Hey everyone, Melodee here. There have been some changes, both in life, and with this project, that had me thinking that the project was coming to an end. Two days ago, the option was presented for me to continue with the project on my own, instead of seeing it end. I spent the rest of the night turning it over and over in my head. I love this project. I think it has real heart and purpose. But it wasn’t started on my own, and moving forward alone would not be the same. That was the emotional side of it. Aside from that, there was the practical….do I even have the time to continue this project, and give it the attention it deserves? Three in the morning, and my mind was still spinning. I do that. I wish I could pause my brain like I can pause the tv. That would be awesome.

Anyway, I woke up, and checked my email from my phone, as usual, and I had a message from someone, regarding Notes Girls Write.  She wanted to talk to me about Jessica’s note about losing her daughter, Aliyah, at only 11 days old.

She said….

I was reading this particular note on the website and it just hit home. I had a child with that same condition and this is the first time I reach out to talk to another mother about it. Do you think she would be willing to talk about it or would it be too much to ask? If not, I understand and thank you again for taking the time to respond.

I responded, and she sent me another message, that said….

Thanks so much. She can just contact me through facebook if she would like. If not, please let her know that I am also very sorry for her loss. (Big HUG) I know that nothing can replace our precious little angels. I give her credit for being able to write her note.

My situation was a little different because I was young at the time and my family was so strict. I’ve never been able to talk about it freely. And just the thought of doing so brings tears to my eyes. It was just inspiring. Thought she should know.

When I wrote to Jessica about the message, she responded with…..

Thanks for forwarding the message. What a sweet lady. I have no problem talking about my daughter I mean, sometimes I get choked up but I love keeping her memory alive…only within the last couple years have I really opened up about it…and writing that note helped. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.

And just like that, it became a lot more clear what I should do. Olivia, your message came at the perfect time. Proving again what I have known since the beginning of this project……our words matter. Writing them out allows our experiences to affect others’ lives as well. I have gotten so many emails from people, mentioning specific notes, and how they affected them. I am not ready to let this project go.

With that said….it is now a one man show, so it may take me a bit longer to get back to you, and the marathon updates of a new note a day, are probably a thing of the past….but I am going to do my best. So, it is game on! I have several people lined up to photograph, and if you would like to share a note, or know anyone that would, contact me at notesgirlswrite@gmail.com.

I was hoping to find a nice video of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing this, but I didn’t find what I was looking for.  The Diana Krall version works, too. Some of the lyrics, for those of you that are not familiar…..

Nothing’s impossible I have found,
For when my chin is on the ground,
I pick myself up,
Dust myself off,
Start All over again.

Don’t lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip,
And pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
Start all over again.