When you hear that someone has died, the first thing you think about is their family.  But, when the community is as small as the one that I grew up in,  Darien, Ga., you are all family. Hearing that Mel died, the first person I thought about was my sister. The last thing I wanted her to do was log onto FB during a time when fb can be so disrespectful (by ppl posting RIP’s before the family and close friends are notified) and read that someone she loved  (loved like a sister) has passed away.

My sister was out celebrating her birthday and my fear was, at some point she would log on fb and read about it. So the toughest decision for me was telling… How do I let her know this?  I finally spoke with her asking her, realizing she called me earlier in the day, I asked why did she call, that’s when she shared the news that she already knew. And like so many of those that was closest to Mel, my sister had been praying and crying and praying for the last couple of days.

When someone you know dies, it’s natural to think of your last memory with them. Fortunately for me, mine was being “down in Bellville” with Mel, and family, as they celebrated the life of her dad. Although a sad occasion, death brings so many people together. I feel blessed to have a happy image of her being surrounded by so many people that she loved. And again, I feel blessed to be from a community where we are all family, and “come together” when needed the most.

Rest In Peace Alexandria “Mel” Riley, you will be missed

#GoneTooSoon