Sponsor Family for October: The Meli Family, coupon inside

Happy October, everyone. Today we are bringing back our sponsor families! Each month we sponsor a family or individual in need of some funding to get through a difficult time, fulfill a life goal/dream and anything else that is worthy of our time and funds. We donate $5.00 of every order placed in the month to the cause. Additionally, we offer a free shipping coupon and encourage our customers to take the opportunity before them to help our sponsor family by donating a portion or all of what they save with our free shipping coupon. (Coupon is only good on domestic US orders, no out of country).

Today I bring you the story of a beautiful family that has encountered an unfortunate situation. This is the Meli family from Hawaii. 

 Bottom row left to right Michael, Saia, and Pono
Top row left to right: Poko, Lia, Michael, and Val.

Val Meli, the mother of this beautiful family, passed away on July 31 of this year. This came two years after the death of one of their sons. Here is what Val's niece told me about it: " In May 2012, the Meli's oldest son Michael complained of a headache. Days later, on Mother's Day he passed away. On July 31, 2014, 3 days before her husband's birthday, Valerie Meli unexpectedly passed away, Leaving behind her husband, Michael, and 4 surviving children: Lia (senior in high school), Poko, (junior in high school), Saia, and Pono."

With permission of her husband, Michael, I would like to share with you a Facebook post that followed Val's funeral service: " 

"On behalf of my entire family, especially the kids and me, thank you all for loving us! Sunday's service for my dear Val was a strong indicator of just how much she is loved and missed. It was more than humbling to be hugged and held by dear friends and family--both those who were in attendance and the countless others who were not able to attend, but sent their love via phone, text, email, and social media. Looking out at the tremendous outpouring of support that evening made it very difficult to feel the pain, and we thank you for taking so much of our grief upon your shoulders. You truly have mourned with those who mourned. Val always had a beautiful smile that lit up the room, and I always looked forward to that smile when I was feeling down. She lifted our spirits each day with her laughter, and I realized after her services that she wasn't just here on this earth for the kids and me; she was everyone's Val! Her light will continue to shine through the lives of those she touched--her family, her classmates, her mission companions, her ward and stake members, and the list goes on. We love you all, and you will always have a dear and special place in our hearts."

I'd also like to share Val's obituary: "VALERIE ANNE POHAIAMEPUMEHANAAKEALOHA MELI 45, of Honolulu, wife and mother, graduate of Kamehameha Schools (’87) and BYU-Provo, passed away July 31, 2014. Valerie was an active member of the LDS Church, and has served in numerous callings, most recently as 2nd Counselor in the Honolulu Hawaii Stake Relief Society Presidency. She served an 18-month mission in the Japan-Sapporo Mission (1992-1994). After working 12 years at DFS Hawaii, she made the decision to work from home in order to be available for her young children. She never regretted the decision. She attended each of the children’s church, academic, and athletic activities. She was their greatest cheerleader. She served as Young Women leader, Cub Scouts Leader, Seminary Teacher, and has helped countless youths and adults. She was loved by all who met her, and she will be dearly missed."

Left to Right: Poko, Michael, Val, Pono, Saia, and Lia.

What a wonderful woman. I wish I could have known her. 

This situation has me in tears as I share it with you all because this is something I have anxiety about often. But we have the opportunity to help. Michael has been left with four young children to care for. It's a difficult time for this family without having to worry about expenses on top of it. 

WTbM will be donating $5.00 of every order placed during the month of October to the Meli family via their GoFundMe account. 

Additionally, we are offering a coupon for free shipping to use in our etsy store:  "MeliFam" will get you free domestic US shipping in the etsy shop.

 If you are looking for an opportunity to serve and do something good today, we encourage you to share all or part of your savings with the coupon with the Meli family via their gofundme account. 

Let's do what we can to make things a little easier for this family during a difficult time. I know other mother's out there have experienced anxiety about being in this situation at one time or another. but we are still here now and have the ability to help. If you feel inspired to do so, please share what you can with the Meli family. 

Thank you all for your kindness and consideration. I will be back on the 15th with an update as to our progress for the donation on our end and any other updates I may have for you. My readers and customers, you are beautiful people. I work with you on a daily basis and have had a glimpse into your beautiful homes and families. Thank you for helping and supporting our sponsor program and our sponsor families. I am grateful for you as I know the Meli family is at this time.