I don't even know how to put into words what Meghan meant to me and how impossible it feels to imagine our family, and my life, without her. Meghan was one of the most thoughtful, selfless, loving, and genuinely beautiful people I have ever known. I feel so incredibly lucky that I got to call her my sister-in-law, but somewhere along the way, that title became so much more. She became my sister, my friend, and someone I knew I could always count on.

When I think of Meghan, I think of laughter. I think of all the memories we made together Christmases and Thanksgivings in Boulder City, our Fourth of July celebrations in Park City, family parties, trips, meeting up in the RV in Jackson, Suzi's wedding in Traverse City, Sam's wedding in Las Vegas, and our rainy trip to Destin. These are the moments I wish I could go back to and live all over again. I didn't know at the time just how precious those ordinary and crazy family moments would become.

Being married to brothers gave Meghan and me a special bond from the very beginning. We could share stories, laugh about the little things, and understand each other as we navigated the big, loud, and sometimes crazy family we had married into. Over the years, all of us in-laws became our own special group. We created traditions, inside jokes, and even “initiations” for the newcomers. Meghan was one of the originals, and she was such a huge part of what made that group feel like family.

But when Meghan moved her family to Utah, something changed. We went from being sisters-in-law who saw each other at family gatherings to truly becoming sisters. We got to see each other regularly, and I will forever be grateful for that time. We had late nights talking about life, hiking adventures, concerts, wine nights, endless conversations, and so many laughs. She quickly became a part of my group of friends and somehow fit right in, because that's what Meghan did. She brought people together. She made people feel comfortable.

She was always ready for the next adventure and usually the one planning it. One of my favorite memories will always be going to the Nelly and Janet Jackson concert together, getting stuck in the parking lot, dancing the night away, and finally making it home in the wee hours of the morning. I can still picture us laughing and dancing, and I hope I always can. Those are the memories I will hold onto when I miss her.

Meghan had such a gift for bringing people together. She was the planner, the organizer, and the one making sure everyone was included. She was always thinking about what we could do next, finding a reason to get everyone together, and making sure there was something special planned. She put so much thought into creating moments for the people she loved.

And she did that especially for my kids. She wasn't just an incredible sister-in-law and friend she was an amazing aunt. She loved having my kids over for cousin nights, sleepovers, crafts, parties, and whatever else she could come up with. She was the most prepared person I have ever met. She always had endless supplies, endless food, and something fun planned. She poured so much love into those kids, and they felt it. She gave them memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

But the greatest love Meghan ever gave was to Lily, Tyler, and Dylan.

She was their biggest supporter, their loudest cheerleader, and their safe place. Nothing was ever too small for her to celebrate, and nothing was ever too much when it came to giving her kids the most incredible life she could. As a single mom, she carried so much, yet she did it with such grace, strength, and love. She filled their lives with adventure, laughter, experiences, and, most importantly, the absolute certainty that they were loved beyond measure.

I cannot believe she is gone. I cannot believe there will be a time when we have another family gathering and she won't be there. That we won't hear her laugh, see her walk through the door, hear her planning the next adventure, or have one of those late night conversations. There is going to be a huge, painful, impossible to fill hole in all of our lives.

But I also know that Meghan gave us so much.

She gave us laughter. She gave us traditions. She gave us adventures. She gave us friendships. She gave our children memories. She brought people together. She loved fiercely and completely. And she showed all of us what it looks like to give so much of yourself to the people you love.

Meghan, I hope you know how deeply you were loved. I hope you knew how much you meant to me.

I promise I will try to be more like you. I will try to say yes to the adventure, make more memories, love people a little harder, laugh a little louder, and be a little more thoughtful and selfless. I will carry your kindness with me and try to give the world a little bit of the love you gave so freely.

I can hear your amazing laugh in my head right now, and I hope with everything in me that I never forget the sound.

I love you forever, Meghan. Until we meet again. ❤️