In Memory of Melanie

Soon after I moved back to Beaumont in 2007, I reconnected with a best friend from High School. Dana learned that I was a writer and introduced me to her very good friend, also a writer, Melanie Brunette.

Both retired teachers, Melanie and I "hit it off", attending the Golden Triangle Writers Guild and forming a critique group.

While I was in Alaska last summer Melanie completed long-time plans to move to Bryan. We lost contact by phone when her number was changed. Dana had been in contact and shared that Melanie was forming a writer's group in Bryan.

Imagine my disbelief when Dana called to tell me that Melanie had passed away in her sleep, probably from a heart attack. My young friend was only 61.

Melanie was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church. She received both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Lamar University and had taught at Odem Middle School and Central High School.

She will be missed by all. Hopefully her writing, especially the young adult book she was working on, will be published poshumously.

Our critique group. Laurie, Debra and Melanie. Melanie, second from left, with the Agape writers group.