Melissa was always thoughtful in her writing and I wanted to honor her and do the same. On April 30th, I lost my dear friend of many years, Melissa. to put it simply she was dope! She was loving, and a straight-shooter, something I deeply admired about her. She was a mighty force to be reckoned with.
Melissa was a gift to the world. She made it better. She fought cancer for the last two years and we became even closer during these final years and I am forever thankful for that time.
I have all her voicemails, and emails. I listen to every word with a deep intense sadness. I love you dearly mama.
Nunca te olvidare.
Because of COVID and travel restrictions from Florida to New York, I wasn't able to attend her services. Her husband, Matt, and daughter Giana knew how deeply I loved her and asked me to write a eulogy that they would read at her funeral.
Here are my final words to my friend of a lifetime.
I met Melissa in 2003. We had both been struggling to get pregnant and our mutual friend Madeline thought that we needed each other. Since then we have been inseparable.
Even when we both got pregnant and I miscarried, Melissa walked that tough journey with me. Never letting go even when she was put on bed rest and struggled with her own pregnancy she somehow found a way to be there for me.
That’s why when cancer came her way I knew I would do for her what she did for me... “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” with her.
Mel wasn’t just loved by me, but my entire family from my cousin Helen, Lilly to all my siblings and parents. Her grace and love made her a rockstar in our book.
There are no words...just tears to describe how hard the future will be without her. I still long to talk to her every day. I listen to voicemails she left me and laugh or cry at what she recorded. There’s no doubt I will simply be lost without her.
Mel has helped me grow as a professional, woman, mother, and friend. When every friend I had let me down Melissa NEVER did. She called bs on haters and she checked me when I was wrong. For that alone, she is my forever my sister.
Her authenticity and love were her guiding force and boy was she a force to be reckoned with! Her absence has been felt deep down in my soul.
Since adopting Jaden, I have thanked God every day for my infertility because it brought me our son. Today, I thank God for my infertility because it brought me to Melissa. ️
I will forever, forever long to be by her side. That will never change. As I recently told your daughter, Giana this is not something we will ever get over. We will just learn to endure it.
On our last call, Melissa shared how proud she was of me. I wanted to take this moment to share the same. Melissa’s life was far from easy and somehow she found love, built a home, developed a career she could be proud of and raised an intelligent, bold, and beautiful daughter. I am so proud of her for beating the odds! Every day she inspired me...and still does.
And to Melissa, one last thing...As the years come and go without you I want you to know this ...I will be there for Giana. She will sing again and I know you will watch over her day and night. Like you “G” is brave, beautiful, and bold. Giana also has her own magic to give the world and l know you will be there for it all.
You are gone way too soon and I look forward to the day I will see you again. Rest easy my sweet friend. I love you. You fought so well, you inspired so many, you loved so deeply, you lived so loudly, no one that ever knew you can ever forget you, Melissa, I never will.
Enjoy your rest and bask in Glory.
I’ll see you when I get there.
With a broken heart,
I celebrate your life.