Autobiography of Melanie Ward

16 years ago today, Melanie Elizabeth came into our world. My little girl is growing up way too fast.

Last week, she came in with a homework assignment for me. Her teacher had actually assigned homework to me! At first thought, I was a little peeved. I've been through High School, College, and Grad School. I didn't want homework. However, after reading the instructions, I was honored to complete the assignment. Melanie was to ask someone who had known her for her whole life to write a 1 to 2 page autobiography. I thought I would share what I wrote.




The Authorized Autobiography of Melanie Ward
By: M. Kelly Ward, Dad

WHAT????? The doctor had just announced, “It’s a girl!” Melanie’s mom and I were both stunned. Three sonograms had predicted another boy. We were elated! Our second child was a beautiful little girl. I knew from the beginning raising a daughter would be much different than raising our son had been. For starters, the little boy outfit purchased for only $12.00 for our baby’s trip home was quickly returned. In its place Melanie’s grandmother and great aunt purchased a handmade dress, slip, bib, socks, shoes, and hat; over $100.00. I could not understand why a baby needed a slip, which cost more than the outfit we bought for the boy. The differences continued to mount up from there.
Soon Melanie had me wrapped around her little finger. I was smitten by my little girl. As she grew and began walking and talking, my son learned the value of using his little sister. When he wanted something, ice cream, candy, etc, he would talk his little sister into asking me for it. He knew it was much harder for me to look into her big brown eyes and tell her no, than to tell him no.
Melanie made friends quickly and adapted to her surroundings easily through elementary school and junior high. She has excelled as a student, musician, dancer, and athlete. Melanie has a wall full of medals, certificates, ribbons, plaques, etc. representing her many accomplishments. However, for her mom and I, we are more proud of who she is rather than what she has done. She is a strong and independent young woman. Responsibility and leadership come naturally for her. I have never seen someone more comfortable in his or her own skin. She is unafraid of her emotions. When it comes to relationships, she is fiercely loyal. Melanie has earned our trust through time and time again, doing the right thing. She knows that doing the right thing doesn’t just involve following the rules. It often includes generosity, going the extra mile, forgiveness, loyalty, humility, etc. Of course Melanie is a teenager, and isn’t perfect, but as Alabama used to sing, “She’s close enough to perfect for me.”