7th Grade, San Jacinto
9th Grade, Midland Freshman
Melissa had a trundle-bed. I loved sleeping on that thing. I always wanted one and she had one. How lucky was I that we were friends. I remember walking to her room and looking at the dance pictures of her and Laura that hung on the wall. I wouldn’t say I was jealous, but I sure did want her life.
Melissa seemed to be one that was friends with everyone. I don’t really remember how we became friends, but I do remember when she because cheerleader and I, obviously didn’t (sports, nor cheerleading was ever in my blood). It really didn’t seem to matter to her that I was very different from all of her new friends. We shared our deepest, darkest secrets. We knew who the other “loved” and each others darkest fears. We knew what the other was to be when we grew up, we passed numerous notes a day. We were each others safe haven.
She taught me the importance of a good friend. She taught me not to betray her. She taught me the raw feelings of having someone you can always depend on.
I have carried those feelings with me to this day. And although I have a new best friend now, I remember what Melissa and I had together and the importance of being true to one another. I carry those lessons with me in my relationship with my best friend. Because of Melissa, my BFF never has to worry about me breaking our trust or letting her down.
Thanks Melissa Ann. You will always have a place in my heart.
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I too suffered with the idea that Melissa was not here. I was not best friends with her but she is a character is so many of my memories growing up in Midland. I met her in the 6th grade. We went to the same middle school, high school, college and church. We were confirmed the same year and were both active in sports. It pains me to think that she, a teacher-(young and single) passed so suddenly. I too am a teacher-(young and single) and it has affected me so that I often find myself thinking of her and moments all through school and how important it was to have friends like her.
They all help guide and motivate me to become something great. I have to say that their influence, and especially Melissa, helped me (in this day and age) to stay drug and alcohol free all the way through high school. I still have never smoked (cigarettes or marijuana) because I had a strong foundation of friends who believed in leading good, christian lives. Her role as a good friend helped guide me to my profession today. It’s funny we lead parallel lives-all the way through.
I shared my loss with my students the day after I found out and I made a promise much like you to let those who’ve influenced, inspired or ignited a fire within- know they have done so. I have a deep appreciation for what you are doing. After all, even though it has been years since we have seen each other, there was something apecial about growing up in Midland, It creaated a bond that with stands time and change. Midland is unique in that regard-we are really like a family.
I look forward to your future posts and I join you in your efforts and will make it a point to share (some how or way) my joy with the inspirators, influences and special people in my life.
Sonia Castillo
Travis High School-Teacher Austin, Texas
Texas Tech 2005
Midland High School 1998
Midland Freshman 1994
Goddard Raiders 1991-1993
St. Ann’s Catholic Church-grade school