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Melanie A. Achilleos

Melanie Achilleos Obituary

MELANIE A. ACHILLEOS JUNE 20, 1980 - NOV. 22, 2005 You reached out your hand to God and he lifted you up a year ago today. I still think its you when the phone rings. Your little Luke forgets sometimes that Mommy has gone away. Our hearts are still breaking and we miss and love you so much each day.

Love Mom and your Little Luke www.modbee.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee on Nov. 22, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Melanie Achilleos

Sponsored by Your Loving Son Luke.

131 Entries

Vicki Jeffers

November 21, 2018

I miss and love you just as much today as I did the day you left this earth my child

Trinity Lisenbee

December 30, 2017

I knew you only as a child, you were kind and loving. I'm glad for the time I got to spend with you, even if I have trouble remembering everything, I remember you.
I will always cry for you, you have forever affected my life, along with the lives of many others.

vicki jeffer

November 28, 2013

Wish your child could have dinner with you today, we miss and love you more than we can say...... Thanksgiving will never be the same

Megan

June 20, 2013

Happy Birthday Melanie. You are missed.

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2013

My child today you should be 33 years old, time stopped for you on that day.. No grey hair or crows feet, young forever in our minds.. Time has not the healed the pain I miss you and still cry often..
If I listen really close,In the silence of the night,I hear your voice to comfort me, and say that you're alright. But it's often hard to understand, why certain things must be and the reasons why they happen and are so hard to see. But I find comfort in the knowledge that God is always there to keep the one I love so much forever in his care...
Happy Birthday my sweet child Luke and I love and miss you so much.
Love forever and a day Mom

Stephanie Johnson-helms

May 21, 2013

I don't even know what to say. She visits me in my dreams, it's weird. I woke up this morning having yet another Mel dream, so I woke up and searched for her online. We grew up together when we were little up to our per- teens. Gosh we thought we were cool. It hurts my heart that i hadnt seen her for so long. It's been way too long but I miss her, I miss Chris and Vikki and would love for one day to maybe meet her son. [email protected]. I I send out my love to all of the family. I'm so sorry I lost touch and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2012

I tried to light the candle to go with your birthday entry but it did'nt show up so hopefully it will this time my girl.
Happy Birthday Sweet Melanie

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2012

Today my child you would have been 32, your birthday is so hard to live now but I will spend the day thinking of all the ones we had together and try not to cry about the ones we won't share.. forever 25 you will be my child... I love you so........
Mom

Vicki Jeffers

September 11, 2011

September 11th 2001
My baby, my little girl was 5 months pregnant with her son luke but we had no idea that the baby would be a boy. I as always up early, early, early watching cable news, sewing baby blankets. A normal morning then a breaking news alert a live shot to the twin towers and the spoke billowing out the gapeing hole the thought that some how a small plane had hit the building.
As I watched in a short time, the second plane hit the other tower right before my eyes. I reached for the phone and called Chris first as he would be leaving for work. Under attack is what I told him turn on the news and we spoke for a few minutes and said good bye.
Dialing my Mel's number and her soft sleepy voice wake up child this country is under attack. She who had spent time in New York not so very long ago. the t-shirt she brought me back with the sky line of the city and those 2 towers standing tall, that shirt I have still.
Turn on the tv and watch was going on we talked and worried about her friend Dave his friends she had met and spent time who worked in the area as brokers and such.We talked on and off on that horrible day.
In the days that followed I told her Melanie write it all down, how you felt, what you thought.
I told her some day you will need to tell your unborn child about this day, and the country you grew up in and how it and we changed on that awful day.
Mel, I said we are the secret keepers, the truth tellers, the heart and the soul, the historians of our families. We the women who are in the end the strongest. We carry the stories of our generations, we pass it along. Over and over we repeat the things that bind us, tear us apart family histories. When childrens roll there eyes and get that glazed look oh gosh there goes mom again... but we do it and it sticks there deep in there minds and when they least expect it will flow forth.
I never expected to be the one to tell the stories of that September morning and the days that followed. But today on the 10th anniversay we watched all of the events to mark this day.
I told your Luke about that day the calls to his mommy, uncle and how we all felt that day. I told him the things I had wanted you to pass on to him and I cried and cried from missing you so never ever wanting to be the one to still carry the history of our family to this child.
I cried thinking of how often Luke says " I quess you and I grandma will be sad every day of our lives"
My Melanie has a sweet namesake in her nephew now, I know God let you peek at how sweet and lovely he is before he sent that child to join our family.
Chris and Norma so honored you they took your middle name and named there 1st born son Alexander after you.
Someday when that baby boy is older we will share with him all about his aunt he never got to know we will tell him about September 11th and how you fit in. Family history will travel along and you my Melanie will be woven in..your in our lives forever, we miss and love you so.. truth tellers, secret keepers we will carry on still until God calls us all home and there will be no more tears....
Love Mom & Your son Luke

Megan

June 21, 2011

Happy Birthday

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2011

My sweet child you would be 31 today, we are all missing you so and wishing that you were here so we could be silly and look maybe for a touch of grey in your hair.. there will never be grey in your hair you will be young and beautiful forever. Your sweet Luke loves and misses you so he still sends hugs and kisses each and everynight to you and your teddy bear is his comfort and a way to hold on to you. watch, close my sweet child as he will be sending the birthday balloons he will launch to the heavens today.. calling out loud I miss you mommy and love you so. Happy Birthday mommy from grandma and me,
I miss you my Melanie and love you so!
Love Mom

Vicki Jeffers

November 22, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Vicki Jeffers

November 22, 2010

My sweet child it can't be 5 years ago on this terrible day that God called and took you away.. Your Luke is so big and misses you so.. we will never ever get over you being taken from us.. we love you more than anyone could ever know...
Though your smile is gone forever, and your hand we cannot touch..We have so many memories of you the one we loved so much. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we will never part. God has you in his keeping and we have you in our heart... Luke blows you kisses and hugs each and every night before we turn out his little bedroom light.. we love you Melanie and the pain in no easier to bare.. I smell your perfume some days wafting thru the air...
Love Mom and your little Luke

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2010

June 20, 2010
There should be a carrot cake cooling on a rack, creamcheese icing aand pots and pots of baby roses that my girl loved so much. There should be a very special card and lots of gifts just for you. A special something made by little Luke just for you. Laughing on the phone when I call and wish you happy birthday and make fun and ask how does it feel to be 30 today. But none of these things will happen today, luke will send ballons and a special card he makes for you flying to heaven yelling loud to the sky "Happy Birthday Mommy, we miss you so, we love you so very much" the lovely angel statue we bought holding roses to put next to your cross. My lovely Melanie would have been 30 today if God hadn't taken her away. We love you child and will never get over your loss, I will spend this day thinking of all that you were and the birthdays we spent togeather and when god calls me home once again we can celebrate togeather.
Love Mom & Your little Luke

Happy New Year

January 1, 2009

Who's got all of the penny's ?

