In memory of our sweet friend Melanie Popjes

"Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go."

We are all filled with grief knowing Melanie has left us way too early.  Her impact on anyone she came into contact with is indescribable.  Her large smile and infectious laugh was only bested by her enormous heart.  Couple that with the sweet southern accent and after you came in contact with Melanie you felt better about the day ahead.

My heart hurts for all of you and everyone who knew Mel.  Melanie has always fostered a culture of family at any company she worked.  With family in mind we can’t help but turn our attention to Jamie and baby Isla and what the future might hold for them.

Many have asked if they can do anything to help. While cards/flowers/well wishes for Mel’s mom and Jamie are absolutely needed, we would like to try to do something for their family that could have longer lasting impacts. Knowing what the family will need is almost impossible to predict.  With that in mind, we felt it would be better to do a gofundme and let the family themselves decide what exactly they need.

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***Gofundme is requiring I put some additional info in the "story"***

This page was set up by Adam and Amy Anker. In 2009 we found a loose dog running around our Jacksonville neighborhood. After catching the dog we went knocking on doors trying to find its owner.  Melanie and Jamie Popjes lived across the street and happened to be one of those door knocks. Never could have imagined a chance knock on a neighbor's door would lead to some of the best friends our family has ever had.

Gofundme wants specifics regarding how the donations will be spent. While ultimately this is 100% Jamie's decision, donations could be spent on memorial costs, hospital bills, cost of living, college fund for Isla or a number of other ways.

I have sent a beneficiary invite to Jamie. Once that is set up he will have full control on withdrawing funds.

The beneficiary of this gofundme is Jamie Popjes.  He is the husband of Melanie Popjes who passed away Thursday July 23rd.