Authors: Meghan Redenbach
When Meg should have been playing club volleyball, my dad drove me to Roswell to go visit her. I didn’t know what to expect going into her room. As I walked in my sad feelings disappeared. Meg’s spirit was so grand I felt at ease, and she and I just talked. Leaving Meg at Roswell I realized that I am truly blessed, and that was the moment that I dedicated my volleyball career to Meg and started wearing her jersey number. Every game I play now, I feel Meg with me on the court. Her personality and words of wisdom have enabled me to grow so much, and I am forever grateful that God placed her in my life.
Courtney House
Friend
Meghan told me how she was going to be strong through her journey of fighting cancer. Whether it was a good day or bad, she would always keep going. She truly was the community’s hero. She was known as the strong one. I would shed tears, and Meghan would look at me and say “Man up Court”.
She inspired me in many different ways. I loved watching her play her passion sport, which was volleyball. Meghan’s family and friends would come together at the games to watch and to support the team. She would look out into the crowd of supporters and her eyes would light up, and she would have the biggest smile on her face.
She encouraged me into being a strong individual just as she was. If I am having a bad day, I will just look in the mirror and say “What would Meghan do?” People say a hero is “a person who in the opinion of others, has a heroic quality and is regarded as a model as one may look up to.” That’s what I consider Meghan to be.
Kelsey Jankowiak
Club Volleyball Teammate
When we went to the hospital to see her for the first time, I was with my mom. I didn’t know what to expect being I was never in a situation like this before. Meghan was on morphine at this point. She still managed to be her tough, happy-go-lucky self. She had her best friends from school there. I didn’t really know them on a personal level, but I knew them through the hilarious stories Meg would tell us. They were all so welcoming and it really warmed my heart to see us all come together to support a common friend in need. She was extremely tired, and at one point, we all thought she had fallen asleep. Much to our surprise, she burst out in song starting off, “Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough…” She paused here, realizing she was the only one singing. She turned towards me and said, “Psshh, I know Kelsey will sing it with me!” To that, the whole room joined in singing this song with her. This was the most moving moment in my entire life. I will never, ever forget it.
Knowing Meghan has inspired me in more ways than words can really describe. She taught me to value every little thing in life, and to never half-ass anything—go all out, and never give up. She taught me how to be a fighter, and how attitude is EVERYTHING. She made me realize, there isn’t enough time in life to stand by and worry about things, and to feel sorry for yourself. Life can toss you a curve ball at any point in time, but we just need to accept it and make the best of it. God has a plan for us, there’s no fighting nor denying that. We can only do so much, the rest of the power lies in your faith. I believe everything does happen for a reason, even if the reason isn’t something we can truly understand. I believe Meghan was an angel sent here to inspire all of us and to remind us what living life to its fullest really is about. With knowing her, I learned so much and I wish I could thank her for all she has done for me, I really don’t know a more inspiring person in my life. She was amazing.
Because I was lucky enough to know Meg, I know to never take anything for granted. She taught me to have tough skin, and that will help me for when challenges are thrown my way in the future. I no longer feel sorry for myself about things, but rather branch out to try to help others the way she helped me. She taught me the value of a true friend. Life’s not about the friends that you’ve known the longest, but rather the ones who leave the lasting impression, and love you for who you are. That was Meghan.
Cady Messmer
Friend and Club Volleyball Teammate
There is not a single day that goes by where I don’t think about Meghan and the impact she has had on me. The thing I loved most about Meg was her positive attitude towards life. I can’t remember a time where I didn’t see a bright smile on her face. When things aren’t right, or things aren’t going my way, I think of that smile and the upbeat attitude she always put forth.
Meghan made me think that when you have it bad, it can always be worse. Even though Meg was battling cancer, she lived every day to the fullest, and I strive to do the same. Meghan will always have a special place in my heart, not only as a friend, but as my role model and one who has made one of the biggest impacts on my life.