January 1, 2009

Me and Sweet Melanie

Vicki Jeffers

January 1, 2009

Stars up high and eyes wide with joy , you were much to good for this world.
Selfish, selfish that I am, wanting to see your smile and hug you close to me.
God is your protector now, I hug your little Luke its as close as I can get to you child, he looks more like you everyday.
He misses you so much and asks can't mommy come back, just for a little while for me to see!
Mom

Vicki Jeffers

January 1, 2009

2009, another year has passed my child and I am aching for a call from you. You who never missed calling me or greeting me with a Happy New Year! I wrote your name on the new calendar on June 20th like I could ever forget my girls birthday. Everyones special day gets entered each year on the new calendar no matter that I would never forget your brothers or Luke's or grandma.
How we all do this silly thing I don't know. You my child did it also as I found out looking thru your calendar.
I think of all of those New Years eve's we spent with lots of goodies to eat and the penny poker we would play when you and Chris were young.
Would you have done this with your little Luke as he grew older to????
I will have to be content with the memory of your voice in my head wishing me a Happy New Year and knowing that your happy in heaven, try not to hate that its another year without you here...
Love Mom

Ellen Rasmussen

November 28, 2008

Mel,
Here it is another year gone by, sorry I didn't get to write last year, I was in the hospital in a coma, but this year I'm doing better, still can't walk that great but I have learned to crawl when the need arises! What do they say, you have to crawl before you walk, well in my case I guess I did, twice in my life. I try to reach your Mom but she is busy with Luke, oh my, how he is growing, he planted a wonderful garden this year and loves the outdoors. I keep your Moms name and Lukes as well as yours on a prayer roll each day, praying for peace for your Mother and Luke to find inner peace that they someday will be reunited with you and all things will be perfect. Mel, you have no idea how missed you are, my only hope is that you stay with your Mother and give her strength to raise Luke and bless her heart she is doing all she can to take the pain away for Luke and she is a perfect Grandma, Luke is just as spoiled now as he was when you gave birth to him, she loved doing for you and Luke then as she does now for Luke.
For now, Fly with the angels and always give angel kisses to your Luke and Mom.
Love, Ellen

Irma Giammichele

November 25, 2008

Melanie, you must be so proud of your little Luke. I know you're watching from above. Your Mom loves and misses you so. I can't see her face but I know that every time she writes or speaks of you there is a gleam in her eye. She is so proud of the daughter who has only gone away waiting for her little Luke and Mom to join her. Pray for their strength and peace here on earth. God Bless you Melanie.

Vicki Jeffers

November 23, 2008

We hung your angel flag we made for you out front of the house. For you sweet child who never cared much for gold jewlery we filled 25 silver balloons one for each year God allowed you here on earth. With tears in my eyes I handed them off one at a time to your little jewel that you left here behind. Sweet little Luke sent them floating aloft, smiling and telling me how happy you were to get the bling, bling balloons he was sending to you.. the higher they went he turned and told me he say you grabbing them and he wished I could see you to... You spent your whole life loving sun, moon and stars they were present in ever room, jewlery, pictures and so you left us here, now an angel in heaven like you had been here on earth. The pages of the calender turning and turning.. But my sweet Melanie, nothing has changed from the awful day God took you away.. My heart remains broken, I yearn to give you a hug, hear your sweet voice and see your beautiful face... Luke and I love you more than anyone could know..how we miss you and want you here each and every day.. Luke told me you said you had been afraid and when I started to weep, he put his little arms around me and said mommy said she is not afraid anymore, the angels came and took her on that day.. so you my sweet child, talk to your child and he is so like you, caring, kind and giving... We love you so, and I wait for the day when you and I meet again...the loss of you my sweet child is only buffered by your little sweet Luke, the piece of you left here on earth
Love Mom and you little Luke

Joe Arsheid

August 25, 2008

Melanie- you will be a best friend for life! Every moment with you is cherished in my heart.

Luke- I'm very sorry you lost your mother, but I am really glad to hear your Grandma has taken you into her hands. Please don't forget everything shes done for you because most grandmas wouldn't be able to accept all of the responsibilities of a grandson especially after losing her only daughter (best friend). Your Mother and I, we were great friends in High School. I was one class ahead of her because of our age but we lived near each other and took the same bus home from Davis High School. I had my group of guy friends but when it came to girls I was very shy, Melanie was one of the easiest girls to talk to. I had lots of fun when I hung out with Melanie. We called each other so much I invested in a pager. Even if it required me to watch the movie "Clueless" like a hundred times with Melanie I always hung out with he when she called. It was her favorite movie. Melanie and I never dated and I was too shy to even ask any girl out at the time! I would have if I had a little more courage but most guys would beat me to the punch anyways. Melanie always dressed nice and looked great. When I was 16 years old and she was 15 we used to go to my friends brothers house every Wednesday to watch South Park which in our times was the inappropriate comedy show we enjoyed. We would always sit next to each other but I could never find the courage to like put my arm around her. Even when we went to the theaters together to watch movies like "The Titanic" or anything like that because I was too nervous to mess things up with her. There was a moment I remember this one particular day I was 17 and kind of delaying asking her to my prom. Melanie, confronted me and strictly asked me " Are you going to ask me to your prom or what?'' I kind of smiled and was honored. I'm afraid I would have never asked her so I am glad she did that. Before Melanie had even asked me to take her to my prom, I actually had three other girls who brought it up to me and asked me if I was already taken for prom. I always told the other girls I wasn't sure yet because I knew I was and really wanting to take Melanie but it was kind of awkward because she was kind of seeing somebody I didn't really know. So when she asked I said yes to Melanie and I felt like the luckiest guy in my class. I promise you I went with the only princess in the Valley. She was beautiful and had a great personality. I wish we remained friends but we kind of went our own ways in life with work and college. We always hung out with a different group of friends which was kind of difficult to remain side by side but, when we ran into each other we always hugged and caught up in life. It was hard when I ran into Chris (Melanie's brother) and he told me his sister had passed away. We both were speechless and I was very sorry. I felt really bad for him, you and Melanie's Mom. I froze and I didn't know what to say but I gave him a big hug and prayed for Melanie. I loved your mom she was a great part of my life and again I am really sorry. I just got off the phone with your grandma giving her my condolences it was very hard for the both of us cause she didn't know how to get a hold of me to tell me, but she tells me you are doing great and your an "adorable 7 year old who loves to play with his toys." Always take care of your grandma and your uncle because family always comes first. When your old enough to go out with your friends to eat make sure you always call grandma and ask her if she need something for you to bring her something to eat before you come home. Take care Kiddo. I wish Melanie could have introduced us. If you ever want to meet and talk more about Melanie your more than welcome. Love Joe

