Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dearest Matthew:

Dad and I came to be with you today. Dad did some edging and I did some plantings of geraniums and marigolds (if only the deer wouldn't eat them). It looked beautiful when we finished. Our hearts are heavy with the ache of missing you.

Forever in my heart, Mom

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

May 26, 2010

You and all of your loved ones are in my thoughts on this special day, Police Officer Memorial Day. Continue to watch over all of them as they carry that special love and memories of you in their broken hearts. You will never be forgotten. Someone sent me this quote and I'd like to leave it for your Mom as I know what she feels every day without you here:

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expended and a dull ache remains."

You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

May 15, 2010

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom, I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known The Warmth, The Joy, The Love, The Heartache, The Wonderment or the Satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

In my thoughts always but especially on Mother's Day.

I Love You,

Mom

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

May 8, 2010

MY VISIT WITH YOU TODAY
Some blades of grass twisted together
and wound around at the ends
Through my tears I saw them
and wondered what message it sends
Not knowing who, I paused for a stay
and suddenly those twisted blades
Took my tears away

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

April 13, 2010

Matt,

Thinking of you and your family on Easter. Miss you so much!

Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD

April 3, 2010

Matthew:

36 years ago today, a miracle happened and you made me a mother. Until then, I never truly understood how a tiny baby could capture my heart and soul. Your tiny hands and feet, your fuzzy head touching my cheek. We learned together, you and I, how to navigate through life. Until that day, I never truly realized that a tiny baby could fill my heart with so much joy and love.

I love and miss you more than words can say.

XOXOXOXOXOXO
Mom

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

March 31, 2010

I wanted to stop in and thank your Mom for stopping at my son's page a leaving a reflection. I know all too well the heartache she feels every day and that the first thing she thinks of when she wakes in the morning is of you and the last thought of the day before she drifts off to sleep in of you. Continue to watch over her and all of your loved ones. I came across this the other day and would like to share it on your reflection page:

"If people we love are stolen from us, the way to
have them live on is to never stop loving them.
Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever."
Author Unknown

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 26, 2010

Memories I Will Always Treasure:

An unexpected hug,

Your little hand in mine,

The sweet sound of your voice.

I will love you always,

Mom
XXXXXXXOOOOOOOOO

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

March 12, 2010

Lynn,
I know you dont come to this site anymore because you have your very own special tribute to your Matt, but I am thinking of you today and how you are reliving every second of March 8, 2006. You were the first person to learn of Matt's accident and every second after that seemed like a movie, like something that you were watching as an outsider, like something that wasnt really happening. Unfortunately, I know....I am so very grateful for your friendship and I love you. We have an unfortunate bond that no one but us understands and I am so glad that I contacted you that day and we have turned that into an awesome friendship. You KNOW I am always here for you.

Matt,
You have no idea how much I wish I had known you...but I swear I feel like I had from all I hear from Lynn. I never will understand why God takes wonderful people, heros....maybe someday I will understand. Please know that Lynn is taken care of by her wonderful family and friends. You would be so proud of her! She truly is an amazing person and you both were so lucky to have found each other! Please continue to watch over her and stick with Bert up there! You two sounded so much alike and that always makes me smile! Rest in peace Matt....you are never ever forgotten!

Denise Zimmerman
Surviving Spouse of NJ State Trooper Bert Zimmerman

March 9, 2010

Another year has passed but you are not forgotten! Many more people talk about you, more than anyone will ever know. Prayers for your family at this sad time of year.

Anonymous

March 9, 2010

Always remembered & honored 4 his service & his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs

March 9, 2010

Matt:

It's hard to believe that four years have passed, yet not a single day goes by without a thought of you and how you enriched our lives. We can try in vain to figure out why you were taken so soon, but it does us no good at all. It's more productive to think of what you brought to each life you touched. And you brought a LOT. You were wise beyond your years, and had a true knack for connecting with people. You will never be forgotten by our family, and we pray that you continue to watch from above. We miss you dearly. PS: Little Peter is almost 5, and he often talks about his hero, Uncle Matty. xoxo

Laura Avalos
sister in law

March 8, 2010

"Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in his keeping, I have you in my hear..."
Wish you were here.
XOXOX

D, J, L & A Bonczek
inlaws

March 8, 2010

It was a perfect spring day just like this one, sunshine and flowers beginning to bloom, but it turned into the absolute darkest, worst day of my life. Nothing has been the same since March 8, 2006.

