On January 8, 2016 I lost my friend, Melanie Lita Clare Kellett. She was my friend since 1979 when we were students at the University of Oregon. She took me under her wing and coached me through college, she brought me home to meet her parents, she introduced me to her many friends and family members, I was her maid of honor and she was mine, she was my confidante, my go to person when I was confused about anything. She always knew what to say, never judgemental. on January 8th she lost her battle with heart and kidney disease. She had heart disease since she was a young child but she rarely discussed it and NEVER complained about it. When she passed, she was surrounded by a wonderful group of people who shared stories, laughs, tears, and comforting gestures with her. This group drank martinis, ate chocolate and sang to her in her final moments of life and it was magical. So farewell my friend. I know that you knew you were loved when you left this world