LUKE ACHILLEOS

March 25, 2008

I SAT AT THE TABLE IN MY LITTLE CHAIR THE SET THAT YOU BOUGHT FOR ME...
I COLORED MY EGGS JUST LIKE YOU
TAUGHT ME ...
I SENT EASTER BALLOONS FLYING UP THRU THE AIR...
CALLING OUT "I LOVE YOU MOMMY"
AND "I MISS YOU A LOT"

I SAID "MOMMY, I WISH YOU WERE HERE" AND THEN BLOWING KISSES
I SANG "HAVE A HAPPY EASTER MOMMY UP THERE IN HEAVEN"

GRANDMA TOLD ME HOW WONDERFUL
HEAVEN CAN BE AND THAT JESUS IS THERE, LOVING YOU AND ME!

LOVE YOUR LITTLE LUKE

Happy Valentine's Day

February 15, 2008

Red & Pink of course! what else would you wear on such a day!

February 15, 2008

My Little Valentine

Vicki Jeffers

February 15, 2008

Valentine's Day was always a special day... each and every holiday at our house was an excuse for me to make a big deal...
There was always cards, candy and presents...
Flowers and big hearts taped all around...
Yesterday sweet Melanie I seem to wait for your call, as Luke hurried off with his cards for his friends and the treat bags we made...
I just saw your big smile and the joy in your eyes as you loved Valentine's Day!
I remember your first one as a young little teen, and the gift from your boyfriend that day...
That teddy bear that sat on your bed til the day you went away...
I put it on my bed and had held it every night once I got your things back home with me...
Then I worried should I have put it in your arms and let it go with you...
But much to late to do that by the time I was finally able to get it back...
But then one night your little Luke had a bad dream and even tho he has the little bear that you had bought for him for Christmas that you never got a chance to give him...
He wouldn't calm down or go back to sleep until I carried your worn and loved bear from so many Valentine's days ago...
I put it in his arms and tucked him in tight and he knew the story of this so loved bear how his mommy had loved it and slept with it for years...
He gave it a kiss and closed his eyes and off to sleep he went, no more bad dreams because he had Mommy's bear to love...
So my sweet little Valentine up there in heaven, it was meant to be that your bear stayed here for your little Luke...
I wanted to buy you the baby roses that you so loved and that I always bought for you...
I know you have no need of them now but I can see the wonder and joy in your smile....
Missing you and loving you Mom

Melanie's Christmas Dance 1996 ?

Vicki Jeffers

December 29, 2007

We hung your stocking, and Luke couldn't believe how big it was. I remember when I made it for you and one for Chris they were so big that they came up almost to your neck. I ran my hands upon your name that I had embroidered there and silent tears fell down...
I kept thinking how easy it was for "Santa" to fill when you were young. How it got to be harder still as a preteen and teenager as it was so large and cd's, makeup and all the things that teenage girls need were not such a bargain...
I hung your ornaments on the big tree, the one's that you didn't take with you to your own home (worried about them getting damaged or lost)
We have a special box with all of the one's you took and the decorations for the tree and just for the season. Your little Luke has his own little tree in his room to see and carefully he hung these things of yours upon its many branches...
Each decorations had a story on his little tree and the big one as well and I told them to him just like last year and one Christmas I just know as he takes them out to hang, he will tell me the stories himself of his mommy's love of the little mermaid and why she has that special one...
All the memories on the trees he will repeat them each one. Christmas is so painful without you here to see, Luke and the joys in his eyes.
Putting out cookies, milk and then quick off to bed... just like you use to do...
God is blessing you now and holding you close and I miss you so much and still waited to hear the phone ring...
Melanie my child I love you for all eternity.............
Merry Christmas My Sweet Child

Mary Jeffers

November 23, 2007

Melanie, it's been 2 hard years for your mom and your little Luke. They miss you so much and so do I. Rest in Peace Sweet Girl !!

Love, Your Auntie Mary:)

Irma G

November 23, 2007

Melanie sweet angel. Your Mom and your little Luke miss you and love you so much. I see dozens of pictures of you, but for some reason I always picture you in a long beautiful flowing white gown with big beautiful wings, watching over your loved ones. You are at your Fathers side now. No pain, no worries surrounded by peace. God Bless you Melanie.

Splish, Splash in the bath, Melanie with her little Luke

Vicki Jeffers

November 22, 2007

This is an entry that has appeared today in our local paper that I wrote for my Melanie. A picture that is already on this site was included in the paper so I have posted a different picture to appear with the copy I am placing here...

Mommy, I miss you so,
I wish we could snuggle and be silly.
Run and play, have a story.
I blow you kisses and hugs every
night before Grandma turns out the
lights.
I wish you didn't have to go away,
we talk about you everyday.
Love your little Luke

I love you child of mine. I miss you more than words can say, my heart will be broken forever and a day.
Love Mom

LIttle Doctor Melanie at 3, taking care of her baby

Vicki Jeffers

November 21, 2007

There should be sounds of cooking in the kitchen, smells of Melanie's favorite Pecan Pie cooling on a rack.
Cutting celery, onions and such for the corn bread stuffing and of course the bread crumb kind as well...
Thanksgiving just wouldn't be right without both stuffings for Melanie. Homemade cranberry sauce as thats what we always had.
Much of the food of the holiday made the day before. Trying not to forget the whip cream for the fruit salad not just the pumkin pies.
It was always just us for the holidays Me, Melanie,Chris and Chuck.
There are no smells in the kitchen today, no hot oven or boiling pots. There is only sadness, tears and wishing you my sweet Melanie were here..
To help with the china making sure to find the gold charger plates first, place the Crystal glasses with care.. arrange the gold plated flatware .(Your first Christmas in your own home I made sure to buy you some of your own) carefully on the mirrored placemats. Help with the candles and the flowers.
We always dressed for this dinner, We took turns around the table saying what each of us was thankful for each year.
I always saying the prayer and then urgeing them to eat. Its so quiet in the kitchen... no smells, no Melanie poking into to the pots and looking into the oven to check on her special Pecan Pie...
I wish I could hug you sweet girl and say as I said so many times, you'll always be my little girl, no matter how old that you get.
I wish you no more pain to bare, I know that your much happier there in Heaven and had to go when God called you home.
I know you don't want me to cry and be sad.. but there will be no noise from the kitchen, no looking across the table and saying what I'm thankful for this year...
Luke and I will send you ballons flying to heaven tomorrow. We will shout at the sky how much we miss and love you.
Do they have Pecan Pie in heaven my child, I hope they do and you remember me and how wonderful Thanksgiving use to be...
I love you Melanie
Mom

My sweet Melanie and I

Vicki Jeffers

November 14, 2007

My Sweetest Child
How can it be almost 2 years
that you left us here.
There is so much I want to say,
about how much I have thought of you.
Each and every day I wish that I could talk with you, give you a hug and see your smile.
The memories that I have of you, how excited you would be as crab time is here again how you loved all seafood from a very young child.
If I could have one moment or better yet two I would wrap my arms around you and whisper Melanie I so love you...
Mom

Little Melanie at 5 on May Day

Vicki Jeffers

October 29, 2007

A flower that once grew on this Earth was taken from our sight, now it blooms in Heaven just as lovely and bright...

