I remember her as a tiny, shy, stubborn, six year old with long blond Goldilocks curls.  She came to live with us at about the same time the "father" of the house began his sexual molestation era.

I remember that I had very little patience with a six year old following me around, constantly asking questions, roller skating behind me as I rode my bike up and down the street wanting only to escape into that crystal blue sky.

I remember the day she was was singing her little heart out as she followed me and the neighbor's big, white German Shepard running out to the sidewalk to greet us as he always did.

I remember being so angry because she would not leave me alone and wishing that the dog would bite her.

I remember her scream. 
I remember turning around and seeing her pinned under the dog.
I remember the dog's jaws clamped on the back of her head. 
I remember the doctor. 
I remember the fear I felt because I had made this happen.
I remember swearing to myself that I would never wish harm to another human being.

I remember praying when I left that home that the same fate I had suffered at the hands of our "father" did not fall to her.
I remember hoping that she grew up to be a happy, healthy, beautiful person.

I will never know.   

Marchelle died of leukemia shortly before her sixteenth birthday.

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In Marchelle's memory, and for every child with any form of childhood cancer, please support the fundraiser being held today, September 25th,  at every Chili's restaurant across the country.

Today, Chili's will donate 100% of it's profits to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  In addition, you can visit www.createapepper.com to purchase "Create a Pepper" T-shirts, which can be customized with permanent marker, or purchase a "Create a Pepper" gift card.

Their goal is $3 million.  A twenty dollar meal is but a drop in the bucket.

I'm game.  Want to join me?