The Girl Who Lived

     Born with a genetic disorder, Melody was “incompatible with life,” tight-lipped doctors told her parents. She might not survive for a week.
     But Melody did, and at twenty days old, doctors sent her home with hospice care, not expecting her to live much longer. At five weeks, she languished near death. Her parents picked out a burial plot. But Melody rallied and made it to a year. Then another. And another. And another.
     When Melody turned five recently, friends decorated a gymnasium with balloons, covered tables with cloths, and threw a fajita party. Two hundred thirty turned out to celebrate the girl who lived.
     Melody zipped around the gym in her pink Porsche, then a chorus of children sang “In My Heart There Rings a Melody.” And I couldn’t hold back the tears.
     She giggles now with big smiles that melt hearts. She signs to communicate. She’s written up in the book “Miracles We Have Seen: American’s Leading Physicians Share Stories They Can’t Forget.”
     Melody has required much care from family, friends, and medical experts. But what has she given back? “I’ve observed over and over,” her mother says, “Melody brings out the best in us.”
     Perhaps that’s her calling. Her weakness makes us all stronger and better. With Melody, we find our harmony.
     She’s God’s little surprise, and in my heart I’ve been singing a Melody ever since I met her.
     ***
     More of Melody’s story is at www.melodysstory.com.