While all of those other angels get to see my Melanie's glow, I wish that she was back with me... I wish I could hug her so............
Love Mom

Melanie & Becky 8th grade graduation dance

Vicki Jeffers

October 13, 2007

It was a small little article in our local paper, but it hit me in the heart...

Its always the little things that make up a person's life... The article was only about local restaurants that had closed as the economy is bad...

The Acapulco Mexican Restaurant the name jumped off the paper at me. My Melanie's favorite, how she loved that place and their food... I the expert at cheese enchiladas of course never thought it so great...

But Melanie who tried everything and loved most Mexican Food. But of course thats what makes us all different and who we are, friends that we choose... food that we eat... music that heals our heart... books that lift us up and poems that touch our soul...
I remember always saving the coupons for this her special place.

Those first hours after I was told of her death, I don't know what people said to me or what I said back... Sleep wouldn't come after laying Luke down that night to rest.. Up all night, walking from room to room.

Cold and dark at 3 in the morning I stood in the driveway thinking I could go and look for her and bring her home safe...Of course little Luke was sound asleep, weeping I entered his room, saw the resemblance to him mommy right there in his face...

Why I opened his closet door and reached up to that shelf and drew down his little baby book. Melanie had wrote in so often and shared things of herself for the future for him...

I had never once touched it or read a single word... but my sweet angel led me there that night...

Opening it slowly and reading the words, one of the entrys was her favorite restaurant Acapulco's...
My Melanie somehow telling me from heaven, mom so many parts of me are stll here...

Reading those words she had wrote for her little Luke. I held that book for hours and watched her little Luke sleep... We both bound to this earth still while you soared above, but your angel wings touching us... your spirit stll here...

Just a small article of a restaurant closing, but a flood of memories... bits and pieces, big and small that make up our life...Remembering her love of this place somehow she reached across the span I believe to give me a respite from my daily grief and pain...

REMEMBER ME MAMA FOR MY LAUGH AND MY LOVES AND THE PEOPLES HEARTS I TOUCHED AND MY SWEET LITTLE CHILD LUKE....

Missing you so my sweet Melanie
Love Mom

Melanie loaded with gifts after baby shower December 2001

Vicki Jeffers

October 4, 2007

To lose a parent is to lose the past,
To the lose a spouse is to lose the present,
To lose a child is to lose the future.

No matter how great my pain, I look at Melanie's sweet little Luke and can only think he has lost his present and much of his future.
He and I talk everyday of his mommy and keep her close to us.

Melanie & Becky

Vicki Jeffers

October 4, 2007

If your lucky in this life you will find a true friend, and Melanie found such a person in Becky...
They shared so much and now only Becky holds those secrets in her heart of all of the times and adventures and just plain troubles that they got into...
I remember when they were preteens 11 or 12 and I would take them somewhere and we would roll down the car windows and I would play the radio really loud and for those short moments before they grew older they would think I was cool!
Of course grow up they did and I was no longer cool as a mom, but there friendship was always so important to Melanie...
My Melanie was a real friend to people, in good times or bad she always saw the best in people and never ever gave up on anyone...
She was blessed with some good friends and as I said Becky was number #1...
I hope and pray each day that her friends still carry her in there hearts and remember her love for them...

My baby girl with her baby boy

Vicki Jeffers

October 2, 2007

My Eternal Love

You are the sadness in my eyes
The sadness that silently
weeps your departure...
Struggling daily without you
for I truly cannot ever let you go.
I carry you deeply inside my broken heart
While so very painfully apart...
I must wait now for that special day to once again gaze upon your sweet, loving face...
We shall then have all of eternity to laugh, hug and just be.
Your little Luke showed me this morning how you laughed as he had a silly feather pen and we both knew you would love such a thing...
He laughed and laughed and told me thats how mommy sounded when she was here with me...
Love you Mom

Vicki Jeffers

August 18, 2007

These are just bits and pieces of my sweet Melanie's life and her greatest Legacy her son Luke. They are the words from her sweet child and the ways that he remembers his mommy and keeps her in his life...
They are insightful, loving, innocent and truly as they say...
"OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES"

Luke at Christmas dinner looked at the empty chair next to him at the dining room table during the meal and proclaimed " I wish mommy was sitting there, I miss her" he said and I quietly agreed and tried not to cry as Christmas is just not Christmas without her you see...

Luke has blown his mommy a kiss each and every night since she left us to go to heaven, but being her son and as bright and creative as she always was, one night he announced that was sending her a hug along with the kiss. He spun his arms around and around while holding them close to his heart and then stopped and blew his hug to heaven. He never forgets each and every night to send a kiss and hug to heaven.

THe 4th of July was so painful for me, but Luke said "Oh grandma look at all of the pretty colors and bright lights from the fireworks that mommy can see!!!

Luke is sure in the knowledge that each and every night he can pick what he wants to do in his dreams. He tells me what we will be doing and with who ( I have to pretend to go to sleep also as he wants me in each dream and he says I can't catch up if I go to bed later)so he picks a place he wants to go Del Taco, Chuck E Cheese or where ever and he tells me Parker his little friend will meet us there and he always says Mommy will be there to, because as he told me " Its the only way I can see and play with Mommy, now that she has gone away" so he has found a way to visit with his mommy and feel her hold him tight. They laugh and play in his dreams at night. He feels her love touching him and its so amazing that this child has found a way to keep his mommy around. On the days when I can't stop the tears from falling he gives me a big hug and reminds me, "Grandma we will see mommy in our dreams tonight so don't be sad it will be alright.

Even tho Luke has found his mommy in his dreams, he still stops many times during many days and tells me "I wish mommy didn't have to go away....

We love you and miss you more than can be imagined and your legacy, your son is as caring as you. Dear god after your loss what would I do without him...

