Melody (Bridgers) Keen - no one in this family fights alone!

Let me first say, if my mama knew I was doing this, she would kill me! And if you’ve ever met my mom, you know she is a behind the scenes kinda gal! She is the person that makes everything happen, the plans, the execution, and the foundation of all of us. She was a the best preschool teacher of all time, and blessed so many children and families by being a safe place while they were at school. As a mom, she has loved and fought for acceptance for mental health, founded support groups for other parents who have children struggling, and was the best pastors wife I have ever seen for 40 years. She is the kind of person who after planning huge events and leading hundreds of volunteers would be sitting at the kitchen table for the next two weeks writing personal handwritten thank you’s to each volunteer. She is the person who brought food to a congregant everyday during her cancer treatment, to parents who lost a child, and anyone that needed a hot meal from a loving heart. My mom shows her love through acts of service. And if you’ve been fortunate enough to cross her path, I know you have a story of how she has impacted your life. It is the most Christ like love I have ever seen.

In October of 2022, mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. After so many surgeries that mutilated her body, and complications, the red devil chemo, the radiation that left her with permanent burn scars, losing her beautiful hair that was her security blanket, she fought to be here for the birth of our second child, Winnie. And then when things were looking hopeless again, she took an experimental drug and fight like hell to be here for the birth of our 3rd daughter, Daisy. She is such a fighter, and she doesn’t do it from the couch or bed most days. She is showing her love through service for others. Even when her hands crack and bleed from the side effects, or having to walk around a store in her house slippers because her feet are to cracked and bleeding for regular shoes, she is still serving others. Her strength is rooted in Jesus, and He has been present in her life every second. And even in these times, she gives thanks to her Savior for His provision and the time he has granted us.

In 2024, she fought her scariest battle yet. She ended up a single woman since she was 18 years of age. None of that was by her choice. She was left with no income, no health insurance, and no way to provide for herself. The small amount she did have is fading fast, because by the grace of God she is outliving what little she had.

I know if you know have what the pleasure of knowing my mama, she has touched your life in some way. It is such a hard time for all of us financially, and my husband and I wish we could do more. Jay and I work 5 jobs between the 2 of us, and still make sure someone is home with the kids because we don’t have any family near to help. My mom would do anything to be here for the kids, but unfortunately that’s not where we are at this time.

She will be on chemo for the rest of her life. And she is so frugal, and not taking for granted what she has. God has blessed her every step of the way. So if you want to give back a blessing to her that she has been to you, please write a little message (or be like Mel and give anonymously) so that she isn’t so angry when I show her what I’ve done. Thank you all for your ongoing love and support. ❤️