From Lisa Reents
Melissa, a very kind, loving, beautiful soul who is with the Lord right now. Melissa would never hurt anyone.
Melissa liked to sneak around the corner, peaking her head out with her big happy smile and cute giggle. She would say “hi, can I come in?”. She always provided such cheerful company.
Melissa liked her cookies. According to Susan B, when one student asked her for a cookie, she promptly said “nope” …she was always a giving person, but she had the draw the line somewhere. :)
Melissa loved Kirkland; she would take Beaux for walks near the water. She loved going to the restaurants. We often met, several of us from the college. Cactus was our favorite resturant, and hers. Her favorite dish was always steak fajitas, and the best Tequila margarita on the rocks that was available. Melissa hosted Pacha’s baby shower at her Kirkland apartment. We stood around the fire on her patio. Melissa was the kind of person who brought people together.
I watched her really grow while she was attending her doctoral program at Boise State University. I was proud of her and told her so. Her project was about improving assessments to help patients stay out of the hospital. I told her she had many years of opportunities, that her opportunities were limitless. What we do know is that if it was up to Melissa, there would be no pain in the world.
Melissa was the “wound care” expert. Students learned so much from her practical wisdom and down to earth approach. They always came back saying that time with her was so valuable. She knew how to connect. They valued this very much in Melissa-a true sign of a natural teacher.
Ezelise (Melissa, am I pronouncing her name the right way?) and Jordy remembered how great a teacher you were and how you always made them feel comfortable and at ease.
Melissa helped me learn the students’ names over and over again. What would I have done without her?
Students loved Melissa. Those of us close to her loved her too. She knew every student as an individual, something special about each person, their strengths, and weaknesses, and was always there to provide the constant support and encouragement to every student she touched. This gift of human understanding came naturally to Melissa. It was a gift Melissa will always be known for and, so many more gifts.
Melissa, you are a woman who will never be forgotten. We wish you were still here. We had many plans and things to look forward to… But God knew better…I cannot understand it right now…. But someday I will…. It may be a while, but that understanding will come… because Melissa, you will make sure of it…. Just hearing your quiet, steady, calm voice right now Melissa…” Lisa, it will be alright”. Yes “it will be alright”
Melissa, our angel looking down on us, you will always have a place in my heart.
