Upon the Occasion of Melina's Departure - Let the Weeping and Lamentations Begin

Dearest Mélina:

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life with me these past 10 months.

I want you to know that you are a gift from God to the world, but especially to me. I don’t know that you’ll ever be able to grasp how you’re changed the trajectory of my life. I don’t believe that I picked you out of that Aspect International catalogue on a whim or coincidence. Before I browsed the list of potential students last year, I prayed that God would bring the “right” student into my life, and he picked the perfect girl for me – YOU! I really don’t believe in coincidences; I believe that God places his hand on each of our lives and brings our unknown hopes and dreams to fruition, and he certainly did when he brought you to me. You are a gift – a precious human who has so much potential and talents and abilities to offer everyone you meet. I hope you know that now. You have brought me so much joy.

So here we are, and it’s time for you to leave Chez Shasta & The Dogs and venture back to your life in France. We have made some awesome memories that I cherish. I am so excited for what is to come for you. You are going to have a wonderful time rejoining your friends and family. I know they have missed you even more than I will miss you. Please thank your parents again for sharing you with me this past year. I know it has been hard on them, and they are to be commended for their generosity and courage in allowing you to come to the States for such a long time.

Just remember: you are a gift to the world, to your parents and sisters, grandparents, friends and me. Keep sharing that gift – we all love you so much for just who you are. I can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of your life! STAY IN TOUCH.

I love you with the fire of a thousand burning suns 😊. I would leap in front of a bus for you. I wish I could hug you again and again, but I know you must go back to your life in France. That is as it should be. We will see each other again, I promise.

Love,

 Shasta

 P.S. See you in France next July!

P.S.S. Sorry it’s such a long letter. I miss you already!

P.S.S.S. Text me when you land in Frankfurt, so I know you made it safely.

~~~

Lars and Florence:

I’m returning your daughter to you safely. Thank you for entrusting Melina to me these past 10 months. You said at the outset of her visit that I had your “full confidence,” and I took those words seriously. I’ve done my best to ensure her health, happiness and safety during her stay because I know she is your precious treasure.

She is precious to me as well. She has been a delight and a joy – I don’t think you’ll ever know what a blessing she has been. I needed the light and life she brought with her, and she’s truly changed the course of my life.

Thank you, danke, merci for giving her to me. I give her back to you. I can’t wait to see what she achieves in her life, and it’s my hope that this is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

I look forward to seeing you in France in 2025! I now consider you ma famille! 😊

Best,

Shasta

Photo credit: Greg Dale