Love Mom & Your Loving Son Luke

Mary Jeffers

June 21, 2007

Happy Birthday Melanie...your mother and Little Luke miss you so much and so do I. But, one day we'll all be together again. So, rest in peace until then...

Love, Auntie Mary:)

Irma Giammichele

June 21, 2007

Melanie, you are celebrating yet another birthday with your Heavenly Father. What a celebration you must be having. I'm sure the angels above have chosen the most beautiful birthday song for you. Your Mother and your precious Luke miss you and think about you with every breath they take. You had the privelege of having the most loving Mother, brother and son. Rest in peace, someday you will all be together again.

Luke Achilleos

June 21, 2007

Mommy, I hope you loved the birthday balloons I sent flying to you yesterday. I knew you loved butterflies so I picked that one out special for you. I picked out all of the colors to look like a rainbow and yelled loud and clear for you to hear up in heaven "Happy Birthday mama I love you and I miss you!!!! and with my arm held high I let them go and grandma and I watched them go higher and higher til they were out of site and I just knew you grabbed them up there in heaven and held them tight a birthday present from your little boy....
Love your little Luke

Birthday girl and some of the loot!!!

June 20, 2007

Chuck E Cheese for Melanie's 4th birthday

June 20, 2007

Missy Melanie's 3rd birthday

June 20, 2007

Melanie and daddy (inside of card)

June 20, 2007

Happy Birthday My Little Princess (caption on the card)

Vicki Jeffers

June 20, 2007

God sent a sweet angel to grace this earth and bless my life. Melanie the most contented, joyous baby and child, she was meek and good natured from birth. Melanie wasn't supposed to arrive until August or so the obstetrician told me.
Melanie true to herself even then decided that was not to be. She began her entrance to this world early in the day after my arrival at work. I remained at work all day in labor much to the consternation of coworkers who insisted that I ought to go home.
Of course I never thought I was really in labor as the pains weren't to bad and she wasn't DUE!!!
Waiting so long to go to the hospital and then having to go to the sitter to pick up her little brother Chris, running out of gas in the middle of a busy main road at 5ish on a friday, it got worse really me in labor on the side of the road with a old beater car in the middle and a fussy, sguirmy one year old in my arms what a sight...
Of course real labor at this point so no fun for me I will spare you all that happened after to finally get to the hospital but its a story for sure...
Trying to find someone to take care of little Chris as I wasn't prepared for all of that yet as she wasn't DUE!!!!!!!!!!!
At long last I arrived at the hospital and there she came on a stretcher in the hall with only nurses rushing for the delivery room.
A easier birth couldn't be asked for and she was picture perfect, pink, glowing and so small,less than 6 pounds.
They told me she was only a month early as there dates were off (DUH!!)
There is so much more to write how she left the hospital without a name and such, this beautiful child's arrival in my arms, but the telling of it is to much to bare to write of it today.
I am blessed to be your Mother my sweet Melanie and wish we had more days together.
On my Melanie's 25th birthday I made a card for her something I had never done before I have placed it in the photo album to share with all and have it for little Luke here with the memories of his mommy.
I still can't believe it's the last card I will ever give to my girl.
My love is forever and my pain at your leaving this earth to go home to God is unending...
Happy Birthday Sweet Melanie
Thank you for picking me to be your mom
Love Mom

Vicki Jeffers

June 9, 2007

My sweet child, the days are growing closer to your birthday and the pain is so great.. Your Little Luke and I were shopping the other day and I was half way to the checkout with a top for you... I can't imagine not making a carrot cake always your favorite... or buying at least one pot of the baby roses you so loved and we could never get to grow once we took them out and planted them... I think of all of the party's over the years... skating, golfing, pool... McDonalds, Chuck E Cheese you name it over the years we had them all... All of your laughing, giggling friends... My girl I want to watch you blow out candles once again... smile over the gifts and and let me hug you... I miss you so and life is not the same without you near. I still can't believe at times that your not here...
Love Mom

Vicki Jeffers

June 6, 2007

In the summer of 1997 Melanie and I began a journey of healing and understanding...we began to have outings just the two of us at least every other week... it might just be lunch, brunch or shopping... just us to talk, laugh and revisit things from the past that had caused her pain and injury... to give voice to the struggles of her life and mine...
For her to voice her dreams and hopes and to validate her feelings...
One outing we took was to the Celtic Fair at a local park in the outer reaches of Modesto... we thought that we were never going to reach the destination it was so far off the beaten path... we finally arrived and it was like a time forgotten...
We were not to impressed with the food, but the costumes and activities were wonderful... we traveled from one booth to the next until we came to one selling hand crafted silver jewelry... never impressed with diamonds or gold....silver was always Melanie's choice... she found the perfect ring in the form of a butterfly, the joy on her face when I bought it for her, later a CD of Celtic Music for me...
I have never played that CD without smelling the food and feeling the heat and reliving the fun of that day with my Melanie... I can't play that CD again yet...
As we drove home from the fair we talked how fun it would be to visit more in the future...how I could make us costumes and we could go all dressed like the others...
Months later someone stole that ring from Melanie's bedroom, she was frantic tearing up that messy room to try and find it... it was gone forever and she was so upset.
I assured her we would buy another but we never got a chance... it was just a ring to whoever stole it but to Melanie it was so much more... it was a symbol of our healing and reaching out to each other after so many hard times... and new and better times to come....
I saw the sign yesterday about the fair and the day to come for the fun, How I wish that Melanie and I could take that long drive out to the park once again...
Walk among the booths and eat the huge turkey legs that they had to purchase...
Sit and watch the horses and people dressed in such lovely costumes... how I long just to hear her voice and sweet laugh and once again see her light up with a smile if we could buy another butterfly ring....
Do they have that lovely Celtic music up there in heaven and if so, Melanie I hope it reminds you of our day, our love for each other and how much I miss you.
Love Mom

Summer fun & another of my girls hats!

May 13, 2007

Sweet as candy my Melanie

Vicki Jeffers

May 13, 2007

Mother's Day was always so wonderful with Melanie, she was always the first to wish me that greeting with great cheer!
Happy Mother's Day!
all of her presents she thought with great care, I have found so many of the book marks she has bought me over the years, she knew I loved to read and when young always bought these for me..Books as she got older and could afford more.. She never had to ask for a hint she knew what I loved. I miss this sweet child of mine, my ears kept listening for the phone today... wishing so to hear her sweet voice once again... I love you so sweet child of mine... You made my life better for having you as a child and friend ... How empty this world is with you not in it... someday I will see you again... such sadness on this Mother's Day it will never be the same since you went away...
Love Mom

Mommy & the squirmy boy thats me!!!

