What a loving and wonderful family!!! Everyone we met told us how much she loved all of us on the breast cancer board. We met her mother and a cousin who told us how she talked about her breast friends, in addition to Michael, Kai and her mother in law telling us, too. We also met her friends, Rhonda and Stacy from San Antonio. Stacy met her while they were doing chemo together. She is the same age and her mother has breast cancer. I wrote the address to the board for her to come and get to know us. She said Mel talked about us all the time, but she was afraid of using the computer. She said now that she met us she would try. I told her to read awhile first to get feeling comfortable.
Mel's service was very homey and comfortable. Her mother in law and two other ladies sang hymns before and during the service. Michael's uncle gave the service, he lives in Houston. He talked about how he used to visit her in San Antonio when she was going through treatment, her wonderful smile and her uncomplaining personality. There were many family members and community friends there. Everyone was so friendly and hugs were everywhere. I am so glad we went and everytime someone said something about how much she loved the board and how much it helped her, I was sure to say we loved her, too, and she gave as much as she ever got from the board. I told Kai how much she depended on him and how she always told us how good he was to her, too. He is such a nice young man.
Michael and I talked about our group meetings and how she was always there even when she had a hard trip getting there. He said he offered to go with her, but she never would let him, she did not want to take time away from her friends. I told him it was too bad because we would have enjoyed having him, too. He really looked like he was taking it all very hard, even though he has been preparing for a long time. He told us they talked things over about Ian's future and what she wanted for him and everything was planned ahead.
And the most surprising to me, Ian's teacher took the day off to come to the funeral and be with him. He sat on her lap most of the time during the service. What a wonderful young woman she is to be so perceptive of his needs. She was so nice. I was really impressed. He is in good hands through this trying period with family and such a wonderful teacher. She sat next to us.
We drove to a town near by yesterday and spent the night so we could be there without a lot of stress and worry about driving so far so early in the morning. That worked out really well. People from OK are really OK people. Very friendly and nice.
I am very tired and about to give up for the evening. I was hoping Jo-Ann would post, too. She picked up some extra memorial programs with Mel's picture for those who want them. I have a couple extra, too.
Hugs and prayers for all,
MK
I'll just come and try to post after you, MK.
I want everyone to know that my hero was laid to rest today and it a rest well earned. I have yet to meet anyone like Mel. She was always upbeat, always smiling, and always asking about someone else. She never complained though Lord knows she could have.
It is said that no one is really dead as long as they are remembered. She will always be remembered by two sons that reflect so much of her and by Michael, who watched her throughout her fight. She will remembered by each of us as we walked with her on her journey. And I will remember her as young enough to be one of my children, taken too soon by a disease that torments each of us.
I'll remember Mel when I watch the stars at night or watch the light of a firefly. I'll remember her when I watch the butterflies on the flowers and the dew on the roses. I'll see her spirit in the flight of an eagle. Her loss cuts deep into my heart and makes my eyes water.
I was so fortunate to have know her in this life. It will be really hard not to know her in the next life. Just look for the second brightest light you can find. That will be Mel smiling.
Sadly, Jo-Ann
PS - I do have somee extra copies of the Memorial Program for Mel. You can email me at joglaze@isp.com if you would like a copy.
A good friend will bail you out of jail...
but a true friend will be sitting
next to you saying,
"Dâmn... that was fun!".
Post Edited (Jo-Ann) : 12/6/2004 6:35:32 PM (GMT-7)
MK, it sounded like such a wonderful service -- a real "down home" service with her friends and family. I'm so glad. I just figured it would be that way from knowing Mel. Your description helped us feel like we were there. Thank you. It sounded like what we call a "Going Home" service, where we celebrate the life of someone who has gone home to be with the Lord.
Jo-Ann, your post left a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Melody was dear to us and will be missed. We will certainly be looking for some special breast friends when we get to heaven.
I'm so glad you gals were able to go. Now rest and recharge. We'll talk soon.
Love,
Becky
Rest in Peace Melody.
Annette
We have raced "for the Cure"
Worn Lee's Jeans on Friday "for the Cure"
Bought New Balance tennis shoes "for the cure"
Worn pink ribbon pins "for the cure"
Collected donations "for the cure"
Ate pink M&M's "for the cure"
Drank Sutter Home wine "for the cure"
Spent an extra $.08 on a stamp "for the cure"
Ate Lean Cuisine frozen dinners "for the cure"
We have all done our part "for the cure"
now you do yours and get us that cure.
I am so glad you both were able to go and represent us. I was not so fortunate to have met Mel in person, but I know her in spirit. She was remarkable and Jo-Ann like Becky said, your post brought tears to my eyes. Mel will always be around like so many others taken all too soon.
Sadly
Sara
Sadly
Sara
Sara Dearing
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present!