips, family get-togethers, and most of all Mary made me feel like a real member of the family.

When I accepted God as my personal savior, Mary supported me. She let me know that she was proud of me in my accomplishments, and she made me feel loved.

When Melanie and I graduated highschool together, I knew I would still be considered family. Us growing up and moving on with our "adult" lives was not going to seperate us. Even though there were many miles between us over the years, Mary still emailed me. She sent me wonderfully encouraging emails. She supported me when I went through tough times, and she sent me bible studies. I knew that I would always have a strong Christian woman to go to if I ever needed her. And she always came through.

Once, when I was just 18 years old and travelling alone with my 2 month old to Hawaii to visit my Mom, I ran into some trouble. My first flight was delayed from Ontario California to LA. Also, on our decent into LA, my baby threw up all over me. I had brought him a change of clothes, but didn't think I would need some too. Since my connection from LA to Hawaii was long gone by the time I arrived, I had to fiugre out what to do until the next available flight. I had never been in a situation like that before, and I didn't know what to do. The airline told me they would get me on the next flight, but that wasn't until the next day. I had a baby, I had filthy clothes, and I had no money for a hotel or rental car (couldn't rent one at 18 anyway) and I was lost. I called Mary. Since she lived in LA, she immediately told me she would take care of me. She sent a taxi to pick me up, she paid for it, she let me sleep in her bed, did my laundry, fed me, and made me feel completely safe. She went above and beyond for me, just like any Mom would do. I love that woman.

At 2:30am, on September 1st, 2008, Mary Miller lost her battle with cancer and passed from this world to the next. Right now, Mary is singing and dancing in heaven with our Heavenly Lord. She is no longer in pain. She no longer feels hurt. I have absolutely no doubt that Mary is in complete bliss right now. Someday, I will see her again. We will be reunited one day, and she will hug me just like any Mom would embrace her child.
I love you Mary, and I'll miss you. But I will see you again someday. Thank you for being you, and loving me.