May 13, 2007

Mommy's arms holding me tight!

May 13, 2007

Bath time !!!!!

May 13, 2007

Mommy & Me March 2002

May 13, 2007

Mommy's Angel Card 2007

Luke Achilleos

May 13, 2007

Mommy,
I hope you like the balloons I sent soaring to heaven above with the kisses I was blowing...The card I attached I will write here to...

"Wishing you blessing and joy to heaven above for a mommy who's an angel...
I signed my name that you picked out with care... love and kisses mommy to you up there

I miss you mommy and wish you were here...grandma got out the water balloons that are left from the trip we took to the mall and you bought for me...
I talked about the fun we had in the backyard just you and me... she filled many with water and let me pop them with a great splash...
I love You Mommy
Your Little Luke

Melanie and her dancing partner

May 6, 2007

Cinco de Mayo

Vicki Jeffers

May 5, 2007

Cinco de Mayo

I wish I could remember which year, Melanie in her costume for a special Mexican dance she had stayed after school for so many weeks to learn and perform at the Cinco de Mayo assembly that year. Of course she was wonderful as always, she was chosen for so many different and special events in her school years..
She loved them all and always had that great smile, so shy others times but fearless on the stage....
Happy 5th of May my sweet girl, wishing you were here to do a special dance for us once more...
Mom

Vicki Jeffers

May 3, 2007

My Melanie never missed an opportunity to do good for someone else. She supported and blessed numerous people through her life with her selfless actions.
She made people better for having known her.. With Mother's Day around the corner I ache with the emptyness of the days without her...
Her smile, laughing voice and wonderful kindness and love...
Mom

Just hanging around !!!

Vicki Jeffers

April 24, 2007

There just cookbooks lined up like tin soldiers in the kitchen window, the wouldn't draw a glance from anyone else... worn, frayed and faded.
Betty Crocker some 25 years old, some of the pages are loose and stained with the greasy, floured little fingers that thumbed the pages.
Rolled Sugar Cookies each and every Christmas for you and Chris to decorate and ice... a tradition started from a very young age...
Cranberry sauce made from scratch, your dislike of the canned stuff when you first gave it a try...
Corn bread stuffing and Sage stuffing made from bread crumbs...only 4 people for Thanksgiving dinner but 2 stuffings a must.
My Melanie really never needed these cook books, she was a wonderful cook.. by the time she was 7 or 8 she was eating Indian, Chinese, Thai and Authentic Mexican, Italian and more..
Melanie had no fear of any new thing and tried them all even as a child... Snails, Oysters and Calamari and the Sushi she loved...
She made the most healthy of meals, lots of fresh veggies... Something she certainly didn't get from me...
Melanie taught me how wonderful they could be and made me a better cook than I deserved to be...
There just cookbooks on the shelf, but I had passed them on to her in 2001 when she set up her very first home away from me...
She didn't need them thats for sure, but another traditon I wanted us to have, those old cookbooks with her fingerprints in old oil from cookies and cakes and things that we had made...
I see them there each and everyday, how many times do I want to just look away, there in nothing so sad as seeing them there...
Passed on and now back here with me, this is just not how its supposed to be...
But up there in Heaven Melanie has no need of these old tattered cookbooks so she left them here for me...
Will her son Luke every have need of these I can't know, but we took one down at Christmas and turned the page til we found, the smudged recipe for Sugar Cookies she and I had made so many times...
Luke and I mixed and then chilled, got the cutters out and made the shapes... he added the sprinkles and when cooked and then cooled and the icing, we had a nice mess..
Just like all of those years with my Melanie.
Maybe someday, I can pass them to him... I never ever want to get them back again...
Love Mom

My sweet Melanie and her Easter eggs

April 13, 2007

Peek a boo, me and a bunny are looking at you!

April 13, 2007

Yahoo! the bunny has arrived !!!!

April 13, 2007

On the hunt !!!!

April 13, 2007

Little Melanie and Christian Easter 1983 ?

Vicki Jeffers

April 13, 2007

Chrisp frilly dresses and lacy tights, shiny shoes and Easter bonnets that sat on your head... Sleepy eyes when you ran from your bed...where were the eggs hidden...as you and Chris got older the plastic eggs stuffed with a clue on to the next egg a treasure hunt which at the end resulted in a egg stuffed with a twenty dollar bill, one for each of you... when you were little just the colored eggs you both had dyed to be found and always a stuffed basket with toys and candy treats... I saw you in my minds eye and your joy of the hunt as I watched your Luke on his Easter Egg Hunt... Uncle Chris made sure that your son had plenty a baseball basket loaded with toys and
candy treats, a bunny holding a baseball...we made sure that Luke didn't miss one thing that you would have done, for the little son that you so loved...
I will cherish the pictures and memories of you dressed in your Easter best, running in bushes in pajama's and then upturning your basket so you could begin it all again...

Christian Achilleos

April 11, 2007

Melanie was my sister and I miss her so much every day. She will be loved forever.

Mommy & Me having such fun!

April 10, 2007

Easter 2005 Mommy & I

Luke Achilleos

April 10, 2007

My mommy always made sure that she made each holiday special for me... She switched days off with a co-worker or worked early or late whatever she needed to do, so she could spend time with me...
I missed coloring eggs and finding them to, just wishing I could do it once more with you...
Grandma sat me in the very same place that we had such fun the first time I got to make funny and bright colored eggs, sitting at the tiny table and chairs you had bought just for me... There in bedroom and I use them each day...
I share these pictures of the fun we had that day, because my mommy always made time for me and her to play...
I love you mommy and made an Easter egg just for you, I wrote mommy on it and dyed it the color blue, like the sky up above where heaven is at...
Grandma makes sure that I understand you can see me and the egg that I made and your sending me your love and protecting me each and everyday...
Love your little Luke

Mommy & Me on my 1st Easter 2002 in my bunny sleeper!

Luke Achilleos

April 9, 2007

Mommy,
Grandma told me how special yesterday was, how your celebrating with Jesus up there in Heaven. I miss you & love you and glad you had a special Easter surrounded with love.
Love your Little Luke

Melanie at the Panda Exhibit at the National Zoo

April 9, 2007

Melanie at the Arlington National Cemetary

Vicki Jeffers

April 9, 2007

Piles and piles of pictures, so many years worth all taken from the old photo albums, meant to be made into special scrapbooks for Melanie and Christian..
But along came Luke and that task put aside, now hunting for photos of special times... But at last 2 precious photos of Melanie in DC, how young she looks and the braces on her teeth peaking thru... only 2 could I find of all that she took on this trip were she appears in the view..

