I have the best sister-in-law in the world!  My SIL, Michelle, is the most caring, loving, and one of the sweetest girls I have ever met.  When I met my husband, Michelle and I hit it off instantly.  We were very similar.  We like the same things and I love how I can ask her anything and she will always tell me the truth.  She has been one of my biggest fans – if you see a “Michelle” commenting on my pictures, it is probably her!  I grew up with one brother, but always wished I could have a sister too.  Michelle is like the sister I never had.

Michelle lives in Chicago and comes to visit us often.  She always brings our kids little gifts and genuinely loves them like her own.  Our kids adore “Aunt Shel!”  Matt and I have only been to Chicago to visit her one time – it is just so difficult to travel with little ones.  The last time she came to Michigan, we talked about us taking the kids and staying with her over Thanksgiving.  We decided to try it although we weren’t sure if the kids could handle the long car ride.  Michelle was so excited!  She has been preparing for our visit for weeks.  I talked to her a few days ago and I was amazed at all the little details she planned for our visit!  My heart melted when I heard what she purchased for the kids to make sure they were comfortable and she had an entire weekend planned with fun activities for everyone!

Well…I woke up yesterday not feeling so great.  As the day progressed, I got worse and worse and worse.  By the end of the day, I had the flu…BAD.  I have been confined to my bed for the last 24 hours and don’t remember a time when I have been this sick.  Needless to say, we had to call Michelle and tell her that we couldn’t come.  Her heart broke.  I heard she even cried.  I am crying too.  I know how hard she prepared for our visit and how she was looking forward to it.  Words can’t even express how horrible I feel.

So, Michelle, I want to tell the world how much you mean to us and we will make it up to you SOON!  We love you!  You are the BEST!

Melanie