James L Ward III (1966)

Melanie Arcudi and I were good friends and I will forever wish we could have bridged the decades long gap in that friendship. I will never forget Mel's wonderful, gregarious, and fun personality. When we were 18 years old, Mel confronted me in private one evening, sharing a particularly poignant insight into my personality that I took to heart and carry with me to this day. What she said to me in 1967 was wrapped in wisdom and caring like nothing I had ever experienced before or since. Many years later, upon hearing of Mel's passing, I was struck with deep regret and remorse that I would never have the chance to thank her for the wisdom she shared with me when we were still young. In 2021 I had the good fortune to have conversations with two of Mel's closest friends. They were kind enough to tell me how much Melanie's friendship meant to them and related many memories of Mel. One of those friends of Mel's gave me the 'Gift' - a simple ritual anyone can do that helps to relieve regreat and remorse for loss of a loved one. When I applied that ritual to my distress over losing Melanie I experienced a great sense of relief and peace of mind and heart. In tribute to the memory of and life of Melanie Arcudi I have created the website, www.melaniesgift.com. It is a not-for-profit outreach to anyone who has experienced similar circumstances as I've outlined in this post. To any of Melanie's friends and classmates who might read this post, please feel free to contact me anytime: jlwtripp@gmail.com. Melanie Arcudi is forever in my heart and spirit, a Blessing to me always.