Melissa was lost to us just 3 months before her 16th Birthday – December 5, 2006. We simply could
not let that day go by without having a birthday party for her; so a party was planned. It was held on December 2, 2006 at
the Rabbit Hill Ski and Snowboard Resort just outside Edmonton. It was a very cold day, but well attended by approximately
100 of Melissa’s friends and family. Although it was a bittersweet celebration, we gathered to honor Melissa and her
love of snowboarding, laughed and cried together and enjoyed some birthday cake. It will be a day that we will remember forever,
close to our hearts. I know Melissa was deeply touched by the presence of her family and friends that day.
As a tribute to Melissa, I created a painting of Melissa, which I named ‘Coalesce’, as my gift to her for her Sixteenth Birthday. This painting reflects images of Melissa - coming together in
the moment she was taken from us. A copy of this painting was available at the ski hill for everyone to sign and offer best
wishes to her on this special day.
