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Melissa Mellen |
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Dear Jascha, Gabe, Judy and Sandy... There are some people in the world that when you are near them, you feel invincible. You think about taking risks that usually would have never crossed your mind and you feel as though you can do or be anything. That person makes you feel so strong, so secure and so loved. Jascha was that person to me. I can remember walking through the little huts in Venezuela and how intrigued Jascha was with all the little gadgets that were for sale. He was so polite to the women and he asked such interesting questions. We, Jascha, Gabe and I, had just finished an amazing hike through unbelievable waterfalls after taking a 20 person propeller plane from Margarita Island to this 11 hut village near Angel Falls. After hiking through a cave of water where we had to use ropes to make it through, Jascha was determined to have his picture taken on top one of the high, slippery rocks. Although it was a challenging task, Jascha made it to the top of the rock, turned around and shined his unforgettable smile. I bet the whole world could feel his happiness through that glowing smile. That day was perfect. I couldn't have asked for better company or scenery. It was peaceful, adventurous and it was the day that I no longer felt like the baby sister. Jascha and Gabe suddenly saw me in a different light and I truly felt special. The last sentence in my journal from that day was, "I love Jascha and Gabe." Every Yom Kippur, Passover or family celebration I would await the arrival of your family. This past Yom Kippur was the most special one that I spent with Jascha. Neither of us had brought friends with us so we were able to enjoy each other's company. That's how it always was with Jascha. People truly enjoyed his company. Jascha and I went up to the dessert table together and we both wanted to taste each item on the buffet. After about 5 minutes of taking a tiny sliver of every item on the table, we each had a bite size serving of every single dessert. I remember sitting next to him, feeling so content, laughing and talking about the next Yom Kippur when we weren't going to fill up on appetizers...or in his case ONLY eat the cheese puffs and nothing else. I have so many beautiful memories of Jascha from Michigania, dinners and brunches at your house, seeing him at football games or at the bar, our dinner together at La Bistecca, holidays, family vacations...and in each of these memories I see a beautiful, strong, positive and influential man. I hear Jascha's laugh every night as I lay in bed and the last thing I hope for before I fall asleep is that when I wake up I will have that strong, secure and invincible feeling I had every time I was around Jascha. I will forever be grateful that Jascha Gelman was part of my life. May his memories bring you joy, strength and keep him alive forever. All my love, Kissa a.k.a.- Melissa
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Melissa Mellen |