Vicki Jeffers

April 7, 2007

The Cherry Blossoms are blooming along the Tidal Basin in Washington DC, people walk along the same path that you walked those many years ago... Spring Break in the 8th grade and your trip to Washington DC...
How excited you were and all of the lovely pictures you took that I have to this day...
The Capital, White House and the many memorials scattered thru the town... The Smithsonian and the National Zoo... many others spots visited to... all of these pictures saved in a book and like most of us do, not one single image of you... we all snap pictures of places we go and never think to hand off the camera to someone else to catch us in the view.
The hotel in VIrginia that you stayed at, the calls each night home after dinner to tell me of your day and always assuring me that "Yes, mom the security guard is outside the door, walking sentry all night...don''t worry so!"
The mall that you visited and bought many things, but my happiness that you didn't think this was such a great big deal.
One last call before you left on your flight home... Hours later, The small scared voice on the phone, "Mom, come get me I want to come home... the plane had some problems and you were stuck for hours and hours in the terminal in Dallas.
How could I help you, I knew you were scared so far away and nothing, nothing I could do.
All of you kids stuck there for so long, not a penny between you for food or for drink... of course you'd all spent each and every dime before you had boarded for the long ride home... never thinking you might need something.. all headed home where all would be provided...
All I could do was assure you that all would be right, soon they would fix the plane or put you on another flight...
I love you I said over and over again, hang on and soon this part with be over and you'll be home once again...
After hanging up from that call of course I was a wreak... worrying and scared that you would be alright... of course you were fine and soon on your way and never was I so happy as I was that day, when in the door later you walked...
Forever after you would proudly say "Look mom, I was there" when on the news or in the paper a picture would flash of our Nations Capital...
I am so thankful you loved that trip on the cusp of High School and that 8th grade spring break...

Melanie loved to travel, seeing different people and places and really being there not just walking thru life or experiences...
Melanie showed me the world with new and different eyes, and if I get to Heaven I just know she will be the most wonderful guide...I will try and show your little Luke the world as you saw it my sweet girl, the wonder, peace and happiness that you brought to each and every adventure that you took.

Luke and I send kisses blowing to you each night after storytime and before he closes his eyes...

Mom

Melanie, Mom & Christian (Our Family Chain)

Vicki Jeffers

April 5, 2007

We did not know that morning that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

You left us joyful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
your always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing is the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

We so love and miss you Melanie
Mom and your Luke

Missy Melanie and one of her many hats!!!!

Vicki Jeffers

March 13, 2007

I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence I often speak your name, all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part.
God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.
I have your sweet little son Luke, who told me yesterday, I wish mommy could take me to school and come back and play.
We think of summer on its way and he talks and talks of you, about how you always went in his little pool..
He has made me promise, I will swim with him, since your in heaven now. I hope you see what a great big boy he is getting to be.
Your Luke is a wonderful piece of you left here to love. We miss you so.
Love Mom & Luke

Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Bright & Pretty Pony's for my sweet Melanie

Vicki Jeffers

February 24, 2007

You were always such a girlie girl my love... sweet and gentle... true to your family and friends... when people let you down and hurt you, you always tried to just be their friend... the world was a better place for you being in it and now its lost a shining star here on earth, the night skies are brighter with the glow from your presence in heaven...
Love Mom

"Ever has it been that love knows not it's depth until the hour of seperation"
Kahil Gibran

Me and Mommy

Vicki Jeffers

February 23, 2007

The holidays are passing without you here once again, the pain is no less...
The joy of little Luke's delight with Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's day is bittersweet...
I wish only for you to be here, to hold and guide him and rejoice in his excitement of each days discoveries.
We talk of you each day, and hold you near. Your little Luke saying don't cry grandma, mommy would'nt like it..
He is so much like you, sweet and caring of others and missing his mommy so much..

"Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory
no one can steal"

Love Mom & Little Luke

Becky Aldana

January 23, 2007

Melanie, I miss our friendship so much. We were the best of friends for so many years. Like everyone always said, if there's a Melanie there's a Becky or vis versa. You were my first true best friend. We learned so much together, had tons of fun together and even got in plenty of trouble together! I have so many memories of us, I get lost in my thoughts for hours thinking about all the things we used to do. So many stories untold, so many secrets that I will keep forever. I am thankful to have had you as my best friend, & I'm thankful to know you are at home in Heaven. I will see you again someday Mel.

Vicki Jeffers

December 18, 2006

"Grief is the price of love" and you my dear sweet child were loved so much...
I long to hear your voice, to see you roll your eyes at me, to hug and tell you how much I love and miss you...
Love Mom

Ellen

November 26, 2006

Memories, what an impact that word has on us!We are so blessed to have video cameras in our minds to bring such clear colorful memories alive, we close our eyes and we can lose ourselves in such wonderful memories of you, all different stages of your life, the holidays, the joyful moments, the sorrowful ones, all of our memories are just right there with us and we are all so grateful for them. Here we are at the holiday season once again,oh how excited you were for this time of year!Remember coming down while I was decorating for Christmas and you were so excited I had some of the same things your Mom had, nutcrackers, Santas, music boxes and you couldn't wait until your Mom got yours out and put up, then of course we had the outside lights, your Mom up on a ladder just to hang those lights so we could be the best decorated street in the neighborhood, we most likely are still paying the eletric bill for that! And now dear one your Mom is doing the same for your little Luke, hard as it is she is doing the best she can for Luke to have joyous celebrations just as she did for you, and yes, dear one, your Mother is hanging in there to do it for him just as you would, you were so blessed to have had such a wonderful dear Mother and now Luke gets all that wonderful attention that went to you, I know you can rest in peace knowing she is the best and doing the best for Luke, he will grow up knowing his Grandma loves him like no other in this world, yet as you did while you were with him and he will forever feel your love for him from above. We are all still reeling from the shock of losing you at such a young age and it gets no easier except for the fact we know we all will be reunited someday to share all that we missed together. You legacy will forever remain alive to remind everyone of the wonderous person you were here on earth and we know you are the same in heaven, always caring, always sharing and always full of love. Rest In Peace Dear one.
Lovingly, Ellen

Irma Giammichele

November 25, 2006

You have left your Mother and your little Luke so many beautiful memories. What a caring and loving Mother you were. Luke was very lucky to have you for a Mommy. And he is ever so fortunate that now Grandma will raise him with the values she instilled in you. I pray that the day will come when your Mother can look up to the heavens and smile without feeling so much agony. I tell her that you are always there with her and Luke. You were so pretty when you were here with us, so I can only imagine just how beautiful you must look now with your wings and halo. Rest in Peace Melanie.

