MELANIE - Fairbanks, AK

Laurie, Melanie, Morghen, Tate, Shiloh, Choice, Juliann, Ryder, Jason, and Mike

Our second donor visit in Alaska was a special one.  Melanie and her group of service warriors performed an amazing act of loving kindness for the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.  It didn't come in the way of monetary contributions.  It didn't come in the way of cards.  It came to us by way of SALMON!  The true Alaskan way.

Melanie had a very close and personal connection to the crew.  She was college roommates and is still dearest of friends with one of the mothers of a Granite Mountain Hotshot who perished along with Andrew in Yarnell.  (I learned of this relationship today during our visit).  When news reached Fairbanks, Alaska of the hotshot crews tragic passing, Melanie reached out to her friend to confirm if in fact it was her son's crew.  When receiving a confirmation that it was his crew that was lost, Melanie was largely impacted and saddened.  She expressed to me that in that moment she knew she needed to do something but wasn't exactly sure what.

With the help of a handful of close friends, co-workers, and family members, Melanie created the Salmon Project.  We were delighted to visit her at her place of work today to learn more about this incredible endeavor...

Morghen, Juliann, and Tate

After Andrew's death I had a difficult time with the daily functions of life.  Eating, sleeping, and just plainly thinking were a true feat.  I had no appetite, I had no desire to think of the future, and I wouldn't allow myself to fall asleep with fears of the nightmares I may have of my sweetheart's final moments.  I was in a fog, a zombie-like trance.  I vividly remember the day that a white Fed-Ex box was delivered to my doorstep.  It was the fruits of Melanie's labors...a fresh Alaskan salmon.

I was so moved at the thoughtfulness that went into this gift.  It blew me away that someone would take the time and consideration to send us such a meaningful and generous gift.  I also knew that there was no way that my kids and I would eat this entire salmon on our own.  It was the first time since Andrew had passed away that I had an appetite for food, as well as a desire to reach out to family members to come and enjoy a meal together.  It had broken a vicious cycle of aimless and lonely wandering for me.

For obvious reasons, I just assumed that Melanie worked in the fishing industry.  She and I communicated back and forth in an effort to schedule our visit to Fairbanks to see her.  She explained that with her schedule and ours, it wouldn't be possible for our paths to cross unless we came by her work.  In my anticipation of the address for her fishing company, I was surprised to learn that she works for the Literacy Council of Alaska.  :-)

Melanie teaches English as a Second Language to adults from many countries all over the world.  What a wonderful lady!  It was an honor to plan our trip to visit her at this remarkable establishment.

Choice, Ryder, Juliann, Tate, and Shiloh

Choice, Ryder, Juliann, Tate, and Shiloh

We were welcomed by Melanie and her sweet friend, Laurie.  Two beautiful, strong, and tender women who embraced us immediately upon entering the building.

Juliann, Melanie, Laurie, Ryder, and Shiloh

Juliann, Melanie, Laurie, Ryder, and Shiloh

We followed them back to the kid-friendly room in their building.  The kids were in heaven.  Ryder immediately went to the white board and initiated a game of hangman...

Ryder

It was no surprise that Shiloh went right for the stuffed animals.  She is such a little animal lover.

Shiloh

The little boys were mesmerized by the building blocks and legos.  They began construction of their masterpieces as soon as we walked in the room.

Choice

Choice

Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh

Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, and Choice

Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh

With the kids being distracted by the goodies and treasures this room offered them, it gave me the opportunity to visit with Melanie, Laurie, and their friend Paulette.

Juliann, Shiloh, Paulette, and Melanie

Juliann, Paulette, Melanie, and Laurie

Melanie explained to me that she was so impacted by the devastation plaguing her friend after the boys died in Yarnell that she just had to do something.  She humbly shared that even though she had this idea, she never could have done it without the help of amazing friends.

Tate, Shiloh, Paulette, and Juliann

Melanie wanted to send a fresh Alaskan salmon to each of the families of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished.  This lofty endeavor took time, planning, and of course, donations.  People who knew and admire Melanie for her courageous and kind heart, helped her to make this undertaking a success.  Her boss, Mike, was the first to purchase a salmon and donate it to the families.  It was such a pleasure to meet him and express our appreciation to him today as well.

Mike

Mike had us cracking up when talking about the Alaskan culture.  He moved to Alaska from Michigan, to live near his wife's family.  He was sharing some of the corky little things about Alaskans that he learned upon relocating here.  My favorite story involved what Alaskans refer to as "runners".  As so many individuals and families that move to Alaska have a hippie-mentality, often they are in pursuit of recreational vehicles or alternative and adventurous lifestyles.  He overheard a conversation between two Alaskan bachelors referencing their "runners"...these are buses that actually run.  The theory is that if you are a bachelor, and you have a "runner", your status in the dating world goes up.  You have just become that much more desirable.  I laughed when I thought of my bus and the non-luxurious life it provides.  Sounds like I would fit right in here.  Laurie added, with regard to dating in Alaska..."the odds are good but the goods are odd". Hahaha

  

Ryder, Juliann, Tate, Laurie and Melanie

Laurie and Melanie have been dear friends for over 30 years. At the time of the salmon project, these two ladies worked together to purchase, package, and ship these fish to us.  Laurie has since relocated to Oregon but frequently visits her friends and family in Fairbanks.  We were blessed to have planned our visit for a time that Laurie was able to join us.

Ryder, Tate, Juliann and Laurie

Tate, Morghen, Juliann, Laurie, and Melanie

We were grateful to be able to share Andrew's Be Better message with them and give them bands of their own.  It is remarkable people like Melanie, Laurie, and Mike who are already living by this mentality. We celebrated their goodness with them and encouraged them to continue spreading the better.

Juliann

Tate, Juliann, Morghen and Laurie

Tate, Juliann, Morghen, Laurie, Melanie, and Mike

Juliann, Morghen, Laurie, Melanie, Mike, and Ryder

Juliann, Shiloh, Laurie, Melanie, Mike and Ryder

Laurie, Melanie, Mike, Juliann, and Shiloh

The kids were having such a fun time, they didn't want to leave.

Choice, Tate, and Shiloh

Choice, Tate, and Shiloh

Juliann, Laurie, Melanie, and Mike

Shiloh

Ryder and Shiloh

Juliann, Laurie, Melanie, and Mike

Ryder, Tate, Juliann, Morghen, Laurie, Melanie, and Mike

Tate

Laurie, Tate, Ryder, and Juliann

Laurie, Melanie, Mike, Shiloh, Ryder, and Juliann

We peeled them away from the toys long enough to take a few pictures with the group...

Laurie, Melanie, Morghen, Tate, Shiloh, Choice Juliann, Ryder, Jason, and Mike

Before we left, Paulette and Mike let the kiddos pick out a couple of books to take with them from the used book store connected to the literacy center.  The kids were ecstatic and had a difficult task in selecting just one or two books.  I loved to see them so excited about reading.  Shiloh picked out a book of World Records that she has read at least two dozen times already. 

Shiloh

Ryder selected a book on volcanoes and other natural disasters.  He shared with his new friends about our recent trip to Mt. St. Helens and all he'd learned about that massive explosion.

Ryder, Tate, and Paulette

Melanie, Laurie, Mike, Paulette, and all others who were involved in the Salmon Project...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  Besides the delicious salmon that we enjoyed, you blessed me in my grieving process more than you may ever know.  Thank you for being true to your heart's impulses and the still small voice inside of you that put this gesture in your heart.  You are heroes and warriors and I pray God will continue to bless you with strength as you change the world...one salmon at a time.