Boo, when I think of Melisa, I will always think of her smile. Her eyes smiled before her lips ever moved! Everyone liked or loved Melisa...she was a people person with so much warmth. Years ago, in one of our conversations at 'Rain or Shine', we were laughing about something we had heard. My comment to her was, "You're so sweet, but, you're feisty! I like feisty!" That was Melisa and so very much more. My love and prayers are with you and Aiden.

Arline Romanoff

Boo,

So sorry for your loss, but, of course, it's Heaven's gain. It was a privilege to know such a strong, caring, kind person as Melisa. Just a few days before her hospitalization, I visited with her at Dandee Doodlez. She and Aidan were painting Christmas presents. As usual, she was focused on others and not herself. I feel that I am a better person for knowing her and witnessing her faith, love, and hope. Sometimes I feel so inadequate in what medicine can achieve, but I have found that even with terminal illness, people like Melisa can actually be models of what each of us should be. I loved her and will remember her always. Jaynie

Sparkling eyes that Twinkled and smiled whenever she greeted you, talked about Boo and their sweet boy Aiden, and took care of the needs of her friends that came to her store---that is one thing I will always remember about Melisa. I've been able to see love in all that she and Boo do for each other and for those around them and it makes me want to follow that example. Their example is God and the love He gave them to share (which they do. Thank you Melisa and Boo for letting me be part of your life. Melisa I'll be honored to keep helping Boo with Aiden when he is sick; thankyou for your smile, your trust, and your courage (and fight). I'll miss you but I'll see you again someday. Ellen

Melissa was the first individual to give me a book signing in Starkville. My book, "Go Mommy Go" was perfect for the type of store she had but was also PERFECT for the person who owned Polka Tots. Melissa ALWAYS talked about Aiden and how wonderful it was to be a mommy. She glowed with joy everytime she mentioned her precious son. Melissa was surrounded by so much love, (Boo and Aiden) and she let everyone know that. I will always remember Melissa as a very happy and sweet friend who loved life--I will also remember Melissa as a TRUE "Go Mommy Go!"
Thank you Melissa!
Love, Corey martin

If I recall it correctly, it was either first Christmas or first Boo's Birthday after he and Melisa got married. The exact time is not important, but what is important is the fact that Melisa gave Boo a brand new Red Ryder BB gun rifle! To some, this might seem insignificant, but to all of us men who never really grew up, it is a proof of ultimate love, wife can have for her husband. And wisdom as well, since smart wives know that all what husbands ask in return for being there, is little play time. Laugh at me or not, but I knew right then, that Melisa and Boo are going to make it. I am glad I was right.

Tibor Pechan.

Like Meghan I don't know where to start! I started working for Melisa when I was 15 years old. Going through all the awkward years of highschool, she became a second mom. She always knew before I did what I did wrong(that had a lot to do with how close she was to her employees). The week I started working for Melisa was the week she brought Aidan home from Russia. I did not know Melisa before she had Aidan in her life, but her love for him always inspired me. I loved listening to her stories about all the funny things Aidan does like naming his elf on a shelf Bobby Jones or asking for giant blow ups every Christmas. Melisa made Christmas so special for Aidan that he wanted it to be Christmas year round. The first day she opened Polka Tots I was working and we were so excited. She always had the most creative ideas on how to improve the store and how to make it a place for families. She loved her family more then anything. Melisa taught me so many things about working, but most of all taught me how a beautiful Christian woman should live! We will miss you Melisa!

Olivia Hogue

My Second Mom

Where do I begin?! Melisa is pretty much my second mom. I worked at Rain or Shine for 4 years. I went through the whole adoption process with Melisa and Boo to get sweet Aiden. I saw the struggles and heartache and can tell you Aiden is a true blessing to them. I remember when they left to get Aiden, Melisa said to me "the tanning bed is in your hands, if it burns down, we will deal with it and you when we get back" ha! I also remember when they got back and Boo brought Aiden to the tanning bed. I think we were all over come with joy to see Aiden, we cried! Melisa was my mom away from home and went through my pregnancy with me while I worked at Rain or Shine. She was always my biggest support system and had my back on everything. She would always give me advice on how to handle the madness that came along with everything at that time in my life. I have been blessed to spend these last four weeks with her. I live in Jackson so I got to visit her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the past four weeks. I am grateful that I had the chance to spend that time with her and Boo and tell them how much they mean to me. I am half the woman/mother/friend I am today because of Melisa. You will forever be in my heart.

Meghan Eldridge