Melanie leaving for the prom 1997or 98

Vicki Jeffers

November 24, 2006

November 22, 2006

You reached out your hand to God and he lifted you up a year ago today. I still think its you when the phone rings, and sometimes your little Luke forgets that mommy has gone away. Our hearts are still breaking and we miss and love you so much each and every day..
Love Mom & your little Luke

Donna Samons

November 22, 2006

I think of you and your family everyday... Today you have been gone for one year and for your family the grief is still strong. I hope that time will help heal some of this pain for them, and someday you and your family will be together again.

Vicki Jeffers

November 8, 2006

You my sweet girl were 4 years old the first time I took you to the polls with me to vote, telling you and your brother how important it was and when you got bigger that it would be your turn.
It was so much more fun back then, cookies, coffee and punch... big stickers that proclaimed " I voted " not like most polling places today... You listened and learned all about government and how important it was to participate.
You loved your trip to Washington, DC and seeing all of the places you had only seen on TV. How wonderful you were in 1996 helping to register voters, help me with fund raisers, spending part of your 4th of July at the park handing out campaign info.
Your excitement when at last your first opportunity to vote arrived and your dismay when I told you to arrive at your own choices and not to be guided by mine..
You never missed a vote, and yesterday at 4 years old I marched your little Luke into the polling place and told him how important it was, the same words I had spoken to you so many years ago...
No cookies or punch this time, but a big sticker he did recieve. He was excited like you had been on this adventure that we had been on called democracy...
How I missed your calls about the different issues of yesterdays vote, how you would call me after you had left the polls... you little Luke will someday also reach the age where just like you, he will register and vote... carrying on your legacy....
Love Mom

Joyce Belvin

November 2, 2006

Thank you Vicki for sharing more memories of Melanie.....how blessed you are to have this place to share your love and thoughts.
God bless you and Luke....

Nothing more fun than just mommy & me

November 1, 2006

Lookie, lookie I'm a pumpkin in a tree

November 1, 2006

Oh mommy, look lets touch !

November 1, 2006

What fun for Mommy and Me !

Luke Achilleos

November 1, 2006

Mommy,
I missed you so yesterday. I remember our fun Halloween at the Pumpkin Patch. The pizza you brought for dinner that night. The special chocolate chip cookies... Then on with my Tiger costume and out the door... Trick or Treating (my very first time). After the houses were visited then onto the church, fun games for prizes both candy and toys. Face painting and bounce house and then home for the night. I wore the Lion costume that you had got for me and never had the chance to see. But grandma assured me up there in heaven, you saw and heard me roar like a lion would do.
I missed you and talked with Grandma of the fun that you and I had...Grandma bought pizza and chocolate cookies like you, and told me that I would always have pizza on this special night, a tradition you started mommy on our last Halloween Night... I love you and miss you mommy...
Love your little Luke

Melanie so loved Big Bird as a child

October 31, 2006

I look so cool !!!!

October 31, 2006

Melanie's First Halloween

October 31, 2006

Melanie & Christian

Vicki Jeffers

October 31, 2006

White, etereal, off the shoulder and looking like a bridal gown in many ways... Why I had bought it and hung it in the closet is still a mystery... But there it hung until that Halloween afternoon, where you 17 or 18 I can't recall... " I been invited to a party and need a costume" you announced...
You always knowing that Mom could figure out something. So into my closet we marched... Dragging out one dress after another the pile growing higher until the white one appeared in your hand...
Where we got those fairy wings I still can't remember, my closet or yours and why we would have them just can't be known now.
The hot glue gun plugged in and in a cascading manner the tiny silk roses glued to the dress. The wispy wings slipped on and more roses affixed. Long stem silk baby roses (your favorite)dragged from a bag in the closet and wrapped in white netting and tied with white silk ribbon...
Prom jewelry, hair and makeup complete...A fairy bride is how you looked as you stood back with pride... A quick kiss and another fast look and out the door with your old friend... It seemed like you had been gone such a short time, in you came a few hours later, mad that your friend had decided to cruise up and down Patterson and not stay at the party...
So home you asked her to bring you and then on with the sweats and passing out candy. Having fun with the Trick or Treaters instead...
How could I know that in those moments we share, getting you ready in that white wispy gown... that was as close as I would ever come to seeing you look like a bride... Why oh why !!! didn't I snap a picture or two...
I found that bouquet of silk roses we had made, tucked into your shelf and still looking like they had on that day... All of your things so precious to touch...
I think of how fun and happy you were on Halloween nights while a child.. All of those years in so many different looks...The mess of carving pumkins, then roasting the seeds...Your love of candy apples, no matter how sticky and how you so missed them the years wearing braces..
How the tradition of hot dogs for dinner each Halloween night, just started as a quick way to send you and Chris out for trick or treating... but it lasted for years, that you wore a costume and went out knocking for treats...
Two candy apples tucked back on the top shelf of the refrigerator still, each opening of that door and I see them sitting right there... Luke and I bought your four last year, two we had taken to you on a visit. But the last two we never got to bring to you...
Somehow I can't throw them away or even hide them from sight. As if somehow you will appear and swing open the door, reach in and grab one and take a big bite...
I hope there in heaven you have all that you want of big, sticky candy apples and white wispy angel dresses to wear with your angel wings..
I will hold onto these apples that Little Luke and I bought for you maybe just a little while longer.
Happy Halloween Our Sweet Angel
Love Mom

October 18, 2006

"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief"

-Aeschylus-

Vicki Jeffers

October 9, 2006

September 11, 2001
The very early morning call I made to you...I always up and watching cable news and seeing our world change live... you answered with your sleepy voice and quickly turned on your tv and together we watched the horror of that day...you in your bed about 4 1/2 months pregnant with little Luke, of course we didn't know who or what he would be then..
The worry you had for your friends in New York, Dave and his friends you had visited with on your trip.. The one's who worked on Wall Street and in the World Trade Center..
Sick with worry and the uncertainty of that day... Only much later learning that all were safe from harm, but not from the shock of it all.. All thru the day we talked on and off on the phone and when I brought flags for your house and your car, you were so proud to have them flying high..
The strike at the Pentagon, once more a place you had visited... and then later in the weeks that followed, the fear of Anthrax and so worried when mail showed up at your apartment in a foreign language.. you putting up with me and the surgical gloves that I brought you to check your mail.. how silly of me... but your sweetness and worry for your child growing larger inside you, propelling you in the use of them...
That awful day, and having you to call and talk to, the future for your child that was so changed that day...I miss our talks, your wonderful laugh and you rolling your eyes when I get so silly, but listening and putting on those silly gloves.. How you loved New York and the great fun that you had.. How sad that the Twin Towers that you had visited while there gone forever.. Your in my thoughts every second of every single day... my sweet girl I miss you so...