Melanie was one of my first true friends in Heidelberg, Germany. Together we relished and enjoyed all that Germany had to offer - and we grew closer and closer as the years passed. The concerts and the operas. The art exhibitions. Our holidays in France. The many walks through our local forests (she lived across the river from me and we would meet at the middle of the bridge). The many hours of German lessons, I the teacher, Mel the ambitious student. Her beauty tips and clothing advice (I learned a lot). Wonderful dinners in her apartment, always followed by brownies and dancing. Always the music. And always the laughter.
And then there were the many heartfelt discussions. Mel’s unstinting support. Her great capacity to listen and to respectfully advise. Her honesty.
Melanie will always epitomize many things for me: love, wisdom, compassion, great humor and wit, astounding resiliency, admirable fortitude, insights, and a constant desire for inner growth. Generosity of self and spirit. Determination in the face of challenges that may have broken others but somehow made her stronger. I don’t know how she managed.
When I was sad, I would ask her to sing Danny Boy for me so that I could be comforted by her beautiful voice. And then somehow she could make me laugh again. One day we will meet on that bridge again. Until then, auf Wiedersehen, my dear friend.
Susan Sills