Author: Allison Waters
In the fall of 2012, our family moved to the Kansas City area. We were lucky to live near IHCC and to be able to join. Melissa and Jeff were two of the first people we met, and they warmly welcomed us to the community. My first impression of Melissa was that she was so fun loving and spunky. I loved her spiky hair, which was such a lovely shade of gray! And her amazing fashion sense blew me away - she could wear funky jewelry with converse and overalls, and look like a million bucks!
It was only a few weeks later that I learned she was a breast cancer survivor. I was in awe of what she had just gone through and that she still found the time to include Mike and I in her orbit. She was such a fighter, in addition to be being the best mom, wife and friend. Brooks and Addie were the absolute pride and joy of her life, and they certainly are a true testament to what a fine person she was. I hate that cancer returned and took her from those of us that loved her, and from her beautiful family that needed her. We miss her dearly.
Many things remind me of Melissa all the time - whenever I see a Cardinal at my feeder; when I unwrap Christmas ornaments and find one of the ornament craft projects she had us make at bridge; and, playing family games after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I love this picture of one of our game nights! We love you and miss you, sweet friend! And, we love you, Brooks, Addie and Jeff!