Brianna Walker
Friend and Basketball Teammate
My life has surely changed because of my friendship with Meghan. I know that someone always has my back. Even though she is in heaven, she is with us. Meghan was always smiling, and that has made me be so positive about everything. Knowing what she was going through, and seeing her still be able to laugh and smile inspired me. She will always be the reason I smile. She taught me that life isn’t always easy, but even though I struggle, I need to smile. Pain is temporary; working through that pain is strength.
Thomas Bragg
Friend
In October of 2010 Meghan and I were at the birthday party for our friends, Travis and Olivia. Later on in the evening a song came on I had requested—it was Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” What I was doing was definitely not what people would expect, and I was totally out of my comfort zone. But I kept going because as soon as I started, Meghan burst out laughing. I
loved
Meghan’s laugh; it was so distinct. So when I heard her laughing at me, the world went away. I didn’t care what the other people there thought of me, because it was just me standing in front of Meghan, making a fool of myself. I didn’t know some of the words—I still don’t—but I pretended to. I probably looked really stupid, but it didn’t matter to me. I was doing it for her.
This whole experience not only gave me an important memory of Meghan that I will treasure forever, but it taught me an important lesson, too. I learned that no matter what you’re going through, it is so important to laugh. I can honestly say that I became a totally different person since learning of this. Now, I’m not afraid to be goofy. I’ll do ridiculous things and act weird, because I know how much I
love
to make people laugh. When people laugh at me, I feel so good inside. It’s like I’m doing my part in teaching the very lesson that Meghan taught me. Laugh. Even if you’re struggling with something, just laugh. Enjoy life. Take not one single moment for granted and even look forward to each moment as it comes. It is so important to remember these things, and I know that now—all from one single thing: Meghan’s laugh.
The following three girls all shared a similar experience with Meghan from two separate events. The submissions were not a coordinated effort and came in at different times.
Amber Coyle
Friend and Teammate
I remember the day at track practice when the coaches made us go outside and run a mile while holding a football bag while it was snowing and freezing cold out. I was falling behind with another teammate, and I couldn’t finish while carrying the bag. On my last lap Meghan came and ran an extra lap with the small group that fell behind but still had to finish. She kept encouraging us and telling us to “keep it up—almost there!” I always think of that day when I find myself saying I can’t do something; thinking of that day gives me the strength to achieve it.
During a volleyball practice I was very quiet and not talking it up like a volleyball player should have been. Meghan came up to me and told me I had to talk. She told me to say “mine”, but louder than her. She kept saying it over and over with me copying her. I used my voice after that.
Chaya Shepard
Friend and Classmate
The day I will never forget is when everyone was divided into groups and Meghan was part of mine. The object was that each team had a one mile sprint relay carrying a football tackle bag. The weather was miserable that day with the wind blowing hail and snow. I didn’t think I could accomplish the relay, because I was learning how to pace. On the last lap I was about to give up, but then Meghan ran next to me and started encouraging me to achieve my goal, and she ran the rest of the lap with me. Ever since that day, Meghan’s leadership showed me how “if you strive for the win, don’t give up; great things will happen.” This memory of Meghan is an inspiration when the tough times come.
Holly Mikoll
Friend and Classmate
When I was trying out for JV volleyball, I had to take a Selective Classification Test. I had passed everything with flying colors, but I had one test left to do—and that was to run the mile and a half in fifteen minutes and thirty seconds. I was on the last stretch, less than a quarter mile to go when I fell. I fell hard, and I couldn’t get back up. Ten other people were running at that moment, and only one stopped to help me. Meghan stopped, held out her hand, and said that she knew I could do it. She helped me up and ran the last stretch of track with me. To this day I remember that, and I will never forget it.
Lindsay Howaniec
Family Friend and “God Sister”
Meghan grew up to be such a beautiful young lady. She lit up a room with her vibrant personality and her contagious sense of humor.
