For those of you who got excited because you thought there was a new chapter, there isn't. I'm sorry, this is just an Authors Note, but for a very special reason.
My dance teacher(AKA second mom)'s mother died the other day, and I'm writing this as a tribute. I only met her a couple of times, but it's enough. She is an amazing, funny woman, and Melissa loves her more than anything. Every year, we have a dance show at her retirement home, and she was always in the front row watching us. She loves us, and I can't imagine how hard this is for Melissa. She's been acting like it's okay, but it isn't. I realize that it's pointless telling you guys this, but I'm kinda hoping she'll read this. I asked her to, and I think she might. So, Melissa, if you are reading this, I just need you to know that you aren't alone. You lost your mother, but you still have us as your family, not to mention your fabulous boys. We are here. The fact that the memorial was a Terp is sign enough that you know that. Terp is your home. You don't have to pretend that you aren't dying inside. I get it. I've been where you are; I've felt what you are feeling. And I'm sure others at Terp have too. You are not alone. We love you, and your mother. She is an amazing woman. Not was, is. Nothing in this tribute is past tense. She lives for all eternity in your, and our, hearts. I never even learned her name, but I know how much she means to you, just by the way you talk about her. She isn't gone. She lives on through you.
So yeah, thanks for reading, guys, and Melissa, we love you. Don't ever forget, or there will be hell to pay.
Love you all,
-Rush