A day to morn
Friday we traveled to Torrance, California where we attended the memorial service of Melissa Burkhalter. She is a distant relative of my husbands and someone he’s never met. After the service, we both wished we had the chance to meet her. She was 22 years young, full of life, loved people, positive, involved in church, and as my husband put it “spunky”. It is such a tragedy for this young woman to have her life ended so soon, but I do look forward to the day where I can meet her in heaven.
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Dear Julia,
I saw your posting about Melissa, on the web, and I knew that I had to immediately contact you. My name is Kathi Burkhalter and I am Melissa’s aunt. Here let me make it a little confusing. I am married to David Burkhalter, Gary’s brother, who is Colleen’s cousin. Thank you so much for your kind words. You hit everything directly on the nose. Mel was such a wonderful and giving person. My heart is so broken but I hold close to my heart God’s promise that I will some day see her again. I am so sorry that we did not have a chance to talk at the memorial reception. I was overwhelmed with how many people kept stopping me wanting to extend their sympathies. I was also so touched by how many of her Jr. High and High School classmates came to pay their respects. I always new that Melissa was an amazing person but even I was overwhelmed.
If you would like I would be very willing to get to know you and Luke via e-mail.. It is very hard for the Burkhalter family to keep in touch because everyone lives so far away. David & I have three children, Shannynne (pronounced Shannon), 27, Mark, 24 & Jordan (female) 21. We also have grandaughter Dove almost 2. These kids are all cousins of your little Corbin. By the way congratulations on Corbin. I talked to Coleen at Christmas time and she told me the good news.
OK as you can see I talk a-lot. I hope I haven’t scared you away.
Again thank you for your kind words.
Kathi