Knowing Meghan has taught me to take each moment and live in it. Life is too short and we need to live life to the fullest. Knowing Meghan has made me a stronger person, as her strength was incredible. And of course, whatever life throws my way, if I think I cannot manage to overcome a challenge, I will always remember to MAN UP.
My life will be better because I will always know Meghan is a guardian angel looking down on all of us. She is such a fighter, and beautiful soul. I know I will be able to overcome any life obstacles because she will be there with me, guiding me to make the right choices.
Mary Frazier
Friend and Volleyball Teammate
I remember Meghan in middle school. She was the girl with the biggest smile and the biggest heart. I knew her as one the nicest girls in my study hall. Always so silly, Meghan could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Meghan was also the girl that made volleyball so enjoyable. She came out of nowhere and had such great talent. I was in my freshman year and she was in 8
th
grade. She had never played modified volleyball, but had a natural talent. I could tell right away that she was amazing.
Losing a friend is never easy, but Meghan taught me so much. She taught me to never let the bad get in the way of the good. She never let her cancer get in the way of being happy and enjoying life. Every day we had practice she came in and tried her best. Even the days she looked so weak, she was so strong. She got out on that court no matter what. She showed me what strength truly is. I never saw what strength was until I saw Meghan kicking butt on that volleyball court while fighting her cancer.
Meghan taught me that life is a gift and to make the best of every moment. Meghan had a way of making everybody laugh and smile. There was never a dull moment with her. It was such a gift that she was a part of my life. Meghan Jean Redenbach is a true inspiration.
Molly Murphy
Friend and Teammate
Being on a team with Meghan was always so much fun. Of course there was the volleyball team; she was such a pleasure to play with. Meg was always happy, talkative, competitive, and very friendly. She gave me the nickname “’Roids” which stuck for a while. I smile every time I hear that; it reminds me of her and her warm personality, and it connects me directly to her. I will never forget Meg and the unity and drive that she brought to the volleyball team. The feeling behind Meghan telling you to push and push harder can never quite be duplicated.
Joe Floss
Family Friend
Meg was a typical vibrant teenager. She was beautiful and a really good kid. Her parents were very proud of her.
Meg taught me about courage and the benefits of keeping a positive attitude and outlook despite adversity. Meghan was stronger than everyone around her during her ordeal. As Fire Chaplain at East Amherst Fire Department, where Mike is a member, I was honored to be asked to speak about Meg at her wake. The hours spent trying to find the 5 minutes of the
right
words to say have changed me and the way I look at life for sure. I bought and read three books on the topic of coping with the loss of a child, thinking somehow I could learn something that could help Mike, Nancy and Nick. At the end of the day, the most valuable lesson I learned from Meg’s journey is that being supportive of a family going through this has absolutely nothing to do with having the right thing to say. It is far better just to show up (as uncomfortable as it may be) and listen more than you talk. Just be.
Everyone associated with the Redenbach Family has changed forever. The small stuff rolls off me easier. While we were asked to write about Meg; I feel I have to say that I am so proud to know her brother, father and mother. Instead of becoming reclusive in despair, they have dedicated much of their lives to helping others, knowing first-hand what they are going through. Meg brought our families closer together, and I am very grateful for that! Meg’s spirit will live on through her parents and Nick’s efforts as they continue to do for others.
Janet English
Nancy’s Sister
Meghan’s personality was always positive and upbeat starting back to when she was a young child. Those qualities continued to flourish as she continued her journey in life, growing to be a young vibrant lady. While growing up she always wanted to be a cheerleader, and boy what a great “Cheer” leader she was. She was such a cutie-pie, sporting her cheerleading uniform was a delightful sight, smiling ear to ear. No matter what life dealt her, she held her head up high, and not only stayed positive, she had a way of lifting the spirits of anyone who was a part of her life. When we would finish speaking, her hope and determination would make me realize what a truly amazing person she was and a role model for all. Some people make the world special just by being in it, and Meghan was one of those people. Meghan’s drive and “never give up” attitude will always be remembered, it has helped me be a better person to myself and towards others.