A Megsmiles Advent - December 24

A guest post from Amanda Parish:

I met Meg via my husband, Jeff, who worked with Scott (different department but still law enforcement within the same county). My husband introduced me to her as a runner, a really, really good runner.  She was always smiling - a smile that was sincere, warm, welcoming and unforgettable (as so many of you are learning).  As we met more and more, usually at school functions with the kids which were always hectic or at the gym, I felt drawn to her because she is someone we all have a little desire to be - whether it be the runner in her, the pure passionate mothering in her, or the deep faith she had.  Her presence was calming but strong, her nurturing tone that exuded from within showed each time she spoke to my children, or any child, at school or at the gym.  Her strength definitely showed itself during our boxing classes.  But she never wanted to be seen, she was always cheering for someone else.  Her ability to empower & inspire is like no other.  Her determination to do what she does was a power within that can not be described but it can be felt, STILL can be felt from all around the world.  

Sometimes I feel selfish because my heart hurts so much for her family, I feel like I didn't know her as much as I'd like to have so why am I feeling like this?  I guess that all relates back to who Meg truly was...is... You didn't have know her all your life to feel such a strong connection...You only need to have passed by her in the hallways to have felt the sincerity in her smile, you only need to have read an article about her accomplishments and sense the humbleness in her own quotes and comments, you only need to have heard any one story from a Megger to know that she was sent her for something larger than we know.

Meg's death changed my life, it made me value the time I have with my family more, it makes me tell my husband I love him more often and that I'm proud of what he does for our family, it makes me smile at others & realize we don't know what someone is going through, so a smile may change their whole day.  Her death has made me realize time is all we have.

But her life, how she lived her life, has made the hugest impact on me.  I have regained my faith, something I let pass by daily because life was too busy for me to "find" time... Meg's family restored my belief that through Christ all things are possible, as they are the picture of strength.  They rely on our Lord to get them through and that shows me her life, surrounded by Christ, is the true meaning.  I want to live my life through Christ, not just believe, but truly make time.  I look around and wonder how did I ever not find the time?  So I now schedule time, daily (it's one of my alarms on my phone).  And if you're having trouble finding the time, try this, it's bound to help.  I feel like it's my daily reminder from Meg saying "you're worth it, find the time.", so I do.

To Scott, the kids, Pam, Wirt, her brothers, Gale & family, I pray daily for you all to gain some comfort from the legacy left behind.  A legacy to be proud of, a legacy that shows you raised a beautiful daughter/wife/Child of God, inside & out, who spread that love through her marriage, her children, her family, her Church, her friends, and now through people who honor her & what she stood for daily.

Meg was someone who spoke volumes but never had to say a word.  I hope that the #megsmiles group only grows stronger by the day and we continue to fulfill Meg's journey here on Earth, as she was needed for something so much larger.

Merry Christmas & God Bless you all.  We are here for you in your time of struggle and of joy.