Matthew:

I miss you with an unending pain in my heart that just will never ever go away. People wish me to have some peace but it is not to be found.

I read some of your writings last night:

“We all strive to leave this type of deep impression to be remembered by others during our days, or after our days are over. But our days are numbered, so we have to squeeze all we can out of each of them, living them to their fullest, cheating ourselves out of nothing. Each day must be valued and savored as if it were the last, no time can be wasted.” MJM

You did exactly that and I am thankful.

I love you with all of my forever broken heart,

Mom XOXOXO

Uncle Ralph and I came to be with you today. Did you see us? Again, I thought I heard some Angels singing somewhere near.

Jane Melchionda
Matthew's Mom

March 8, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of them as I know they think of you every day. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/94

March 8, 2010

Lynn-thinking of you today and remembering what a wonderful person Matt was to everyone that knew him.

Love,
Michele & Steve

Anonymous

March 8, 2010

Whats up brother. Can't believe four years has passed. Stopped yesterday to leave a momento at 60w L25. Traced your name on a piece of paper. Is it weird it still brings a tear to my eye? You are truly missed my friend. So much has happened in the last 4 years. I know that you are watching and protecting from where ever you are. Rest in peace brother..

Louis
Friend

March 8, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 8, 2010

Matt,

It's been 4 long years. It doesn't get any easier, I've just learned to cope. Thank you for all of the memories I carry with me. You will always make me smile :)

Your family is in my prayers.

Officer Jeanne-Marie Mocarski
BHPD

March 8, 2010

Can't believe it has been four years. Seems like yesterday we were all on the Bermuda cruise. Going to Church this morning and will be saying an extra prayer for you as always.

Spo
BBPD

March 7, 2010

Officer Melchionda will always be near and dear to my heart. Words can NEVER EVER express my gratitude when Officer Melchionda recovered my stolen money...February/2006. It was soooo nice to have met such a nice, handsome and professional person who truly was a dedicated Police Officer. It's just hard to explain, but he will always be my ANGEL.

Peace and Blessings to the Melchionda Family.

Sincerely,
Brenda, Quinton, Kia, Darnell and Muffin(woof woof)Rawles!

Brenda Rawles
Friend

March 4, 2010

I was searching around the internet for old friends. When I saw your name, Matt, I could never have imagined what I would be reading.

You were one of the first people I met at college and our friendship for those years meant a lot to me. I knew how important it was for you to become a police officer and while I never had the chance to tell you, I was so happy when I learned you had finally achieved your goal.

My most vivid memory of you was in the basement of your house, signing with your friends to Black by Pearl Jam; I was watching and thinking how amazing it was to be surrounded by good friends and to be able to enjoy life to the extent you did. I could only hope I would experience the same.

My thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.

Janna Chernetz
college friend

February 28, 2010

You will always be MY valentine!

I love you!

Mom

Jane Melchionda
Matt's Mom

February 14, 2010

Matthew:

If you don't already know, Ken and Kelly had a beautiful baby girl, Madelyn. Please watch over her.

Dave's birthday today. We miss you terribly. XOXOXOX

I know you are looking down from heaven. One day we will all be together again.

Sending all my love,

Mom

Jane Melchionda
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Melchionda

January 16, 2010

You will never be forgotten. I lived not too far away from that horrible incident that day. I heard the news and couldn't belive it. The only thing that i could do is pray. I will always remember to keep you in my prays brother. God bless you and all of your loved ones.

Anonymous

January 3, 2010