About Michelle

I’m a mom. It’s my highest calling. I am truly one of the biggest momma-bears out there and blessed to be the mother to two world-changing children. My daughter, Carly, is a freshman in high school this year, is a small business owner, served as President of her Student Council last year, is the Student Government Association’s 9th grade President this year. She serves on the Teen Advisory Council at Levine Children’s Hospital, played on the volleyball team at her school, and is a champion discus thrower. She is an over-achiever, and she is brilliant. My son BJ is in Heaven. He fiercely fought the most curable type of leukemia for 3 1/2 years, relapsed during his original treatment period, and passed away 2 days after his 15th birthday. He changed lives across the globe for his strength, courage and strong faith, and he continues to do so. He was given the honor of being a distinguished Honorary Navy SEAL of SEAL Team 8 just a few months before he died. The SEALs saw in him the fundamental characteristics of a Navy SEAL. His perseverance and determination inspired countless people and his death has changed the lives of many.

In an effort to survive the loss of my son, my focus is to make a difference in the world of childhood cancer, sharing the love of Christ with others and living authentically with deep pain, heartache and joy, as an example of how good can rise from tragedy. I see the good that has come and know it will continue to come from my son’s life, the manner in which we lived through my child’s battle with cancer, and how Carly and I continue to survive his devastating loss. I continue to push forward with BJ’s message of faith through trial, and continue to spread his story in hopes to inspire and motivate others. My greatest joy and deepest sorrow come from my two children.

I am a born-writer. Even as a child, I would write poems as a way of expressing emotionally painful events in my life. I continued that path as an adult, as I wrote heart-felt updates about the road we were on with BJ’s diagnosis and ensuing fierce battle with cancer. After his death, I was offered the opportunity to write articles for a local women’s magazine, Lake Norman Woman Magazine. I have been a contributing writer for the magazine since 2016. I am also a Compel Training member, through the Proverbs 31 ministry, and currently working on a book.

Thank you for reading my Notes From the Inside.

♥,

Michelle