In Memory of Our Friend

My husband and I lost our friend Melissa today. After six months spent battling a very rare and aggressive cancer, Melissa Greer has gone home.

Melissa leaves behind her husband, Roger, of almost 8 months and her 2 1/2 month old son, Connor, whose actual due date was only 5 days ago. Connor was delivered early in order to give Melissa a chance to fight her illness.

We met Melissa when she was hired to work alongside my husband as a meteorologist on the WBTV team. Her smile is what struck you first, big and beautiful. Then you noticed her eyes, so full of life, so full of fire. She was barely 5 feet tall, and all spirit.

Melissa dated one of our best friends for several months. Two wonderful people not destined to be together, yet the admiration continued long after the break-up. The four of us rang in the New Year together in 2006.

I believe it was sometime in June that Melissa first met Roger. Instant love from what I hear. They decided to marry and set the date for that September. I remember hearing that Melissa wasn't feeling well on her wedding day, most figured it had to do with nerves.

Sadly, it did not. Melissa, 4 months pregnant with her first son, was diagnosed with one of the rarest cancers known last November. I will never forget hearing the news soon after my husband received a call from work. It didn't make sense.

It will never make sense.

My husband and I went to see Melissa one day while she was at work. She had not put on her wig or make-up yet, she was about 6 months pregnant with Connor. She was so beautiful. Chemo was tearing through her body, yet there she sat...working on the 7-day forecast. Tiny, but oh so tough.

I saw Melissa for the last time on April 1st. Several of her dearest friends had organized the baby shower she was unable to have prior to her son's birth. She was beautiful, but she was also very tired. I told her how strong I thought she was, she explained that she had not been given a choice...she was strong because she had to be.

Melissa also told me that she no longer held on to any fear. She did not fear dying. Her faith renewed, she knew she would be going home to her Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure her smile is lighting up His kingdom at this very moment.

Melissa fought hard and never lost her positive attitude. She was proud of the person she became during her battle. She died today with dignity. She died quickly...peacefully, surrounded by family.

This Sunday, my husband and I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We realize how fortunate we are to have these times together. We will celebrate, but we will have heavy hearts.

We wish Roger and Melissa could have celebrated their own anniversary. God had a different plan, and though we don't understand...we know it is as it should be.

Please take a moment to celebrate today. Breathe deeply, smile greatly, kiss your loved ones...and say a prayer for a family that has only just begun the healing process.