Melanie Baker TrimarcoI am a widow. This is a descriptor I never would have dreamed would be attached to me at such a relatively young age. But I am. I grew up in the New Orleans area and was surrounded by a loving family, friends, and I am blessed to have a firm foundatin in my Catholic faith. Little did I know in my early days how much I would come to rely on that faith. I never-and I mean EVER-dreamed the word "author" would be attached to my name. After the death of my sweet husband, I knew I needed to share our story. The purpose was two-fold, and I was only cognizant of one aspect as I thought through this goal. Firstly, I wanted to share our story to help others who may be walking their grief journey. Additionally, I wanted to highlight the importance of commitment-it's easy to walk away in today's world. Walking away from a commitment isn't always the best response. Secondly, the act of putting pen to paper was amazingly cathartic for me. Of course, there were some very tough moments to relive. I know that it helped me to realize that both of us did the very best we could while embarking this journey "in sickness." I had no idea how healing this experience would be for me as I grieved the loss of my Love. As a child of God, I continue to seek the ways He is using me to share my experience of love and loss to help minister to others. Our world was brighter when Mark was here, but we all strive to keep his memory alive. *** Melanie was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Marilyn and Jim Baker, her parents whom she is grateful to be living nearby. Her brother, Jim, and his wife, Mary, are also in the area and are tremendous support. Melanie frequently spends time with Mark's parents, and finds great comfort in this connection to them and to Mark. Read More Read Less