This is a picture of Dylan's Aunt Melissa, which is his dad's sister, with her son, Rodney, and Grandpa Bates. Melissa passed away unexpectedly this past Tuesday at the age of 42. Dyl didn't know her but he had spoken to Melissa on the phone once. Out of everybody on Thomas' side I wanted Dylan to have the opportunity to meet Melissa more than probably anybody but we haven't made it to California yet to visit. Melissa was warm and friendly and such a wonderful mother. I tried to explain Melissa's death to Dylan so that we could call and give Grandpa and Grandma our condolences. I explained that dad's sister died and that she now lives up in heaven with Jesus...but added, "She's going to be alright, though...She's happy." Dylan had all sorts of unexpected questions from, "Can we drive Grandpa's 4-wheeler to heaven and visit Aunt Melissa and Jesus?" to "I wanna call Aunt Melissa." I explained that Aunt Melissa can always live in Dylan's heart and, as he gets older, he can hear stories about how wonderful she was. RIP, Melissa! May we meet again someday!