Dear Buland Family,

I am so sorry for the loss of Melisse. Melisse was an amazing person who was extremely talented to say the least. I remember when we met in 5th grade. I introduced her to our class and we instantly became friends. I will always remember playing soccer in your front yard after school with Melisse and having so much fun. I loved playing video games, swimming in the backyard, and just running around being kids with Melisse. It was always so much fun riding around in the mini van and I remember listening to Michael W. Smith tapes that you guys had. Melisse always knew how to make me laugh and she always encouraged me to try harder in everything I did. Soccer was the biggest area that I was inspired to work harder at by Melisse. I practiced twice as hard just to be as good as Melisse and although she had ten times more energy than I had, she always took a break when I was tired and then resumed playing. Melisse was always playing practical jokes and she knew how gullable I was to just about any story she could make up. I still laugh looking back at the things she convinced me of and later said no not really Molly.

She was very witty and always knew how to make the soccer team laugh or smile after being exhausted from practices. In the classroom Melisse was brilliant. She knew all the answers to questions asked and I always wanted to work with her on projects because I knew it would be a blast. Not only was Melisse incredibly talented at sports and academics, but at music as well. I remember the day she got a guitar from John and started learning chords. Within a couple of days she could play several songs and it sounded great. No suprise there though, she could do practically everything!

When we went to different middle schools we always went to the movie theater in the summer and had a great time. We always had sleepovers and I loved hanging out at your house. One time we spent the night outside in a tent by the pool, and Mrs. Buland you came out there and told us we were going to catch a cold because it was freezing so we came inside. Mr. and Mrs. Buland you both were wonderful parents and it was obvious from Melisse’s self-disipline and compassion that she was raised in a loving family. Melisse always spoke highly of her big brother Alton and wanted to be like her sister Khim. P11 always remember the fights between Khim and Melisse, and how we tried to be annoying as possible to our older sisters. We did the same things when Melisse would spend the night at my house and I cant stop laughing looking back. Sorry Khim. I always enjoyed eating at your house because I knew that I was going to try something new and exciting. Melisse always wanted me to try different hot sauces and after much debate I would try it and it would taste amazing.

Melisse inspired me to believe in myself and always do good for others. Through the good times and the rebellious times, Melisse was always a good friend to me and always forgave me when I did something stupid. She had a big heart and did so many wonderful things for other people without expecting anything in return. I will always be greatful for having her in my life and will look back fondly on our times together.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you all need anything please don’t hesitate to call me or write me at anytime. I will leave my info at the bottom and you can contact me if you need to. Also, I am so happy for Khim and Chris. I know the wedding will be beautiful and congratulations again! Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Molly
email: molly.k.bolton@ttu.edu
cell: 806-470-6582 address: 5903 3rd St Apt 1205
Lubbock, Texas 79416